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10 Daily Habits for an Organized Home
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone. Over 54% of Americans feel stressed by disorganization, and it costs them 2.5 days a year searching for misplaced items. But staying organized doesn’t require big changes – just small, simple habits you can do in under 5 minutes a day.
Here are 10 daily habits to keep your home tidy and stress-free:
- Make Your Bed: Boost productivity and sleep quality by starting each day with a made bed.
- One In, One Out Rule: Prevent clutter by removing an old item whenever you bring in something new.
- Clean the Kitchen After Meals: Save time and avoid pests by tidying up right after eating.
- Sort Mail Daily: Stop paper clutter by organizing mail as soon as it arrives.
- Evening Cleanup: Spend 15 minutes tidying key areas like the kitchen, living room, and entryway.
- Set Out Tomorrow’s Clothes: Save time and reduce morning stress by prepping your outfit the night before.
- Organize Kitchen and Meals: Plan meals, check your fridge, and keep your kitchen functional.
- Clear Digital Clutter: Spend 5-10 minutes organizing files, apps, and emails daily.
- Check Family Schedules: Sync everyone’s plans to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Review Day’s Tasks: Reflect on what’s done, update your to-do list, and prepare for tomorrow.
These habits build on each other, creating a system that’s easy to maintain and reduces stress. Start with just one or two, and watch your home transform!
10 Daily Habits to Keep Your Home Clutterfree
1. Start with a Made Bed
Spending just 2-3 minutes making your bed can set a productive tone for the day. Here's how to do it:
- Smooth out the fitted sheet
- Evenly spread the comforter or duvet
- Fluff and arrange the pillows
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 71% of people who make their bed daily feel more productive throughout the day.
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed", says Admiral McRaven, emphasizing how this simple habit can lead to bigger positive changes.
But it’s not just about appearances. Research from the journal Sleep shows that bed-makers are 19% more likely to experience better sleep quality. Psychologist Dr. Randall Bell's studies even suggest that bed-makers tend to earn more than those who skip this daily task.
Want to take it a step further? Use tools like:
- Bedside caddies to keep essentials within reach
- Decorative trays for organizing morning items
This quick habit not only makes your bedroom look tidy but also encourages a sense of order in other parts of your life.
2. Follow One In, One Out
Once your bedroom is in order, apply the same approach to the rest of your home. Think of it as a quick, 30-second habit that stops clutter from piling up. Research shows this method can cut household clutter by up to 30% in just six months.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Closet: Use matching hangers as a reminder - when you add a new item, remove an old one.
- Kitchen: Evaluate appliances and cookware. Keep only what you use, and get rid of outdated or unused items.
- Bathroom: Regularly check for and toss expired toiletries.
- Home Office: Scan and digitize papers to reduce the mess caused by physical documents.
Set up an "outbox" in key areas of your home to make this process easier. Encourage family members to have their own outboxes and plan monthly donation trips to keep things moving.
For seasonal items, focus on keeping them in a consistent storage spot rather than strictly replacing them every time. Tools like Luvasmr's drawer organizers and shelving units can help you see what you have, making it easier to decide what can go.
3. Clean Kitchen After Meals
Once you've tackled item flow with the one-in-one-out method, it's time to focus on keeping your kitchen in shape. Cleaning up right after meals can save you up to 30 minutes of work the following day. Plus, leaving dirty dishes overnight can invite pests in less than 24 hours. This habit ties directly into the kitchen organization strategies discussed in habit 7.
To streamline cleanup, use a simple 10-15 minute routine:
- Clear, Store, and Wipe: Clear off counters, store leftovers in airtight containers, and wipe surfaces while they're still easy to clean. Warm counters are much easier to manage than ones with hardened spills.
- Wrap It Up: Finish by washing dishes or running the dishwasher, wiping down stovetops and appliances, sweeping up crumbs, and taking out food waste.
Sticking to this quick routine not only keeps your kitchen functional but also reduces the risk of contamination. Regular cleaning ensures the systems you've put in place stay intact, making your space easier to maintain between meals.
4. Handle Mail Right Away
Sorting your mail as soon as it arrives can stop paper clutter before it takes over your home. Unprocessed mail is a major source of paper chaos, affecting 54% of Americans . Setting up a simple mail station near your entryway can help. Use a 3-compartment organizer for quick sorting:
- Action Required: Bills, forms, or anything that needs attention.
- To File: Documents and records you need to keep.
