10 Daily Habits for a Tidy Home
Maintaining a clean and organized home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These 10 simple daily habits can help you keep your space tidy, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. Here's a quick overview:
- Make Your Bed First Thing: Start your day with a small win that boosts motivation and sets the tone.
- Clear Counters at Night: Keep your kitchen and bathroom clutter-free by tidying up before bed.
- Wash One Load of Laundry Daily: Prevent piles from building up by tackling a small load each day.
- One-In, One-Out Rule: Remove an old item whenever you bring in something new to avoid clutter.
- Clean Messes Immediately: Handle spills and messes right away to save time and effort later.
- Keep a Donation Box Handy: Make decluttering easier by designating a spot for items you no longer need.
- Sort Papers Daily: Prevent paper clutter by sorting mail and documents as they arrive.
- Clean Up After Meals: Tidy up the kitchen right after eating to maintain a clean and functional space.
- Set a 10-Minute Timer: Use focused cleaning sessions to tackle clutter hotspots quickly.
- Tidy Up Before Bed: Spend 10-15 minutes each evening to wake up to an organized home.
15 Everyday Habits For A Clean Home
1. Make Your Bed First Thing
Starting your day by making your bed can set a positive tone, help you sleep better, and even lower stress levels. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 70% of Americans make their bed every morning. Research also indicates that those who keep their beds neatly made may enjoy 30% better cardiorespiratory fitness.
Here’s a quick guide to making your bed:
- Clear off everything except the fitted sheet.
- Tuck in the fitted sheet securely.
- Place the flat sheet on top, patterned side facing down.
- Spread the comforter evenly and smooth out any wrinkles.
- Fluff and arrange your pillows neatly.
"Completing this task first thing in the morning has a noticeable impact on your brain. Engaging in an effort-based activity immediately after waking triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward. This surge in dopamine helps build momentum, boosting your drive to take on more tasks throughout the day." - Dr. Ritz, Psychologist
Making your bed isn’t just about tidiness - it’s a small, motivating win that sets the tone for the rest of your day. Pair it with another simple morning habit, like brushing your teeth, to build consistency. This routine not only keeps your space organized but also helps you start the day with a clear and focused mindset.
2. Clear Kitchen and Bathroom Counters at Night
Cluttered counters can make any space feel chaotic. A simple nightly routine to clear them off ensures you wake up to clean, functional areas.
Tips for Kitchen Counter Organization
- Stow away appliances not in use.
- Keep utensils in their designated holders.
- Wipe down surfaces right after use.
- Opt for wall-mounted storage to free up space.
Consider smart storage options like Luvasmr's Kitchen Pull-Out Storage Rack & Spice Organizer (from £26.99) or the Wall-Mounted Bamboo Storage Cabinet (from £99.99) to keep your counters neat and organized.
Bathroom Counter Management Tips
- Store daily essentials in cabinets.
- Use drawer organizers to sort cosmetics.
- Install wall-mounted soap dispensers.
- Place cleaning supplies neatly under the sink.
A clutter-free counter not only makes cleaning easier but also creates a sense of calm and order. Assign specific zones for frequently used items. For instance, Luvasmr's Wall-Mounted Microwave Shelf (from £116.00) can help you save space in the kitchen, while the Matt Black Stainless Steel Self-Adhesive Towel Rack (from £36.00) adds both style and practicality to your bathroom.
Encourage your family to adopt a "clear as you go" habit. For leftover items, use attractive organizers to keep everything in its place.
3. Wash One Load of Laundry Per Day
Doing one load of laundry daily helps prevent overwhelming piles and ensures you always have clean clothes ready to go.
Setting Up Your Daily Laundry System
Set your washer to start an hour before you wake up. This way, you can move the clothes to the dryer before heading out. Once you're back, fold and put them away right away.
To keep things organized and efficient, set up your laundry area with these essentials:
- Separate hampers for whites, darks, and delicates
- A spot for pre-treating stains
- Mesh bags for delicate items
- Clear labels for special care instructions
A well-organized system makes laundry feel less like a chore.
Smart Scheduling Tips
"The only tried and true method that works for me is to wash a load of laundry every day. It's that simple. I don't like to see laundry pile up so the 'one load per day' method eliminates that problem".
