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Most of us want to live in a home that feels neat and tidy, but it can be hard to know where to start once the mess has gotten away from you. Suddenly, you may notice your space is cluttered and disorganized, filled with dishes and dust and laundry—oh my.

Maintaining a clean and tidy home doesn’t only improve the aesthetic of your living environment, it can also promote peace of mind.1 While kicking off a home cleaning project can seem overwhelming, there are a few rules of thumb you can follow to keep housekeeping from becoming overwhelming.

Read on for some tips for keeping your home clean and tidy.

How Often Should You Tidy Your Home?

As with most cleaning tasks, regular maintenance keeps the mess at bay. How often you will need to tidy your home depends on lots of different factors—from how often you cook to children or pets to regularly entertaining. Develop a routine that works for your lifestyle and stick to it—you’ll be glad that you did.

Make Sure Everything Has a Place

A place for everything and everything in its place—it’s a phrase we’ve all heard, but what does it really mean? In a nutshell, each item in your home should have a designated spot where it belongs. When everyone in the family knows where specific items go, it’s much easier to keep the house clean and organized. It may take a bit of time to get everyone on board, but the payoff is worth it.

A well-organized home is a calm and relaxing oasis, while a cluttered and chaotic home can be stressful and overwhelming.2 So, take the time to create a system that works for you and your family, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a neat and tidy home.

Implement a “One In, One Out” Rule

One of the best ways to avoid excess clutter in your home is to implement a “one in, one out” rule. For every new item that comes into your space, get rid of something old. This can be difficult at first, but it’s a great way to keep your home tidy and organized.

If you’re considering buying new furniture or decorations, you can recycle or donate old items to confidently bring something new into your space. And if you’re ever uncertain about whether or not to get rid of something, just ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” If the answer is no, then it’s time to let it go.

Set Aside Time Each Day for Decluttering

Making time each day to declutter and straighten up can help to prevent messes from piling up. Whether it’s before bed or right when you wake up, designate a specific time to tidy up. This will help you to stay on top of the messes and keep your home looking its best. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the mess, set aside time each day to declutter and straighten up—you’ll be glad you did.

Make Your Bed Every Day

Making your bed every day is not just a chore, it’s an important habit that can start your day off right, plus, it can help you keep your whole space cleaner. A neatly made bed can give you a sense of order and calm, setting the tone for a productive day.

Additionally, taking the time to make your bed sends a message to yourself that you’re worth taking care of. It’s a small act of self-care that can make a big difference in your mood, outlook, and home. Not to mention, it only takes a few minutes to do.