It can do you only need to spend some of your time on it. It’s less about time and more about developing good habits. You will start to follow these habits instinctively. Sometimes things get hectic, and I can only sometimes keep up with daily cleaning. But, on the whole, I stick to these 11 habits. The more you practice them, the easier they become! Start with one or two items if the list is overwhelming. You can add more later.
Make the bed first
Making the bed may seem like a waste of your time to some, but it makes a massive difference in the room’s appearance and takes only a few minutes. It’s a great way to start the day, and I enjoy climbing into a freshly made bed at night. Simplify your bedding to make it easier. We cut out the top sheets, as they were always soaked at the foot of the bed. Instead, we used a duvet with a washable cover. You can still keep your top sheets if you want to. Just reduce the number of pillows in your bed, or use a duvet or comforter that is large enough so you won’t have to tuck your sheets.
Wash one load of laundry per day
You may not have to do it every morning, depending on how many loads you do each week. But, for us, at least seven loads are done per week. Get into the habit of doing one load of washing first thing in the morning. Set your machine to delay (if it has this feature) to be ready for the dryer once you arrive home. You can also put your load in the morning and turn it on when you come home. You should schedule some time to complete all the laundry, including putting them away.
You can be happy with “clean enough.”
This is the most difficult one for me as a perfectionist. Keeping your home tidy and clean is essential, but only some things must be perfect. I follow the 80/20 rule. I always try to follow the 80/20 Rule, which means I’m happy with 80% cleaning done. The little details, which make up the final 20% of cleaning, such as ensuring that every speck of dust is removed from the floor and getting to those hard-to-reach places to dust, can take a lot of time, and no one will notice. It’s not that they don’t need to be cleaned. But make sure you include them in your deep cleaning routine instead of just cleaning every week.
Prioritize
Cleaning is not all the same. List what you want to accomplish and prioritize that need and what can be left until tomorrow or two days later. List your 2 or 3 top realistic goals based on your available time. Before tackling other tasks, set some cleaning goals. It used to be that I hated making lists, but now it helps me stay focused.
Involve the whole family
Recently, I’ve been trying to improve this. It is easier to do it yourself. But teaching your kids to do their age-appropriate jobs will benefit you and them. Begin by having your children clean up after themselves. This includes putting away their shoes and coats when they enter the house, loading the dishwasher with dishes, and cleaning their rooms. Add other chores when you can. You’ll be amazed at how much difference these small things can make to the cleanliness of your home. You will need to remind your children a lot initially, but eventually, this will become a habit.
Clean up your room every night for 15 minutes
Set a 15-minute routine for your family to clean up every night. It’s easier to do the cleaning when you are doing it with others. Set a timer to the highest priority and only clean that. While you clean the kitchen or fold and store laundry, your kids can do their rooms or other household chores. Start by tackling the messiest areas or those that create a lot of clutter. Also, any tasks that you need to complete before going to bed. I run my bObi robot vacuum at this time, usually in high-traffic areas.
Keep basic cleaning supplies close to where you use them
Our bathrooms are stocked with cleaning supplies, including microfiber cloths, a polishing towel, a toilet brush, and spray bottles with vinegar and water or any multi-purpose cleaner you choose. It is much easier and quicker to clean the mirror or give the toilet an extra swipe than to look for cleaning supplies. You can do these quick tasks whenever you feel the need. They only take a few minutes and will reduce your need for a deep clean.
Do not leave a room empty-handed
It is a simple habit that will make a big difference to the cleanliness of your home. When you move from room to room (or floor to floor), quickly check to see if you can bring anything. It would help if you only took what you could put away. Moving a bunch from one room into another without putting it away is not helpful. You may have dirty dishes in the dishwasher or laundry to put away upstairs. Remember the “one-touch rule” – you should only touch an item once before putting it away. You waste precious energy and time moving an object from one location to another. So, make the extra effort to put it away immediately. It is more about the habit than the lack of time.
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