Stick to a simple weekly plan:
Day | Focus Area |
---|---|
Monday-Friday | Daily family clothes |
Saturday | Sheets and towels |
Sunday | Rest day/Catch up |
Making It Work For Your Lifestyle
Stay on top of your laundry by acting quickly. As the Rinse Team explains:
"If you have a laundry routine, it will be much easier to stay on top of your laundry. You'll also be less stressed about finding a clean pair of socks or that one shirt you want to wear".
Consider tools like Luvasmr's Collapsible Laundry Basket with Wheels (from £45.99) for easier transport or their Wall-Mounted Drying Rack (from £89.99) to save space. These can make the whole process smoother and less stressful.
4. Remove Old Items When Adding New Ones
The one-in, one-out rule is a simple way to maintain a clutter-free home. Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method, explains: "Adopting this rule can prevent clutter from accumulating over time".
Setting Up Your One-In, One-Out System
Create designated donation spots in key areas of your home to make this system easier to follow. For example, you can use Luvasmr's Multi-Purpose Storage Bins (from £19.99) in these spaces:
- Closet: For clothes you no longer wear
- Kitchen: For duplicate utensils or unused gadgets
- Garage: For tools or equipment gathering dust
- Office: For outdated supplies or unused electronics
Interior designer Andrea West highlights the benefits of this approach: "This rule keeps your life full of intentional and useful items. When something has worn out, or you are no longer using it, I love that it inspires you to donate it so that it can be used by another person who could greatly benefit from it".
Smart Ways to Decide What to Remove
Not sure what to let go of? Try these strategies:
Method | How It Works | Time Frame |
---|---|---|
80/20 Rule | Focus on removing items you rarely use; aim to clear 80% of unused items | Regular review |
Five-Second Rule | If you can't recall using an item within 5 seconds, it's time to let it go | Immediate decision |
Hanger Method | Reverse hangers to identify clothing you don't wear often | Review after a few months |
Incorporate these techniques into your routine to make decluttering second nature.
Making It a Daily Habit
"Organizing is a skill everyone can learn. It doesn't have to be perfect, it needs to be done".
Turn your one-in, one-out system into a daily habit:
- Keep donation bags within reach and avoid unpacking new items until you've removed something.
- Schedule monthly donation trips to keep the flow going.
5. Clean Messes Right Away
Taking care of messes as soon as they happen helps keep your space tidy and your mind at ease. Studies reveal that cleaning up promptly can significantly lower stress levels, making it a small habit with a big impact.
Here’s how cleaning right away makes a difference:
Impact Area | Immediate Cleanup | Delayed Cleanup |
---|---|---|
Mental Health | 27% drop in nervousness | Increased stress and anxiety |
Time Management | Quick fixes in minutes | Long, tedious cleaning later |
Physical Effort | Minimal energy needed | More effort and time required |
Living Space | Stays organized | Becomes cluttered |
Keep cleaning supplies handy by using mobile solutions like Luvasmr's Utility Carts (starting at £24.99). Stock these carts with essentials for specific areas: kitchen supplies for spills, bathroom cleaners for water spots, and dusting items for the living room.
Research also highlights that staying on top of messes fosters mental clarity and helps reduce anxiety.
How to Make It a Habit
- Set up cleaning zones: Keep supplies in areas where messes are most likely to occur.
- Follow the 2-minute rule: If it takes less than 2 minutes to clean, do it immediately.
- Practice mindful cleaning: Focus on the task to boost mental clarity while tidying up.
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6. Keep a Box for Donations
As part of your daily decluttering routine, set up a dedicated donation box. This simple approach not only keeps your space organized but also helps others in need. To make it even easier, you can use storage options like Utility Carts or Drawer Storage Units from Luvasmr (starting at £29.99) to create a functional donation station. Place the box in convenient spots like the mudroom, closet, or garage.
Location | Benefits | Best For |
---|---|---|
Mudroom | Easy access during routines | Outgrown clothing, shoes |
Closet | Natural sorting while tidying | Gently used garments |
Garage | Handy for larger items | Household goods |
Strategically placing your donation box makes it easier to stay consistent with decluttering.
