Start the New Year Right With These 5 Tips For a Cleaner Home
The start of a new year is the perfect time for fresh beginnings—and what better way to kick things off than with a cleaner, more organized home? A clean space not only makes your home look great, but it’s also proven to reduce stress and increase productivity. If you’re ready to transform your living space, these five simple and effective tips will help you start the year off right.
1. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
Before you even think about scrubbing or vacuuming, tackle the clutter. Gather unused, broken, or outdated items from every room and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this item, or is it just taking up space?” Minimalizing your possessions makes it easier to clean and maintain a tidy home in the long run. Start small—tackling a single junk drawer or shelf—and build momentum as you progress.
Pro Tip: Utilize a rented storage unit for the things you use seasonally and do not want to part with.
2. Create a Cleaning Schedule
Consistency is key! Having a cleaning schedule makes maintenance easier and prevents chores from piling up. Break tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly lists. For example, do light tasks like wiping surfaces and making the bed daily, while saving deep cleaning tasks like cleaning the fridge or vacuuming under furniture for monthly efforts.
There are plenty of apps and templates online to help you create and stick to a cleaning routine that works for you.
Pro Tip: Assign particular tasks to certain days of the week. (For example, “Laundry Mondays” or “Bathroom Cleaning Fridays”)
3. Go Green With Cleaning Products
Want a cleaner home and healthier air? Choose eco-friendly cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Many store-bought cleaners contain toxins that linger long after you’ve used them. Alternatively, you can use natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda for effective DIY cleaning solutions.
Pro Tip: Keep a small caddy with your essential cleaning supplies handy for quick and convenient cleaning sessions.
4. Tackle One Room at a Time
Trying to clean your entire house in one go can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on one room or area at a time for a more manageable and satisfying process. Start with the spaces you spend the most time in—such as your living room or kitchen—and move on from there.
Breaking your cleaning tasks into smaller sections also helps you stay motivated as you see visible progress with each completed space.
Pro Tip: For each room, follow the “top-to-bottom” method. Start by dusting high shelves and light fixtures before working your way down to floors to ensure no dust settles on areas you’ve already cleaned.
5. Make Cleaning a Family Affair
Cleaning doesn’t have to fall on one person. Get the entire household involved! Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member to make light work of even the biggest messes. Not only does this build teamwork, but it also teaches kids responsibility and habits they’ll carry into adulthood.
Turn it into a fun activity by playing music, setting a timer, or turning it into a friendly competition (whoever finishes their tasks first gets to pick dessert!).
Pro Tip: Celebrate progress with a reward—like a movie night—after everyone’s hard work.
Start Fresh, Stay Fresh
A clean home isn’t just about appearances; it’s about creating a space that brings you joy, comfort, and peace of mind. By decluttering, sticking to a schedule, making sustainable choices, organizing thoughtfully, and involving the family, you’ll be well on your way to keeping a cleaner home all year long.
This New Year, set the tone for success by investing in your most valuable space—your home. It’ll feel like a fresh start every time you walk through the door!