- To Recycle/Shred: Junk mail and sensitive items you don’t need.
Spending just 5-10 minutes a day on this task can save you from a weekly 30-minute sorting session that piles up when mail is ignored .
Here are some practical tips to make this process even easier:
- Sort immediately: Don’t let mail sit on counters or tables - process it as soon as it arrives .
- Go paperless: Switch to digital billing to reduce the amount of mail you receive.
- Stay organized: Add due dates for bills to your digital calendar or task app.
To cut down on junk mail, register with DMA's Mail Preference Service. This helps reduce the 44% of unopened mail that often ends up in landfills .
For households, assign one person as the main mail handler. Use individual folders for each family member to keep track of important items and ensure nothing gets misplaced.
If you’re looking for stylish ways to organize, products like Luvasmr's wall-mounted bins or decorative trays can help keep your sorting station neat and visually appealing while serving its purpose.
5. Quick Evening Cleanup
Once you've dealt with the daily mail, it's time to tackle a quick evening reset. A simple 15-minute routine can help prevent clutter from taking over.
Focus on these three key areas:
- Kitchen: Load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters.
- Living Areas: Straighten pillows and fold blankets.
- Entryway: Hang up coats and organize shoes (you can use the systems from Habit 4 here).
Did you know that 84% of Americans feel stressed about their home's cleanliness and organization? To make this process smoother, consider using tools like Luvasmr's utility carts to move cleaning supplies between rooms. Their wall-mounted organizers are also great for keeping shoes and outerwear tidy in the entryway.
For added convenience, keep a small cleaning caddy stocked with essentials like:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Disinfecting wipes
This setup ensures you're ready to tackle any mess quickly and efficiently.
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6. Set Out Tomorrow's Clothes
Laying out your clothes the night before can save you 10-15 minutes in the morning and help reduce stress. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 62% of people who follow this habit report feeling less stressed. It also builds on the evening reset routine from the previous habit, adding an extra layer of preparation.
Choosing an outfit in the morning can be mentally draining. By planning ahead, you conserve your energy and align with the goal of reducing daily decision fatigue.
Here’s how to make this habit work:
- Check your schedule and the weather for the next day.
- Pick out a complete outfit, including accessories.
- Use a designated spot to keep everything ready.
To make it even easier, consider using tools like Luvasmr's wall-mounted organizers. These can help you create a dedicated "tomorrow" section for your planned outfit, keeping it separate and avoiding any mix-ups in the morning.
When done consistently, this simple habit can set the tone for smoother mornings and more organized days, much like the benefits seen with making your bed in Habit 1.
7. Organize Kitchen and Meals
Once you’ve prepped tomorrow’s outfit, turn your attention to the kitchen. A little evening organization paired with daily upkeep can make a big difference. Focus on these three quick tasks to keep your kitchen running smoothly:
- Morning Reset: Start your day by emptying the dishwasher and wiping down counters.
- Meal Planning: In the evening, plan meals around perishable items using a “first in, first out” approach.
- Quick Fridge Check: Take 2-3 minutes to toss spoiled food or old leftovers. Organize your fridge into zones for dairy, produce, and leftovers.
For easier meal prep, invest in practical storage tools like pull-out spice racks or stackable containers. Keep a grocery list in a visible spot and immediately jot down items as they run out. This avoids surprises mid-recipe and cuts down on unnecessary store runs.
Studies show consistent kitchen organization can save up to 2.5 hours a week on meal-related tasks. Pair this with Habit 3’s post-meal cleanup to keep dishes from piling up overnight.
8. Clear Device Clutter
Digital clutter can be just as draining as physical mess. In fact, 62% of people spend up to 30 minutes daily searching for information lost in their devices, while 41% of adults admit to feeling overwhelmed by their digital chaos. A few simple daily resets can make a big difference.
Desktop Cleanup
Keep your computer desktop organized by setting up a straightforward folder system. Spend just 5 minutes in the evening to:
- Close unnecessary browser tabs
- File away documents cluttering your desktop
- Empty your downloads folder
- Shut down unused applications
For your physical workspace, tools like Luvasmr's cable managers can help maintain order.
Email Management
Apply the "2-minute rule" to your inbox: if an email takes less than 2 minutes to address, handle it right away. Use folders to categorize emails and unsubscribe from newsletters you rarely read. This keeps your digital workspace streamlined and efficient.
