“Your home should be the antidote to stress, not the cause.” —Peter Walsh
Most of us aspire to a home that feels calm—a place where we can relax at the end of a long day, a space that brings peace rather than stress. We picture clean countertops, clear floors, and rooms filled with only the things we love.
But for many of us, that vision feels just out of reach. Life is busy, our homes are used every day, and clutter seems to multiply overnight.
Here’s the trick that most people miss: The secret to maintaining a clutterfree home isn’t found in a once-a-year deep clean or a major decluttering project, though those can help. The real key lies in small, daily habits.
Our homes get used every day, so it makes sense that a little attention each day can keep things from spiraling out of control. We don’t need to wait for the perfect time to tidy up or the energy for a big cleaning spree. Instead, we embrace simple habits, all day long, that take just minutes but keep our homes in a constant state of calm.
These daily habits aren’t necessarily difficult or time-consuming, but they make all the difference. When we incorporate them into our routine, they become second nature. Over time, we find that keeping a clutterfree home isn’t something we have to work for—it’s simply the way we live.
Here are 10 daily habits to help you keep your home clutterfree:
1. Wash and put away dishes
After each meal, make it a habit to wash or load the dishes into the dishwasher and put them away when dry. Or, try handwashing your dishes. A clean kitchen sets the tone for the entire home, and when dishes pile up, the space quickly feels chaotic. Tackling them right away ensures a clutterfree, inviting kitchen.
2. Return clothes to the closet or hamper
Instead of leaving clothes on the floor or draped over furniture, take a moment to put them back in the closet or toss them in the hamper. This simple habit keeps bedrooms tidy and prevents laundry from piling up.
3. Tidy up the living room
At the end of each day, spend five to ten minutes straightening up the living room. Fluff pillows, fold blankets, and return out-of-place items to their home. This quick reset makes the space feel organized and ready for the next day.
4. Clear items off the bathroom counter
Bathroom counters can quickly become cluttered with toiletries and products. Each morning or evening, take a moment to clear everything off and put things back where they belong. A clean counter transforms the space and brings a sense of calm.
5. Process the mail immediately
Instead of letting mail pile up on the kitchen counter or entry table, process it as soon as it arrives. Toss junk mail, set aside bills, and store important papers in their designated spot. This habit prevents paper clutter from taking over.
6. Put away shoes and bags
When you walk in the door, it’s easy to leave shoes and bags wherever they land. But putting them away immediately—shoes on the rack, bags in a designated spot—keeps the entryway or living space from becoming cluttered.
7. Wipe down surfaces
Wiping down surfaces like kitchen counters, dining tables, or bathroom sinks each day helps maintain cleanliness and order. It only takes a minute but prevents grime and clutter from building up.
8. Make your bed
One of the simplest habits to start your day off right is making your bed. A made bed brings an immediate sense of order to the room and makes the entire bedroom feel more put-together. It’s a small task with a big impact.
9. Return items to their designated places
As you go about your day, it’s easy to leave things like books, toys, or electronics scattered around the house. Take a few minutes each day to return these items to their designated spots. This keeps your home organized and prevents clutter from building up over time.
10. Include your kids in putting toys away
If you have children, it’s important to involve them in the process of keeping the home clutterfree. At the end of the day, encourage them to help put away their toys. Not only does this keep the home organized, but it also teaches them responsibility and the value of a tidy space.
If you’re just getting started trying to establish a clutterfree home, these might sound daunting at the beginning. And if own too much stuff, they will be more difficult
But, owning fewer things makes all of this even easier. When we simplify our possessions, there’s less to tidy, less to clean, and less to manage. Minimalism allows us to focus on what matters most—creating a home that is not just clutterfree, but filled with peace, purpose, and joy.