Alright, let’s talk about cleaning. This is one of my love–hate topics. I love a clean house, but I don’t love the effort that an organized home usually requires—or at least, that’s what I used to think.
I’m naturally on the disorganized side. It takes effort for me to put things away or clean up after myself consistently. But over time, I’ve found ways to hack those messy spaces and focus on quick wins that make my home look put together more often—without spending hours cleaning.
My goal is not to become a perfect cleaner or scrub toilets all day. It’s to get things done without feeling overwhelmed by making chores achievable (and sometimes even fun). The key for me is prioritizing. Here’s how I do it.
How to Clean Your Home Without Feeling Overwhelmed
1. Focus on the Key Spaces (a couple of times a week)
For me, the two most important spaces are the kitchen and bathrooms. I use them every day, and nothing feels worse than letting dirt build up there. When grime piles up, cleaning becomes harder and way more annoying.
So, twice a week, I do a quick reset:
- Wipe counters and sinks
- Put dishes in the dishwasher
- Put away clean dishes
- Scrub the toilet
- Quick sweep
- Dump the garbage and compost
- Change towels
This usually takes 15–20 minutes, depending on how messy things are.
Every other week, I add:
- Cleaning the shower
- Cleaning the stove
- Tackling one “hard” item
That adds about 30 extra minutes, but it prevents everything from piling up.
2. Dump the Garbage (and Take It Out)
This one is simple but powerful.
Get rid of what needs to go: shipping boxes, bottles, cans, papers, receipts, mail—everything. Keeping garbage inside your home is a serious no-no. It’s fast, easy, and an instant win for both your home and your health.
I also try to be mindful of consumption and follow city guidelines for disposal. I separate waste properly and stay aware of how much I’m producing. It’s a small contribution to the planet, but it matters.
3. Everything Needs a Home
I know this sounds like a buzzword, but it actually works.
Because I’m naturally disorganized, returning things to their place used to feel hard. Now that everything has a place, it’s much easier. I love how tidy things look—and because the system makes sense to me, I actually stick to it. If you have too much stuff, de-clutter what you don’t use first. That’s the fastest way to create space for what truly matters.
For things that don’t have a home yet, like screws, pins, stickers, random market merchandise, and other items, I keep a few catch-all drawers. Everything goes there until I clean them out. Nothing stays floating around the house creating visual clutter.
4. Keep Things Simple
I love cozy spaces—but the more things I own, the more effort it takes to clean and put everything away.
So I simplify.
My bed has a max of five pillows and one throw. That’s it. It takes five minutes to make in the morning. The same rule applies everywhere else: I avoid overcrowding spaces with too many blankets, pillows, shapes, or textures. A few decorative items are great—too many just add work.
5. Laundry (Weekly)
Laundry is my Sunday evening ritual.
I usually do two or three loads while cooking or watching TV. I run the washer, move things to the dryer, and fold clothes later while relaxing. I place everything neatly in a basket and put it away afterward.
Most of my clothes are machine-wash friendly—which is amazing. However, I did “make the mistake” of wearing more natural fibers like cashmere and wool. Those need special care, so I wash them by hand less often than biweekly. That adds about 30 minutes, but it’s manageable.
Extra Cleaning Tips That Make Life Easier
- Clean when it’s actually dirty—you don’t need to clean the same spot over and over
- Do a quick home scan: change a tablecloth, wipe a mirror, vacuum pet hair, put something away
- Leverage technology when possible (dishwashers, robot vacuums, vacuum-mops are game changers)
- Groom pets at least once a week to reduce hair everywhere
- You don’t need expensive cleaners—vinegar + water or dish soap works for most messes
- Deep clean every two months to reset missed areas
- Use calendar reminders or a simple chore list on the fridge so you don’t have to remember everything
Final Thoughts
This is the system I use to keep my home clean and organized without overwhelming myself. A little structure goes a long way. Your home can look sparkling without adding more pressure or another heavy responsibility to your day. I hope you enjoyed this post—and if you know someone who struggles with cleaning overwhelm, feel free to share it with them
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