I Do These Easy Things Every Day To Make My House FEEL Clean
It all starts at home: In order for me to feel balanced and focused in my daily life, my living space needs to feel clean. It's the one thing I can (somewhat) control whenever life seems chaotic. However, I live with other people and animals, so I don't have complete jurisdiction over my space. (And I work from home, so I see everything all the time.)
I've discovered that if I do these six simple things every day, my home will feel put together, clean, and neat. These have become non-negotiable in my daily routine, so come chore day, tasks are more manageable. My recommendations, counted down to my #1 tip.
6. Wipe down bathroom counters.
I recently placed a basket under my sink with cleaning spray and paper towels. So, now I just give my counters and mirror a quick wipe down after getting ready in the morning, and my whole bathroom suddenly feels tidy.
5. Put dishes in the dishwasher after every meal.
Dishes in the sink — even if it's just a couple of plates and utensils — looks so messy. Putting them in the dishwasher after every meal (and not waiting until the end of the day) is a game changer. Cleaning off kitchen countertops goes hand-in-hand with this tip as well. Crumbs, dishes, and extra stuff (like mail) on the counter is a recipe for a feeling of unrest.
4. Fluff the pillows on the couch.
This one surprised me when I first started doing it, but of course it's true: a quick re-fluffing and arranging of the pillows makes my couch look fresh and inviting. Re-fold or re-drape any blankets while you're at it.
3. Wipe down the refrigerator and dishwasher, if they are stainless steel.
If you have a stainless steel refrigerator or dishwasher, fingertips and smudges show up real fast. And it just looks dirty. A quick wipe down with a stainless steel cleaning cloth and cleaner makes it feel so much nicer.
2. Manage all mail.
Do NOT let this pile up. Deal with your mail right away. Read, file, toss your catalogs, bills, and junk mail as soon as it comes in. What about your magazines? Put them in a cute magazine holder in a nice organized way.
And finally, my #1 tip:
1. Make the bed.
A habit I started as a kid, making my bed every morning is my number one non-negotiable. Even this Navy Seal Admiral believes in the benefits: "If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better."