Streamline Your Cleaning Routine
As the fall season approaches, we are getting back to and finding new routines. Everyone wants a tidy house, but most of us don’t have the time or desire to clean all the time. As you build your fall routine, we’re sharing some of our favorite cleaning tips to help free up more time in your schedule, spend less time cleaning, and keep a tidier home.
Make Your Bed
Making your bed only takes a minute and will instantly make your bedroom feel tidier. This is an easy task to make a daily habit every morning. And your bed will be all the more inviting to crawl into at the end of the day.
Empty Your Sink
Try to empty your sink of dirty dishes before you go to bed. Hand wash items and allow them to dry overnight. If you have a dishwasher, load and run it. In the morning, empty the dishwasher and put all clean dishes away. You will start your day with a tidy kitchen.
Declutter a Flat Surface
Clearing clutter will help keep your house tidy. Tables and countertops can fill quickly with daily items. Make it a goal to clear a table, dresser, or countertop at the end of the day.
Put it Away Right Away
Instead of piling something to put away later, when you pick up an item, return it to its home right away. This will only take a few minutes and will reduce clutter build up.
Open the Windows
Consider opening the windows throughout the house in the morning and evening for at least 10 minutes. The fresh air will help clear your space and improve air quality.
Short and Sweet
Time is precious and most of us won’t have hours to dedicate to cleaning the house top to bottom. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and choose a few priority areas to tackle. When you’re done, relax and do something that brings you joy.
Assemble a Cleaning Caddy
Put together a simple cleaning container that you can easily carry from room to room. Whether you make your own cleaning products or purchase your favorites, having everything in one place will make cleaning more streamlined.
Here’s what we include in our cleaning caddy:
All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Bathroom cleaner
Microfiber cloths
Biodegradable sponge/cloth
Dusting brush
Small cleaning brush
Fabric freshening spray
Baskets for Clutter Spots
Identify the clutter spots in your home and rethink your storage needs in that space. Maybe the area around your front or back door clutters. Perhaps your staircase piles with items to take upstairs. Consider adding storage to give everything a home and keep things from piling on the floor. For staircase clutter, designate a basket that lives on the stairs and collects items throughout the day. Carry it up and empty at the end of the day.
Keep a Box Handy for Donations
As you are cleaning and decluttering, place items you don’t need in a donation box. If a clothing item no longer fits, your child has outgrown a toy, or household items are no longer needed, separate them and move to the donation box. When the box is full, sort for resale and donation.
Make it Fun
If you dread cleaning, make it fun! Queue up some episodes of a favorite podcast or put on a fun playlist. Make a special drink and light a candle to make the process more enjoyable.
Utilize Your Planner
Stay organized with the Home Care pages in your journal. Use the checklists to jot down task lists for each room, keep track of homemade cleaner recipes, and cleaning tips.
Find What Works Best For You
There is no one approach to keeping your home tidy. It might work best for you to do a little cleaning each day. Maybe it’s easier to tackle on the weekends for a longer stretch. Whatever your route, consistency is key. Find a routine that you can stick with!
We want to hear from you! What are your favorite cleaning tips?