Time Saving Tips to Keep Your House Clean and Tidy
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Whether you’re working full-time, a busy entrepreneur, raising the future or simply have a jam-packed social life, finding the time to do household chores can be a challenge. Finding the will to do them can also be just as tricky! Luckily I have many secrets and tidy house tips to make chores less stressful for you.
Read on for plenty of helpful time saving tips to keep your house clean and tidy with ease.
Tidy House Tips: How to keep your house clean and tidy, and save time!
Housework is a job we’d rather not do, but must if we want to keep our houses clean and beautiful.
As a busy working parent, I know just how stressful housework can be. Life with kids can be all consuming, as can running my own businesses. There is little time left at the end of the day to keep on top of a mountain of chores.
However, I am obsessed with keeping a clean and tidy house as it makes me happy and my head calm. Less mess, less stress. The only issue is having enough time to fit it all in each day!
Keeping a clean and tidy house is something that many of us struggle with, especially when we have a lot of other responsibilities to juggle. However, there are plenty of time-saving tips that can help you stay on top of household chores without feeling overwhelmed. Luckily I have discovered many secrets to keeping a clean house to simplify household chores and minimise housework.
Read on to learn how to keep your house clean and tidy and how you can save time on neverending household chores, especially when life is already so busy!
Get the whole family to chip in
Firstly, don’t take on all the household chores by yourself if you live with others. All adults should play an equal part. If only one person finds they are tackling all the cleaning and tidying then they may start to resent everyone else in the house. It’s only fair for everyone to play a role in keeping a clean and tidy house.
Kids can also help out too with age appropriate tasks. Giving children jobs to do will begin to teach them to take responsibility for themselves. Even younger children can begin to lay the table at dinner time, take their plates out to the kitchen, put clothes away and tidy up their own toys.
If everyone plays a fair part in the household chores then it won’t feel like such a burden.
Hire outside help
If you really can’t keep on top of things as life is just so busy then consider hiring outside help. From launderette services that can collect your laundry and return it washed, pressed and folded, to garden maintenance and domestic cleaners. There are a variety of businesses and individuals who offer services to make your life a little easier.
Whether you’re looking for regular help or a deep clean to kick-start your own household routine, you can improve housekeeping by hiring a local cleaner. It’s never been easier to find cleaners with websites like Bark allowing you to list your requirements and collecting quotes on your behalf.
Other tasks you might outsource are window cleaning, patio cleaning, oven cleaning and that pretty gross household task you may forget about: wheelie bin cleaning! There are lots of companies offering these services on a recurring basis so you can crack on with your busy lifestyle and not need to undertake every household chore by yourself.
How to keep your house clean and tidy? Let someone else do it for you if you seriously have no time to do it yourself. Of course, you will need to be able to justify the expense and afford to do this.
Go minimal
More stuff means more clutter, more things to move when cleaning, more things to tidy, more things to attract dust, more things to clean. More time wasted on household chores!
Arg!
Going minimal might be one of the best things you ever do!
It’s certainly a way of life for me, making me feel happier and calmer having only what I need. Less is more, as they say.
Regularly decluttering, having clear-outs, being ruthless with what you really need and don’t need, will enable you to live a less cluttered life and have less clutter in the house overall. Having less stuff to clean, sort and tidy will save so much time. You can go minimal in your home office, bedrooms, wardrobes, kitchen and anywhere you want. It can also make moving house less stressful when the time comes as you'll never have so much stuff to sort through if you always stay on top of it.
It can even be a way to make extra cash online as you can sell unwanted household goods, clothes, children’s toys, books and pretty much anything on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Preloved and eBay.
Little and often
Staying on top of the household chores is a great way to prevent them building up, becoming overwhelming and needing hours in one go to tackle. Tidy and clean in little bursts each day. This will keep every room tidy and stop a major cleaning session ever being needed.
It will then stop cleaning the house feeling like a mammoth task, as rather than waiting for an entire house clean or deep clean, you will never reach that stage!
Here are some top tips for keeping on top of the cleaning and tidying little and often:
- Put things away right away after using them in the kitchen - food and utensils
- Leave things on the stairs that need to go up or down and take them next time you’re going up or down
- Pop a clothes washing load on as soon as you have enough clothes to wash
- Give the toilet a quick clean with a brush every couple of days - it only takes seconds
- Keep a charity bag or box in a cupboard so you can easily add outgrown toys, clothes or household goods - donate it as soon as it’s full and start another
Personalised cleaning caddy - Etsy
Multitask
I find one of the best ways to keep the house clean and tidy is to maximise the time I do have by multitasking. Some people think multitasking is bad, but when it comes to keeping a clean and tidy home then it's a great tidy house tip and should be used. But what do I mean?