Mobile Device Organization
A 2022 Microsoft study found that just 10 minutes of digital decluttering daily could boost productivity by 27%. Try these quick steps each evening:
- Remove unused apps and clear cached data
- Group apps into folders based on their purpose
- Turn off non-essential notifications
Pro Tip: Store important files in the cloud to free up device space and simplify access. These small digital habits align perfectly with physical routines like sorting mail (Habit 4) and tidying up the kitchen (Habit 3), creating a more organized home overall.
9. Check Family Schedule
Keeping family schedules in sync can help avoid unnecessary stress and confusion. A quick review of everyone's plans can make a huge difference, reducing family stress by 35% according to studies. This habit ties in well with preparing outfits (Habit 6) and the evening reset (Habit 5).
Evening Review Ritual
Set aside 5-10 minutes between 7-8 PM to go over the next day's plans. During this time, focus on:
- The next day’s appointments, events, and timing
- Transportation arrangements
- Meal plans (refer to Habit 7)
- Special items needed, like sports gear or school project materials
Use Both Digital and Physical Tools
A mix of digital calendars and physical boards can work wonders. While 82% of families find digital calendars helpful for managing time, many benefit from a hybrid system. This approach is similar to the mail management system discussed in Habit 4.
Incorporate Meal Planning
Aligning meal planning with your schedule can reduce reliance on fast food by 40%. When planning meals, consider:
- Busy evenings that might call for quicker meal options
- Grocery shopping schedules to ensure you have what you need
Improve Communication
Regular schedule reviews can cut down miscommunication by as much as 60%, according to family therapists. To make this even easier, try using color codes for each family member.
Pro Tip: Place your family’s command center in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. This ensures everyone sees it, making it easier to stick to the daily schedule check habit and catch important updates.
10. Review Day's Tasks
Spending just 10 minutes in the evening to review your day's tasks can lower stress levels by 23% and help you stay more productive . This habit builds on aligning schedules (Habit 9) and clearing out digital clutter (Habit 8), making it a great addition after checking in on your family's plans.
How to Do a 10-Minute Review
Keep it simple and focused within 10 minutes by:
- Marking off completed household tasks
- Noting any unfinished maintenance work
- Updating your to-do list for the next day
- Tidying up your workspace
Use Task Management Tools
Apps and digital tools can be a big help here. They make it easier to track what needs to get done and stay on top of household responsibilities .
Make It a Family Activity
Get everyone involved in the review process. Use your shared command center space and the same teamwork approach you used for sorting mail (Habit 4) and reviewing schedules (Habit 9). Consistent reviews as a family can cut down household clutter by 40% .
Pro Tip: Combine this habit with Habit 5's evening cleanup to save time and effort. People who stick to regular reviews often feel 27% more satisfied with how they maintain their home organization .
Conclusion
These ten micro-habits can lead to big changes over time:
Building Positive Cycles
When these habits are practiced together, they naturally support one another. For example, tidying up in the evening (Habit 5) flows seamlessly into reviewing tasks for the next day (Habit 10). Similarly, setting out outfits in advance (Habit 6) pairs well with checking the family schedule (Habit 9). Studies even show that 81% of people feel more at ease in a clean, organized home .
Boosting Health and Reducing Stress
These small daily actions tackle common stress triggers - like clutter and time management - head-on. Research highlights that clutter increases cortisol, a hormone linked to stress . By adopting these habits, you're not just organizing your life - you’re actively improving your mental well-being and overall daily satisfaction.
How to Get Started
- Begin with 1-2 habits at set times each day.
- Use reminder tools or apps to stay consistent.
- Track your progress weekly to stay motivated.
For long-term success, find systems that fit your lifestyle. Brands like Luvasmr offer practical organizers to help make these habits easier to stick to.
FAQs
What cleaning should you do every day?
To stay on top of your home maintenance, focus on these three daily tasks that align with your evening reset (Habit 5):
1. Check and Clean Floors
Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen and entryway, to keep them tidy.
2. Surface Cleaning
- Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
- Keep countertops free of clutter by removing non-essential items.
3. Daily Organization
Tackle these simple tasks:
- Put items back in their designated spots.
- Clear surfaces like the kitchen counter and coffee table.
- Do one load of laundry. Pair this with the "one in, one out" linen rule from Habit 2 to keep things manageable.
Drawer organizers can make a big difference in keeping frequently used spaces tidy. Luvasmr offers handy solutions like kitchen drawer organizers, bathroom caddies, and entryway storage systems to make these tasks easier.