Making Donations a Regular Habit
Once your donation box is in place, turn donating into a regular part of your life with these tips:
-
Set Monthly Reminders
Add a recurring reminder to your calendar to check and empty the donation box. This prevents items from piling up and keeps the process manageable. -
Repurpose Shipping Boxes
Use leftover boxes from online shopping as temporary donation containers. Services like Give Back Box allow you to reuse these boxes for donating items like clothes and household goods. Once the box is full, it’s ready to go. -
Stick to Clear Guidelines
Only add items that are clean, in good condition, and usable - like gently worn clothing, shoes, or functional household items. This ensures your donations are truly helpful to others.
7. Sort Papers Each Day
Managing paper clutter daily can save your home from becoming overwhelmed. With Luvasmr's storage solutions, you can set up a system to keep your documents organized and easy to manage.
Setting Up Your Paper Sorting Station
Choose a spot near your home's entrance for sorting papers. Equip it with tools like Luvasmr's Wall-Mounted Organizers (starting at £24.99) or Desktop Organizers. This will act as your go-to area for handling incoming mail and documents. Once your station is ready, make it a habit to sort papers as they arrive.
Action | Storage Solution | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Immediate Action | Letter Tray | For bills, forms, and urgent documents |
File | Wall File Pocket | Permanent document storage |
Quick Reference | Desktop Organizer | Frequently used papers |
Dispose | Nearby Bin | Junk mail and outdated documents |
A dedicated sorting area like this ensures papers don’t pile up.
Daily Paper Sorting Routine
Building a daily habit is key to staying on top of paper clutter:
-
Sort as Papers Arrive
Use Luvasmr's Drawer Storage Units (£39.99) to immediately sort incoming mail and documents into their designated slots. -
Review and Digitize
Spend 15 minutes each evening reviewing the day's papers. Scan and save important documents digitally to reduce physical clutter.
"The best way to keep on top of paper clutter is to deal with it immediately", says The Simply Organized Home.
Keeping Your System Running Smoothly
To ensure your system keeps working:
- Use color-coded files and broad categories like personal, financial, and medical.
- Create an "Action" folder for time-sensitive items.
- Set aside time once a month to declutter and reorganize.
For added convenience, install Luvasmr's Wall-Mounted Storage near your station to store essentials like staplers, paper clips, and file folders. Keeping tools within reach makes the process even easier.
8. Clean Up After Each Meal
Cleaning up right after meals helps keep your kitchen organized and prevents messes from piling up.
Setting Up Your Kitchen Command Center
Create a dedicated cleanup station with these essentials:
Zone | Essential Items | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Sink Area | Dish Drying Rack ($29.99) | Air-dry hand-washed dishes quickly |
Counter | Under-Sink Storage ($35.99) | Easy access to cleaning supplies |
Prep Area | Pull-Out Storage Rack ($26.99) | Keep cleaning tools neatly stored |
These tools make post-meal cleanup more manageable and efficient.
Immediate Post-Meal Actions
Start by filling the sink with hot, soapy water - this makes it easier to clean dishes and prevents residue from sticking. Products like Luvasmr's Kitchen Pull Out Storage Shelf ($35.99) ensure your cleaning supplies are always within reach.
Simplify Your Cleanup Process
Once the initial steps are done, follow these streamlined actions:
-
Clear and Sort
- Remove dishes and utensils from the table.
- Store leftovers in containers.
- Discard food scraps properly.
-
Clean Surfaces
- Wipe down tables and counters with disinfectant.
- Clean the stovetop and surrounding areas.
- Sweep up any visible crumbs or debris.
-
Finish Up
- Put away cleaning supplies and empty the dish rack.
- Take out the trash if needed.
Expert Suggestions
Keep your kitchen spotless with these tips:
- Use a 3-Tier Rolling Kitchen Trolley ($204.00) as a mobile cleaning station.
- Set aside a bowl for food scraps during meal prep to minimize mess.
- Store essentials in Under-Sink Storage for quick access.
- Wipe up spills as they happen to avoid stains and sticky spots.
9. Set a Quick Clean Timer
Transform your daily cleaning routine into a focused 10-minute session with the help of a timer. This simple trick helps you tackle clutter in key areas efficiently.
