Modern family life is a whirlwind. Among school runs, gym visits, work and seeing extended family and friends, maintaining a tidy home can feel like another mountain to climb, but without the time to make it to the summit. But fear not, because with the right strategies and a mere 30 minutes a day, you can keep your home in order without sacrificing precious family time or sanity. A tidy home not only creates a welcoming, healthy environment but also alleviates the mental load for parents, creating a sense of calm and order amid the chaos.
Living in a clutter-free space promotes peace of mind and reduces stress levels for both parents and children. Studies have shown that an organised environment can lead to improved focus, productivity, and overall well-being. Additionally, a tidy home sets a positive example for children, teaching them valuable life skills such as responsibility and respect for their surroundings and each other.
Set aside 30 minutes each day to tackle household chores. Whether it's in the morning before everyone rushes out the door or in the evening before dinner, consistency is key.
To make the most of this time, divide tasks among family members. This not only lightens the individual load but also creates a sense of teamwork and responsibility within the family.
Set a timer for 30 minutes and put all phones down. It’s amazing how much housework you can get done in a short space of time, especially when this process is about maintaining rather than deep cleaning.
Daily Tasks include:
Kitchen
Living Room
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Assign specific tasks to each family member based on their ability and availability and rotate tasks regularly to ensure fairness and prevent monotony. For example:
Adults: Handle more demanding tasks like mopping, deep cleaning, and organizing.
Teens: Assist with vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning their own rooms.
Younger Children: Help with simpler tasks like putting away toys, setting the table, and sorting laundry.
While having a schedule is helpful, be flexible. Some days you might need to adjust the tasks based on the urgency of certain chores or family activities. The goal is to stay consistent overall, even if daily adjustments are necessary.
Over the week, you can then dedicate time to the bigger jobs, such as:
Deep Kitchen Cleaning
Deep clean countertops and sink. Clean inside microwave and other appliances. Mop the floor.
Living Room and Shared Spaces (like playrooms or home offices)
Dust surfaces (tables, shelves). Vacuum or sweep thoroughly.
Deep Bathroom Cleaning
Clean the toilet, sink, and shower and/or bathtub. Wipe down mirrors and surfaces. Mop the floor.
Bedrooms
Dust surfaces. Vacuum or sweep the floor. Change bed linens if needed.
Laundry
Sort and start a load of laundry. Fold and put away clean clothes.
Outdoor Areas/Entryways
Sweep the porch or patio. Tidy up the entryway. Clean windows and doorframes.
Restock and Organise
It’s not all cleaning! It’s also important to check household supplies and make a shopping list. You can also spend 30 minutes organising a cluttered area or drawer.
Set yourself up for Success
Take a minimalist approach by regularly decluttering your home. Start with one room at a time, sorting items into categories such as keep, donate, or discard. Encourage children to participate by letting them decide which toys or clothes they no longer use. While this is a bigger job, it sets up your 30 minutes a day to be an easier task.
Use the "One In, One Out" Rule
For every new item brought into the home, commit to donating or recycling an old or unused item. This simple rule prevents clutter from accumulating and encourages mindful consumption.
It can also be applied to certain areas of the home. Encourage children to put one toy away before getting out another. Make sure the dishwasher is unloaded promptly so any recently used dishes can be placed inside straightaway. Or, if the shampoo bottle is empty, make sure that it is placed in the recycling instead of languishing alongside the new bottle.
Designate specific areas for commonly used items such as keys, post, and shoes. Invest in storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves to keep these zones organised and easily accessible.
Break down cleaning tasks into manageable chunks to help you get as much as possible done. To keep on top of things, focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room more regularly than other spaces, tackling one task at a time (e.g., wiping countertops, vacuuming floors) until the 30-minute timer on your phone goes off. It’s amazing how quickly you can dust, strip and change a bed, or do the washing up when you concentrate on the task at hand free of distractions.
Encourage everyone in your household to develop small habits that help you to keep a tidy home, such as making the bed each morning, putting away belongings after use, and doing a quick tidy-up before bedtime.
The bag method works well in 30 minutes when things are a bit out of hand. Each family member takes a shopping bag and fills it with everything of theirs which is in the wrong place. They can then take this to the appropriate room and put everything away simply, and efficiently in no time at all.
Instead of trying to do it all, prioritise tasks based on importance and impact. Focus on maintaining a clean and functional living space rather than striving for perfection. If the floor needs to be mopped, mop it – even if you were planning to do something else.
Maintaining a tidy home can be a huge source of stress but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task for busy families. It’s very easy to get to a point where this is exactly what it feels like so following a less intense schedule and adopting a little and often approach will help to regain control and confidence in your home without taking too much time each day.
Whether you want to register your interest, ask a question or to arrange a viewing, get in touch today.
info@hurstwoodhomes.co.uk
0161 220 1999
