It’s easy to admire homes that seem effortlessly clean and organized. Well, I’ll tell you a little secret: the trick to maintaining a tidy home isn’t just about what these homeowners do but also about what they don’t do. By avoiding certain habits, they create a clutter-free and welcoming environment. Removing non-essential possessions and habits that don’t serve us is the foundation of living out minimalism practically. So here are five things people with tidy homes don’t do and how you can apply the principles to your living space.
1. They Don’t Accumulate Unnecessary Items
People with tidy homes are selective about what they bring into their space. They avoid accumulating unnecessary items that contribute to clutter. Instead of holding on to things “just in case,” they focus on keeping only what is truly needed and loved. This mindset helps them maintain a clean and organized home.
To adopt this habit, regularly assess your belongings and donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. Don’t just put them away in a box in case you need them; remove them entirely from your space.
2. They Don’t Let Cleaning Tasks Pile Up
One key habit of maintaining a tidy home is tackling cleaning tasks promptly. People with clean and tidy homes don’t let dishes pile up in the sink or the laundry overflow. They incorporate small cleaning tasks into their daily routine, making keeping their home in order easier.
Gretchen Rubin calls this the one-minute rule: if a task can be completed in one or two minutes, do it immediately, and it works brilliantly. So don’t let little tasks pile up. Wipe down surfaces after use and quickly sweep the floor every evening. Addressing chores as they arise prevents messes from becoming overwhelming.
3. They Don’t Overlook Regular Decluttering
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event for those with tidy homes; it’s a continuous process. They make it a habit to regularly go through their possessions and remove anything no longer needed. This prevents clutter from building up and keeps their living spaces organized.
If you have a family, regular decluttering will almost always be required. So schedule a regular monthly time to declutter closets, drawers, and your kids’ areas. Consistent decluttering ensures that your home remains calm, tidy, and orderly.
4. They Don’t Ignore Designated Spaces
Every item in a tidy home has a designated space, or as I like to say, “everything has a home.” People with organized homes don’t leave things lying around without a proper spot. They ensure that everything has a place, from keys and mail to toys, shoes, remote controls, and Tupperware lids. This practice not only keeps their space neat but also makes it easier to find items when needed. It also makes including family members in the cleaning process much easier.
To implement this strategy, assign specific spots for your belongings and make it a habit to return items to their place after every use.
5. They Don’t Wait for Company Coming Over to Clean Up
Of course, hosting a party, small group, or family get-together at your home usually results in some last-minute cleaning up. But people with tidy homes don’t wait until that moment to make their homes the space they want them to be. They recognize that the home they want visitors to see is the same home they want their families to live in daily. So they don’t wait for the doorbell; instead, they care for it every day, resulting in less stress for everyone.
Of course, I should mention that the less stuff a person owns, the easier this becomes. But maybe that’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about minimalism. By being selective about what you bring into your home, staying on top of little tasks, regularly decluttering, assigning designated spaces, and staying proactive ahead of cleaning, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean and organized environment.
Start implementing these principles today and begin transforming your place right away.
