Best Practices For A Clean And Organized Home

Cleaning and Organization Tips, Eliminating Clutter In The Home

I'm not particularly fond of cleaning and I'm definitely not fond of clutter so keeping our home as clean and organized as possible is a matter of regular practice. This is most effective with have routines in place to streamline processes as well as being consistent with them. Since we're in the season of spring cleaning, here my best practices for maintaining a clean and organized home. It really makes me happy and feel like I have it together when our home is tidy and everything is in order.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
A simple household is one that is easiest to manage.

Best Practices For Clean And Organized Home, Cleaning and Organization Tips, Eliminating Clutter In The Home

EDIT
Edit frequently and ruthlessly. There is no other way to do it. If it doesn't serve a function or doesn't spark joy, it needs to go. This actually goes hand in hand with my mantra of quality over quantity and really can/should apply to all aspects of life.

A LITTLE A DAY
Any task is more manageable when done a little at a time rather than all at once.

FIND A HOME
Have a home for everything and get into a habit of putting things back after you use them.

NO PILE UPS
Don't let anything that needs to be cleaned pile up until it becomes an arduous task. We wash our dishes after every meal and I clean as I cook. And all the pots and dishes go back into the cupboard every night after they're dry. We do have a dishwasher but it's more efficient to hand wash since we don't use that many dishes most nights.

CLEAN AND CLEAR
Tables and countertops should not be not a catchall for stuff and clutter. (see find a home)

ONE IN, ONE OUT
When something comes in, something needs to go out. This goes a long way to prevent hoarding and/or buying unnecessary things.

HAVE A SYSTEM
Setting up systems is the foundation of organization. You really only have to do it once and then it just becomes a matter of maintainance. Categorizing and containing is usually the best way to get started.

USE GOOD TOOLS

Proper tools will make the process of cleaning and organizing more efficient and perhaps even enjoyable. Mopping is the chore I dread the most and since upgrading to this electric floor cleaner, I don't really mind it at all that much anymore. And attractive bins and organizers can be really good motivators for putting your stuff away.

MAKE THE BED

The bed should always get made. Treat this like your first accomplishment of every day,  as a way of starting it off right. My husband and I always do this together after we get up. Not convinced. Here are seven good reasons to make your bed.

REFRESH AND RENEW
Go ahead and change up your decor and how things are organized every once in awhile especially if you find clutter is building up. You might just find a better way.

More spring cleaning tips and how to clean your closet...

How do you keep your home organized and free of clutter?

Photo: My Domaine

47 comments

Margaret Dallospedale said...

This selection is very cute sweetie
I love these details
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

Jackie Harrison said...

Great tips to keep the home tidy.

Lilli said...

Morning Rowena! I should definitely follow your tips and do the same but Im a little lazy and pretty bad when it comes to clean lol! I do my best though as I love to keep the things in order, tidy and clean. Your home must be adorable as the people who live there:) Have a good week! xo

Doctor Anne said...

I only keep the part of the house clean and free of clutter that I live in, the shared space is completely cluttered. As it is not cluttered with my stuff, I have given up finding a home for all the things and decided to let go and retreat to my space when it gets overwhelming. Of course i clean it, but I can't declutter it and I am not going to change my 75 years old fathers habits of leaving his paper work everywhere.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

Pilar said...

These are great tips to keep and maintain a tidy home! Have a great week Rowena!

Paola Lauretano said...

I need to follow your precious tips Rowena!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram

Elle Sees said...

this sounds like a bland, general comment, and I don't mean it that way at all, but these are REALLY good tips! Lots of fab advice. This is perfect for that spring cleaning/organizing vibe that has really bitten me lately.

Gabrielle said...

'Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly' - that's definitely a quote I'm going to write down and never forget. Thanks for the inspiration, Rowena!

aglassofice.com
x

Ivana Split said...

I do agree with everything your wrote Rowena. When it came to designing the interior of my new home, I tried to go for simplicity. A minimalist home is easier to maintain.