Well, as an example, as soon as my children were old enough to sit and play in the bath without me constantly holding and supporting them, I was able to crack on and clean our family bathroom whilst they were happy splashing and playing. I take five minutes to wipe down bathroom sides, clean the toilet and the floor. Doing this regularly would prevent limescale, mould. dust and other dirt from accumulating and ever becoming an issue. I could still keep an eye on my kids in the bath as I stayed in the same room, but used the time wisely for tidying the house and cleaning up in the bathroom while they were content.
I’m still present whilst my littlest is in the bath playing, but able to maximise the time I have available by cleaning at the same time. I'd keep a small stack of cloths and a natural cleaning spray under the bathroom sink so it was easy to grab when they were in the bath. I could pop towels away in cupboards, refill the toilet roll holder, clean the mirror and sink, clean the toilet and whatever else was possible to keep the bathroom free of clutter and dust.
The same can be done when cooking meals. If food is happy simmering for a few minutes or prepped food is now in the oven for twenty minutes, then use the time to clean the kitchen surfaces, put things back in cupboards, empty the bin, or do the washing up.
Buy time-saving machines
Seriously!
OK, so not actually a time travel machine, but there is plenty of technology and high-tech cleaning gadgets available today to save your precious time on household tasks.
If you have the space then a dishwasher will save the time spent on washing up. A tumble dryer will save the time spent hanging and unhanging clothes. A robot vacuum cleaner will save the time spent vacuuming.
*** Click here for £40 off a Eufy robot vacuum ***
These will require a little investment at first, but the time and stress saved can be more valuable.
You can also use time-saving products such as adding cistern blocks to your toilet to keep it smelling fresh and to give it a light clean with every flush.
Funny cleaning quote sticker - Etsy
Creating a cleaning schedule
Creating a cleaning schedule can be a simple yet effective way to keep your home clean and organised. Whether you choose to make a simple list or a more detailed calendar, the key is to plan out your cleaning routine in advance. By doing so, you'll be able to ensure that all areas of your house are cleaned regularly, which can help you avoid the buildup of dirt, dust, and clutter.
A cleaning schedule can also help you break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. For example, you might designate certain days of the week for specific tasks, such as cleaning the bathrooms on Mondays and dusting on Wednesdays. This way, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed by a long list of tasks and can focus on cleaning one area of the house at a time.
Another benefit of creating a cleaning schedule is that it helps you stay on track with your cleaning goals. You can set reminders on your phone or calendar to keep you accountable and ensure that you don't forget any important cleaning tasks. Additionally, having a cleaning schedule can help you avoid last-minute cleaning emergencies, such as a surprise visit from a guest, by keeping your home consistently tidy.
Cleaning checklist download - Etsy
Invest in the right cleaning tools
I can't stress this enough - investing in quality cleaning tools can make a huge difference in how quickly and efficiently you can clean your home.
Cleaning your home can be a daunting task, but the right cleaning tools can make it much more manageable. For example, a high-quality vacuum cleaner can save you time and effort, especially if you have carpets or pets that shed. Look for a vacuum with good suction power and a variety of attachments for different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.
When it comes to cleaning surfaces, microfiber cloths are a game-changer. These cloths are designed to attract and trap dust, dirt, and other particles, making them more effective at cleaning than traditional cotton cloths. They are also reusable and can be washed in the washing machine, making them an eco-friendly choice and simple way to go greener at home.
Other cleaning tools that can be helpful include a good mop for hard floors, a squeegee for cleaning windows and shower doors, and a dustpan and brush for quick cleanups. Investing in the right cleaning tools may require a bit of upfront cost, but it will save you time and effort in the long run and make cleaning a much more pleasant experience. You can easily order all the products you need like squeegees and cloths from an online retailer like Thecleaningcollective.co.uk who specialise in cleaning products.
Divide your house into cleaning zones
Dividing your house into cleaning zones is a practical and effective way to approach household cleaning. You can start by identifying the different areas of your home that need regular cleaning, such as the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Once you've identified these areas, you can create a plan that assigns each area to a specific zone.
For instance, you could assign the living room and hallway as Zone 1, the kitchen and dining room as Zone 2, the bedrooms as Zone 3, and the bathrooms as Zone 4. You can then schedule each zone for a specific day or week and make sure to rotate through all zones on a regular basis.
By focusing on one zone at a time, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that each area of your home gets the attention it needs. This approach also makes it easier to involve other members of your household in the cleaning process. You can assign each person a zone to clean or have everyone work together to clean one zone at a time.
Overall, dividing your home into cleaning zones is a practical and efficient way to approach household cleaning. It helps you stay organised, focused, and on top of your cleaning tasks, while also making the cleaning process more manageable and enjoyable for everyone involved. It will also keep you on top of any household tasks you may forget about in each room, as otherwise you'll tend to focus on a light clean of the whole house instead of a deeper clean in each zone.
