Have you ever walked into someone’s home and wondered how they keep it so tidy?
It’s as if they have a magic wand that instantly clears clutter and makes everything shine. But what if I told you there’s no magic involved?
Instead, it’s all about habits. Simple, daily practices that can turn anyone’s space from messy to mesmerizing.
We all have habits. Some of them are good, like brushing our teeth every morning. Others, not so much. But when it comes to keeping our homes and spaces clean, the habits we develop can make a world of difference.
Think about it. Would you rather spend hours cleaning up a big mess every few weeks, or spend a few minutes each day keeping things neat?
In this article we’ll explore the habits of a clean person. These are simple actions that, when done regularly, can transform your living space and even your mindset.
1. Regular Decluttering
Instead of letting things pile up, routinely go through your possessions and go of what you no longer need. This doesn’t mean you always throw things away. Sometimes, it’s just about reorganizing or giving away items.
By keeping only what’s essential or genuinely cherished, your spaces inherently stay more organized. The fewer things you have, the easier it is to find a home for each item.
This also makes cleaning faster and more efficient since there’s less to move around.
Additionally, a decluttered space often leads to a decluttered mind. Living in a tidy environment can help reduce stress and improve focus.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff around you, maybe it’s a sign to declutter.
[Related: 15 Habits That Make You Smarter Every Day, According to Science]
2. Daily Tidying Rituals
Clean individuals often have daily rituals. Instead of waiting for the weekend to do a big clean-up, they integrate small cleaning tasks into their daily routine.
This might involve making the bed every morning, wiping down counters after meals, or sweeping high-traffic areas.
Incorporating these habits doesn’t mean they’re cleaning all day. On the contrary, by doing little bits daily, they prevent dirt and mess from accumulating.
So, their homes stay cleaner for longer periods, and they spend less time doing intensive clean-ups.
This practice not only ensures their living space is always presentable but also makes them feel more relaxed. After all, coming home to a tidy space after a long day is always refreshing.
3. Sticking to a Schedule
Many clean people swear by cleaning schedules. For them, having a specific day for laundry, another for deep cleaning the bathroom, or a set time for watering plants, ensures tasks don’t get overlooked.
And no, they’re not bound by these schedules rigidly. Instead, they use them as a guideline.
Having a schedule helps you balance tasks. Instead of feeling burdened by the idea of cleaning an entire house, you can break tasks down.
For instance, on Monday, maybe they vacuum; on Tuesday, it could be dusting. By spacing tasks out, you manage your time more effectively and ensure nothing gets ignored.
Plus, by sticking to a rhythm, cleaning becomes a habit. Just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, it becomes a natural part of their routine. This way, you can avoid those marathon cleaning sessions that can be exhausting.
[Interesting: 8 Habits Of Truly Wise People]
4. Investing in the Right Tools
Every task is easier with the right tools, and cleaning is no exception. Tidy people tend to invest in good-quality cleaning tools that make the job more efficient.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive gadgets. Sometimes, a well-made broom or a sturdy mop can make all the difference.
Having the right tools also means fewer frustrations. There’s nothing more annoying than a vacuum that doesn’t pick up dirt properly or a duster that just spreads dust around.
By choosing their tools wisely, they ensure the job gets done right the first time.
Additionally, they often keep their tools clean and well-maintained. After all, a dirty tool can’t clean properly. Regular maintenance, like washing mop heads or emptying vacuum bags, ensures their tools are always ready to go.
5. Embracing Minimalism
While not everyone is cut out for a minimalist lifestyle, embracing certain aspects can help in maintaining cleanliness.
For the tidy-hearted, this might mean having fewer knick-knacks on display or opting for furniture with clean lines and easy-to-clean surfaces.
The idea here is simplicity. Fewer items mean fewer things to clean and less clutter. For instance, an open shelf filled with dozens of small items might look nice, but it’s a dust magnet.
On the other hand, a simple vase or a single framed photo is easier to wipe down and keeps the space looking neat.
Furthermore, a minimalist approach often means everything has its place. With fewer things, organizing becomes a breeze.
