Have you ever walked into a home that is perpetually clean and wondered, “how do they do it?” For most of us, maintaining a tidy home isn’t as easy as it looks. It requires discipline, consistency, and most importantly, breaking some bad habits. This post will help you identify and quit 15 habits that are likely standing between you and a tidier home.
1. Procrastinating on Chores
We all do it – putting off the dishes until tomorrow, or promising ourselves we’ll vacuum this weekend. However, procrastination only leads to bigger messes and more daunting tasks. Instead, adopt a “do it now” attitude. Try to handle tasks as they appear, instead of accumulating them for later. For instance, clean your dishes right after eating, or fold your laundry as soon as it’s dry. This approach not only saves you the stress of dealing with a pile-up of chores but also keeps your home consistently tidy.
2. Keeping Items ‘Just in Case’
We are all guilty of hanging onto items we don’t need, just in case we might require them someday. This habit leads to clutter, making our homes look messy and disorganized. Start decluttering by asking yourself if you really need the item. If you haven’t used it in over a year, chances are you won’t need it in the future. Be ruthless when it comes to decluttering. Remember, the less you own, the less there is to clean and organize.
3. Buying Unnecessary Items
Impulse buying is one of the main reasons our homes become cluttered. A great deal or a cute decoration might be tempting, but it’s important to think before you buy. Start by making a shopping list and sticking to it. Avoid wandering into sections of the store that are not in your plan. If you see something you want, put it on a 30-day waitlist. If you still want it after a month, and it fits into your budget, then consider buying it.
4. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for a tidy home. Neglecting small repairs can lead to bigger problems, which not only affect your home’s aesthetics but also its functionality. Schedule regular home maintenance checks. This includes checking your plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and other systems. Fixing minor issues promptly will prevent them from becoming major problems that could mess up your home.
5. Not Having a Place for Everything
One of the biggest culprits of a messy home is not having a designated place for everything. When items don’t have a home, they end up being left out in the open, creating clutter. Ensure that every item in your house has a designated spot. This not only helps in keeping your home tidy but also makes it easier to find items when you need them.
6. Allowing Paper Clutter to Accumulate
Bills, mail, kids’ homework, magazines – paper clutter can swiftly take over your home if not properly managed. Deal with paper clutter by going digital wherever possible. Sign up for electronic bills and unsubscribe from unnecessary mail. For the unavoidable paper clutter, create a filing system and make it a habit to file papers as soon as you’re done with them.
7. Leaving Shoes and Coats at the Entrance
Shoes and coats left at the entrance not only make your home look messy but also bring in dirt and germs. Create a space near your entrance for shoes and coats. It could be a shoe rack or a coat hanger. Make it a rule that everyone must put their shoes and coats away as soon as they enter the house.
8. Ignoring High Traffic Areas
High traffic areas, like the living room and kitchen, tend to get messy quickly due to frequent use. Clean these areas regularly, even if it’s just a quick tidy-up. A daily five-minute clean-up can make a significant difference in keeping your home tidy.
9. Not Cleaning Up After Pets
Pets can make a mess with their toys, food, and fur. Not cleaning up after them regularly can lead to a messy home. Make pet clean-up a part of your daily routine. Designate a spot for their toys and feed them in a specific area. Regular grooming can also help in managing pet hair.
10. Keeping Outdated Items
Holding on to outdated items like old electronics, outdated magazines, or old clothes can quickly clutter your home. Regularly go through your items and dispose of outdated ones responsibly. Donate, sell, or recycle – just ensure they’re not taking up space in your home.
11. Not Utilizing Storage Solutions
Not utilizing storage solutions properly can lead to clutter on surfaces and floors. Invest in smart storage solutions like under-bed storage, over-the-door hooks, and multi-purpose furniture. They can help you store items neatly and make the most of your space.
12. Keeping Broken Items
Broken items not only take up space but also create visual clutter. Get rid of broken items immediately, unless you’re going to fix them right away. If an item has been broken for months, chances are you don’t need it.
13. Not Setting Cleaning Rules
Without set rules, cleaning can become a haphazard process, leading to an untidy home. Set clear cleaning rules for yourself and your family. This could include rules like “no dishes in the sink overnight” or “make your bed every morning”.
14. Piling Up Laundry
A pile of dirty laundry can make your home look messy and uninviting. Avoid laundry pile-up by doing small loads regularly instead of waiting for a mountain of clothes. This way, doing laundry won’t seem like a daunting task.
15. Not Asking for Help
Keeping a home tidy is a team effort. If you live with others, it’s important to share cleaning responsibilities. Delegate chores to each member of the household. Even young children can help with simple tasks. This not only reduces your workload but also instills a sense of responsibility in everyone. Breaking these habits won’t happen overnight. Start small, stay consistent, and before you know it, you’ll be living in a cleaner, tidier home. Remember, the goal isn’t to achieve perfection, but to create a home that feels calm, clean, and welcoming.