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Don't forget storage
Storage solutions are also key when it comes to keeping your house organised and tidy. Use baskets, shelves, and cabinets to store items and prevent clutter from accumulating. It's amazing how much of a difference this can make, as well as making tidying the house so much quicker and easier!
Investing in good storage solutions is crucial to keeping your home organised and tidy. If you have a lot of clutter in your home, it can be difficult to stay on top of cleaning and to find things when you need them. But with the right storage solutions, you can easily store your belongings and keep them out of sight.
Baskets, shelves, and cabinets are just a few examples of storage solutions you can use to keep your home organised. Use baskets to store toys, blankets, or other items that tend to clutter up your living spaces. Shelves are great for storing books, decorative items, or other items that you want to display. And cabinets are ideal for storing items that you want to keep out of sight, such as cleaning supplies or paperwork.
When it comes to storage, it's important to choose solutions that work for your specific needs. For example, if you have a lot of books, you may want to invest in a bookshelf or wall-mounted shelving. If you have a lot of kitchen supplies, you may want to consider installing pull-out drawers in your cabinets to make it easier to access everything. With the right storage solutions in place, you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your home.
Personalised storage boxes - Etsy
Preventative maintenance is key
How to keep a tidy house all the time? Preventative maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home clean and tidy. Regular maintenance tasks in the home can help prevent larger cleaning tasks from piling up. By taking care of small cleaning tasks on a regular basis, you can prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the line or having to tackle a huge spring clean each year, or being overwhelmed with an end of tenancy clean.
For example, wiping down surfaces regularly can prevent the buildup of dust and grime, and keep your home looking and feeling fresh. Similarly, cleaning up spills as soon as they happen can prevent carpet stains from setting in and reduce the need for deep cleaning. These small tasks can make a big difference in the long run.
Here are five more examples of preventative cleaning tasks you can incorporate into your routine to maintain a tidy house:
- Regularly clean kitchen appliances: Clean your oven, microwave, and refrigerator regularly to prevent food residues from building up and becoming hard to remove.
- Frequent bathroom maintenance: Wipe down bathroom surfaces like sinks, faucets, and countertops to prevent soap scum and water stains. Also, clean the shower or bathtub after each use to prevent mould and mildew growth.
- Dust and vacuum frequently: Dusting and vacuuming your home on a regular basis can prevent dust and allergens from accumulating, which can improve indoor air quality.
- Empty trash bins regularly: Don't let trash bins overflow; empty them when they're full to prevent odours and the need for deep cleaning.
- Clean pet areas: If you have pets, clean their bedding and feeding areas regularly to avoid odours and the buildup of pet hair.
Plastic free cleaning kit - Etsy
Final thoughts on how to keep a clean and tidy house
There are lots of ways to make sure household tasks don’t become unmanageable or feel like they are zapping all your time and energy. Make the most of outside help for some of the most tedious tasks, invest in time-saving appliances, clear the clutter and get into the habit of a little cleaning every day. Below I will roundup the tidy house tips featured in this article to save time and keep a neat and spotless home.
Roundup of tidy house tips:
Here are the key tips from the article on how to keep your house clean and tidy while saving time:
- Get the whole family involved: Share household chores among all adults in the house to prevent one person from feeling overwhelmed. Encourage children to help with age-appropriate tasks.
- Consider hiring outside help: If your schedule is too busy, consider outsourcing tasks like laundry, garden maintenance, and cleaning services to make your life easier.
- Embrace minimalism: Declutter regularly to reduce the number of items in your home. Having fewer possessions means less to clean and tidy, ultimately saving you time.
- Clean little and often: Avoid letting chores pile up by tidying and cleaning in short bursts each day. Small, frequent efforts prevent the need for massive cleaning sessions.
- Multitask: Maximise your time by cleaning while doing other tasks, like cleaning the bathroom while your children bathe or cleaning the kitchen while cooking.
- Invest in time-saving machines: Consider appliances like dishwashers, tumble dryers, and robot vacuum cleaners to save time on daily tasks.
- Create a cleaning schedule: Plan out your cleaning routine in advance, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. This helps you stay organised and on top of cleaning.
- Use the right cleaning tools: Invest in quality cleaning tools such as vacuums, microfiber cloths, mops, and squeegees to clean efficiently.
- Divide your house into cleaning zones: Assign specific areas of your home to zones and tackle one zone at a time. This approach helps prevent feeling overwhelmed.
- Don't forget storage: Use baskets, shelves, and cabinets to keep your belongings organised and out of sight, reducing clutter.
- Prioritise preventative maintenance: Regularly perform small cleaning tasks to prevent larger cleaning issues from accumulating.
By following these tips, you can maintain a clean and tidy house while saving time and reducing stress.
Before you go...
Looking to save money on your cleaning? Why not try making your own cleaning products with these tips.