Preparing Your Cleaning Station
Get your cleaning supplies organized and ready to go. A handy option is Luvasmr's 3-Tier Rolling Trolley ($204.00). Here's how you can set it up:
- Top shelf: Cleaning sprays and microfiber cloths.
- Middle shelf: Storage baskets for items that need to be relocated.
- Bottom shelf: Tools specific to each room.
Once your station is set, use your timer to focus on areas that need the most attention.
The 10-Minute Power Clean Method
Pinpoint clutter hotspots and keep a basket nearby for items that belong in other rooms.
"During the day, things get left out, moved, and cluttered easily. In order to keep the house straightened, you must go through each room and declutter. A 10-minute pick-up at least twice per day will alleviate pile-ups that tend to happen." - Toni
Key Areas to Focus On
Spend your 10 minutes tackling spaces where clutter is most noticeable:
- Entryway: Use wall organizers to sort shoes and mail.
- Living Room: Straighten pillows, fold blankets, and clear off surfaces.
- Kitchen: Put away dishes and tidy countertops.
Make Cleaning Fun and Productive
Turn on some upbeat music to energize your cleaning session and keep track of the time.
"The timer keeps me on task and is a constant reminder to me to only do what is absolutely necessary to create a clean space." - Alayna
Want to make it a family activity? Turn it into a game: challenge everyone to see how many items they can put away before the timer goes off. Quick, timed cleans like this build good habits and help keep clutter under control.
10. Clean Up Before Bed
Spend just 10–15 minutes tidying up before bed to wake up to a more organized and stress-free home.
Evening Tasks to Focus On
Kitchen Zone
- Wipe down countertops
- Load the dishwasher or wash dishes
- Take out the trash
- Store any leftovers
"Cleaning the kitchen counters every night prevents food particles and residue from attracting pests and creating unpleasant smells. It also means waking up to a clean and inviting kitchen, setting a positive tone for the day".
Living Areas
Keep living spaces neat with smart storage options like Luvasmr's products:
- Use the Armchair Sofa Caddy (£22.00) to keep daily essentials handy
- Clear surfaces of clutter
- Return items to their designated spots
Bedroom Organization
Create a peaceful environment for better sleep:
- Avoid letting clothes pile up - keep the room tidy and spacious
- Lay out your outfit for the next day
- Clear bedside tables of unnecessary items
Tools to Simplify Your Routine
The right storage tools can make your nightly cleanup quick and efficient:
Area | Storage Tool | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Kitchen | 3-Tier Rolling Kitchen Trolley (£204.00) | Mobile cleaning station |
Living Room | Wall-Mounted Storage Cabinet (£129.00) | Easy-to-reach storage |
Bedroom | 3-Layer Vintage Jewellery Box (£43.00) | Organize nighttime items |
"It only takes a few minutes to do something that can have a major impact on your day".
Conclusion
The 10 daily habits you’ve learned are all about creating a more organized and stress-free home. By weaving these habits into your routine gradually, you can make lasting changes without feeling overwhelmed.
Start Small, Build Momentum
"Everyone knows if you set out to do too many things at once, you will likely get overwhelmed and give up".
Start with simple tasks that fit easily into your day: making your bed (just 2–3 minutes), wiping down counters after meals (5 minutes), or spending 10 minutes tidying up in the evening. These small steps lay the groundwork for a more organized life.
Consistency Is Key
Research shows that working in clean spaces can improve decision-making, making people twice as likely to choose healthier options.
"Maintenance is so important. You can organize it, but it's not going to stay that way if you don't maintain it".
This highlights the importance of daily upkeep - small, consistent actions are far more effective than occasional big clean-ups.
Long-Term Payoffs
Sticking to these habits can bring a range of benefits, including:
- Lower stress and a better mood
- Better sleep in a clutter-free bedroom
- Stronger relationships in a peaceful home environment
"You'll feel less exhaustion, enhance your productivity at the office, and greatly improve the quality of your life if you can learn how to declutter and become organized".
To keep these benefits going, it’s essential to make these habits a natural part of your day.
Making It Work for You
Start by setting aside 5–10 minutes in the morning and evening. This keeps things manageable and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Focus on progress, not perfection - a home that’s mostly tidy with minimal daily effort is the real win.