Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households
We’ve rounded up our favorite tactics—from overall strategies to little tips and tricks—for keeping things tidy without spending all our spare time cleaning.
Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning
Here are a few of our favorite strategies:
- Designate a day of the week for each task—then, add them to your calendar so you can’t forget.
- Create a shared schedule that assigns specific responsibilities to each member of the household. Post it in a prominent place, like on the refrigerator, or create a shared digital calendar.
- Carve out 15 minutes a day for cleaning and decluttering. Set a timer on your phone and get as much done as you can before it goes off.
The most important thing is to make a habit of cleaning so that clutter and grime don’t have a chance to build.
Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally
- Mark days on your calendar in advance to attend to annual or semi-annual chores, like cleaning gutters, washing windows, turning mattresses, and shampooing carpets.
- Schedule just one primary task each weekend instead of blocking out a full two days. This will help ensure a good balance between chores and relaxation.
- Designate a date 2-4 times a year, depending on your lifestyle, to put away out-of-season items like clothes, holiday decorations, and sporting goods.
- Sort through your seasonal items when you pack them away. You can toss, sell, or donate items that you no longer need or enjoy.
Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning
- Store a broom, dustpan, and vacuum on each floor of your home so they’re easy to reach.
- Stash containers of disinfecting and glass wipes under every sink for a mid-week wipe-down.
- Place extra bags beneath the liner of your garbage pails, so you’ll have a replacement ready when you take out the trash.
- Keep a paper shredder and recycling bin handy so you can dispose of unwanted mail as it’s opened.
Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage
We’ve found that using household items in innovative ways can help keep mess and clutter under control. Here are a few of our favorite swaps:
- Place a magazine file in your kitchen for cookbooks, takeout menus, and meal kit cards.
- Hang a pocket-style shoe organizer inside your pantry door to store granola bars, spice jars, and other small items.
- Separate dress and athletic socks by turning an old shoe box into a drawer divider.
- Repurpose jam jars by using them to store office supplies or bathroom essentials.
- Store out-of-season clothes inside rarely-used suitcases, so all that space doesn’t go to waste.
Stop the Clutter Before It Starts
Assign every item a home and create storage spaces and “drop zones” in key locations.3 Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Install coat hooks and shoe racks in the entryway for easy access.
- Add a key caddy or shelf for essential items to get you out the door.
- Hang a letter bin to capture mail and newspapers as soon as you walk into the house.
- Place a donation box in each closet for items you no longer want or need.
Tackle Small Tasks Right Away
Try working these changes into your routine:
- Learn to clean as you cook, rather than piling it all up for later. As you wait for water to boil or food to cook through, wash the bowls and utensils you used for prep.
- Hang bath towels on a bar immediately after use. By allowing them to properly air dry, you can cut down on the frequency of laundering.
- Bring items with you when you leave a room. For example, return plates and cups to the kitchen right away rather than letting them stack up in your home office.
- Take out the trash when you leave for work, school drop-off, or errands. This will save you the time and hassle of a second trip.
Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine
Remember, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell a home. We want you to love living in it, too. Reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space.