When it comes to washing dishes, I try to clean as I cook as well. I used to postpone cleaning the dishes and it would always end up being postponed by the end of the day, when the sink would sometimes be so full I didn't know where to start. This looks messy and it just isn't practical. Now I make it a rule to get rid of all the dishes after lunch, by either pre washing them and placing them in the washing machine or by washing them by hand. Besides, this is good exercise after a substantial meal. :) I sometimes feel sleepy after eating, so think is a good way to make myself avoid that.

I do love what you said about editing our life....This is something we need to do on a regular basis. Perhaps it is the only way to truly get rid of clutter. We must take a look at our place and decide what works, what not...We need to be honest with ourselves when it comes to our potentially bad habits...Sometimes everything it takes for our home to be as enjoyable as possible is to look at it with fresh eyes. If we think about it, I'm sure that most of us can figure out in which ways we can be most productive while living it it. A little bit of honesty goes a long way.

I must admit that I don't always make my bed in the morning. Perhaps it s something I should change!

Blackswan said...

I love your picks for the day, dear! xoxo

Emmylou said...

Amen to all of these tips, Rowena! After being introduced to KonMari last year, I found tidying/organization to really make a big impact, not just in terms of the physical space but also mentally. I think the big thing for me was discovering the "everything having a home" idea. That really made everything come together for me....everything being put back in their own space and thus avoiding clutter. I try to impart this idea to the kids as well:)

Wishing you a great start to the week, chingu:)

Lena L said...

A perfect Monday post, Rowena! I think now it's safe to flip the closet - we're not getting any more snow, are we..? The only spring cleaning I've accomplished so far is for my email accounts. LOL. But I will get to it this week!! *fist pump* ;D

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Rowena, I'm so glad you did this post! Having a place for everything is so key to keeping things uncluttered! It really keeps things organized. I do periodic throw outs throughout the year. I don't like a lot of stuff! A made up bed feels much better than a disarrayed one. LOL
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

tr3ndygirl influencer e fashion blogger said...

amazing decors! love these rooms
<<< tr3ndygirl fashion and beauty blog >>>
have an happy day
kisses

Kasztanowy Domek said...

Fantastic post! Happy new week!:)

xxBasia

June said...

These are great! Thanks for sharing
xx
www.junewantsitall.com

FASHION TALES said...

Since I have severe allergies I keep a clutter-free/clean home, and typically use eco cleaner when I can. One thing that I believe in is never having a sink full of dishes! No matter how much entertaining we do, the dishes is always cleared. We have a shelving system that I use for the home office which helps! Great tips, Rowena. Have a great start to the week! x/Madison

Lenya said...

Great tips and advice, Rowena, I can't stand clutter, therefor I put everything back to where it belongs.
xox
Lenya
Released from Hospital

Anonymous said...

I love it when my space is organised. I get very OCD about it!

ANOUK

Shireen L. Platt said...

We are in the midst of donating stuff because we're preparing to move in 3 months time. Yes, we'll be moving into a bigger space but I want less clutter and more organizations. Little tyke will finally have his playroom and no more toys in the living room (thankfully!) and I am downsizing more on my beauty stuff too. You know it's too much when I am getting overwhelmed by them all. And yes, definitely quality over quantity!

Unknown said...

This post is prefect for this weeks Challenge Mondays. I really need to edit more. I have so many pants, shirts, and shoes I don’t wear, they are just taking up space in my closet and I really need to get rid of them. Thanks for the tips Rowena :)

ALLIE NYC said...

omg I hate clutter, and yep it is all about editing and purging. And do NOT get me started on dishes in the sick. I HATE dishes in the sink and just never understood the whole procrastinator thing. Short of having a maid you will have to do them.

Procrastination is not one of my vices or faults that much I can say.

Allie of
www.allienyc.com

Kelsey&Kenecha said...

This is really great! I love when everything is organized. Clutter is the worst!

Florals&Smiles

BABALUCCIA said...