There’s no endless searching for items or struggling to find storage space. Everything is streamlined, and as a result, staying tidy becomes second nature.
[Related: 12 Bad Habits That Make You A Disorganized Person]
6. Prioritizing High-Traffic Areas
Ever noticed how some areas in a home get dirtier faster than others? That’s because they’re what we call high-traffic areas. And clean people are well aware of this.
They make sure that places like the entryway, kitchen, and living room receive a bit more attention than, say, the guest bedroom that’s rarely used.
Focusing on these high-traffic areas ensures that the majority of the home stays presentable.
For instance, sweeping or vacuuming these zones more frequently prevents the spread of dirt and debris to other parts of the house. By keeping the busiest areas clean, the rest of the home naturally feels and looks cleaner.
Tackling these zones doesn’t always mean deep cleaning. Sometimes, a quick wipe-down or a fast sweep does the trick. The idea is to prevent dirt build-up, so a more significant cleaning task isn’t required later on.
7. Labeling and Organizing
You might’ve seen it in those delightful pantry makeover photos. But there’s a reason behind the aesthetic.
Labeling isn’t just for show; it’s one of the tricks tidy individuals use to maintain order. When you mark jars, containers, or even shelves, everything has a designated spot.
Organizing isn’t only about putting things away; it’s about knowing where they go. And that’s where labeling comes in. It takes the guesswork out of where to place items.
No more shoving things into random drawers or cabinets. When every item has a labeled home, there’s no excuse for clutter.
This approach works wonders in spaces like the kitchen or home office. Need to find the cinnamon or stapler? Just look for its label. This way, not only is the space tidy, but it also becomes incredibly user-friendly.
8. Treating Cleaning as a Form of Self-care
For some, cleaning might sound like a chore. But many tidy people see it differently. To them, cleaning isn’t a task; it’s a form of self-care.
Think about it. Living in a clean environment is beneficial for mental well-being. It offers clarity, reduces stress, and often provides a sense of accomplishment.
The act of cleaning can also be therapeutic. Whether it’s the rhythmic motion of scrubbing, the satisfaction of seeing a dirty surface become spotless, or the simple joy of folding laundry.
For many, these activities provide a moment of zen, a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
So, the next time you think of cleaning as just another thing to do, maybe shift the perspective a bit. See it as an act of self-love, a way to care for yourself and your living space simultaneously.
9. Being Proactive, Not Reactive
This might be one of the biggest secrets of tidy people. Instead of waiting for something to become dirty or cluttered, they’re always a step ahead.
Noticed a spill? They’re on it before it becomes a stubborn stain. Shoes piling up at the door? They find a storage solution before it becomes a mountain.
This proactive approach means they’re rarely caught off guard. They don’t wait for the laundry basket to overflow; they tackle it when it’s half or three-quarters full.
The benefit? Tasks become more manageable. Instead of spending hours on cleaning, they spend minutes.
By addressing things as they come, or even before they arise, these tidy souls ensure their spaces are always in order. This way, they avoid the overwhelming feeling that can come from seeing a long list of cleaning tasks.
[Read: 6 Habits of Highly Charismatic People]
10. Adopting the One-in-One-out Rule
One way clean individuals keep their homes from becoming cluttered is by adopting the one-in-one-out rule.
This means for every new item they bring into their space, one older item must leave. It’s a method to prevent excessive accumulation.
Imagine buying a new pair of shoes. Instead of just adding them to the collection, one older, perhaps worn-out pair, gets donated or recycled. This practice ensures spaces, closets, or cabinets don’t overflow with things that are rarely used.
This rule not only maintains tidiness but also promotes thoughtful consumption. By being mindful about what’s brought into the home, there’s a natural inclination to purchase things that truly add value, be it functionality or joy.
The Takeaway
The biggest lesson here? Keeping a space clean is all about the little things. Simple, daily actions that stack up over time. You don’t need to change everything overnight.
Start small. Adopt one habit, then another. Before you know it, your home will reflect the cleanliness you’ve always admired in others. So, let’s embrace these habits and enjoy the beauty of a clean home.
- All photos from freepik.com