First let me say this: I am no expert on this topic. There are plenty of times our home looks like a tornado came through, dishes are piled up, or laundry is sitting in the dryer just waiting to be put away (especially that last one, laundry is my least favorite chore!)
Though I’m no expert, I have found a few things that help us keep a tidy space and I thought I’d share them with you! Whether you are responsible for a bedroom, a small apartment, or an entire house…and regardless of spouse, children, pets, or plants…these tips are simple and sure to help you keep your space tidy.
1. Declutter.
Okay, you HAD to expect that from me if you know me at all! But I can’t stress this one enough. If you declutter and have less stuff, your house will automatically be more tidy and it will be easier to keep it that way. It’s a given! We recently went through our bathroom cabinet and I threw away so much stuff that I hadn’t touched in way too long. I’m looking at you, old nail polish. It’s amazing how simple it is to keep your place tidy and organized when it isn’t filled with unnecessary things! Oh, and as an added bonus, it gives you MORE space for those things that are necessary. Remember, the fewer things you own, the fewer things you must clean! Get to decluttering, friends. It’ll change yo life!
2. A small task a day keeps the messy away!
This one is so simple but can make all the difference! First off, make your bed everyday. You will start your day off being productive and honestly, it just feels good when you walk into a bedroom with a made up bed. When you don’t make your bed, it’s easier to let other things go, too! This is one that even the kiddos can do. If they are old enough, have them make their own beds.
Secondly, keep the sink empty. It’s a task that really doesn’t take that long and it’s easy enough that it can be done everyday. Whether that means the dishwasher is being filled and washed once full, or dare I say it, washing a few dishes by hand… an empty sink always, always, always makes me feel better about my house.
Having a made up bed and an empty sink helps keep your space tidy!
3. Keep your surfaces clean!
This one is hard for me! When I walk in the door with my hands full, my first instinct every time is to lay everything on the counter. But I’m trying to be better at immediately putting things in their place because a clean counter or surface means a tidy space! This one is especially true for us, because our counter serves as our kitchen table, it separates our kitchen and living room, and it’s really the focal point of our apartment. But it can apply to anyone who has a counter or table that always seems to fill up with all the things. Being disciplined to put things away, right away, keeps our surfaces clear and our space clean.
4. Tidy up before bed.
This one can be difficult at the end of the night when everyone is tired. But if you do it early enough, it will make a huge difference in the morning! All it takes is 5-10 minutes to straighten a few things up. Put the throws and pillows back and pick up the floor. Have the kids put their things away and make it a part of your nightly routine. When you wake up in the morning and head for that cup of joe, you’ll be so thankful you took a few minutes to straighten up the night before.
5. Have a place for every item.
This is more for organizational purposes but goes a long way with keeping things tidy, too! Everything you own should have a home, a space where it’s kept. If you have more stuff than you have space for, we probably need to revisit step number 1!! It’s so much easier to put things away when they have a space designated just for them. And, those things will be much more accessible and you’ll actually remember where they’re at! It’s a win-win situation.
And there you have it. My non-expertise advice on keeping your home tidy & organized. But there’s one last thought I want to share with you. Give yourself some grace and don’t expect perfection. There are some things that matter more than a tidy home. Like tucking your child into bed. Or maybe it’s been a very busy day and you haven’t had much time with your spouse. If it’s between those things and the dishes, choose those things every time. The dishes can wait.
This isn’t a list that must be followed precisely or your home won’t be tidy. It’s more a list of suggestions that can help you keep up with your house so you have more time to spend on other things and less time on cleaning. Or maybe you’re one who loves to clean and it’s a de-stressor for you. These are simply here to help you keep a space that is inviting and relaxing. Messy places and dirty spaces never made anyone feel at home!
Do you have any tips on keeping a tidy house? Please share them below!
That She May Know 