I really appreciate your post about organizing home
Thank you
Kisses

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Hi sweetie
This selection is so inso.
I love these deco details
kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

sonia // daring coco said...

I don't have a big problem when it comes to staying clean and organised. What I do have issues with it piling everything up. On the dining table. Hahahaha. That's my little spot to dump anything to look into later. Be it magazines, my wallet, glasses or letters. Even chocolate wrappers sometimes! So bad.

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com

Ice Goddhez Blog said...

I also love to organize things at home and I'm meticulous with the setup. It's really more inspiring to work indeed with this environment. But sometimes, for me personally, I can work with my mess hahahah!

♥ Chai Chen ♥ @chenmeicai
☆*。˚˚http://chenmeicai.blogspot.com˚˚。*☆

ⓛ ⓞ ⓥ ⓔ ✰Recent Posts✰
✨ [FOOD] Ultimate Taste Test: Super Scoops Premium Vegan Ice Cream VLOG
✨ [LIFESTYLE] Can You Ditch Shampoo? #TakeAShowerWithUs with Hairstory New Wash
✨ [TECH] Why Oppo F1s is the Best Camera Phone to Capture Summer #OOTD Photos

Midnight Cowgirl said...

Awesome tips! I'm so in the mood to spring clean :)

Jo said...

Such great tips Rowena! I have to admit I hate making my bed, but I noticed a difference on days I make it and days I don't. I feel more refreshed when the bed is made, so I have been making my bed since. Lol!

xo Jo

http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

ann-marie said...

Wonderful tips for keeping the home clean and organized. I hate hate clutter with a passion. Love this post!

Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

Beauty Unearthly said...

Excellent post (as always)!Thank you very much :)

Lacee Swan said...

great tips here, good reminder of the one in, one out motto. Been forgetting that one lately : )

Lacee | www.laceeswan.com

Unknown said...

Great tips - right to the point. I try to prevent piling up (don' look at my desk) and when something comes in something goes out. It can be a challenge with 5 people in the house. But this inspired me. Glad I visited from The SITS Girls Saturday Sharefest!

j said...

I feel so much happier when I'm not surrounded with extra things. I've been working slowly on paring down what I own {I do it in spurts when I have a chunk of time} and I don't buy much.

I love the storage under the sink. It would be so nice to have things hidden away like that but well displayed just by pulling out a drawer. :)

Blackswan said...

I love it when everything's so organized! xoxo

Coco said...

Dear Rowena, your tips are most welcome as having a tidy and clean home has a good effect on our mood too. At least this is how it works for me. Thank you for suggesting an electric floor cleaner, I've been looking for one for some time now! Baci, Valeria - Coco et La vie en rose FASHION & BEAUTY

Carolina G. Ticala said...

I love the work you do on your blog, I hope to see you on my blog very soon!!
💚💚💚

Unknown said...

Thanks For The Tips Man.. :D

Blackswan said...

It's simplicity at its best, dear! xoxo

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

I like it so much! Really cool.

STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
Latest Post: Simple Swedish Home Filled With Natural Light

Silvia said...

Me encanta!!!

Chicadelpanuelorojo.blogspot.com.es

sepatuholig-Grace Njio said...

I love to organize space around the house. These are great tips Rowena!!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
IG @grace_njio

Gabrielle said...

Truly love this post including all of your fabulous tips - and stunning imagery you've chosen as well! Doing a little each day is brilliant advice, and making your bed really is the perfect way to start any day :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

Hena Tayeb said...

Great tips. I absolutely agree, especially with the first one.

http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

Sparkles of Light said...

This was very inspiring, I'm currently having a ruthless clear out of my house to make it more minimalist, to be fair my home is tiny and if I don't keep on top of it it can become overwhelming!

Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog

Bella como camella said...

Que buenas ideas!
Me encanta la decoración


Visita mi nuevo blog
https://bellacomocamella.blogspot.com/

Priya Hareesh said...

Nice tips, I fall all of this as I m just not a fan of clutter. I m kind of very organsined and very fond of keeping the house clean
www.stylebasket.in