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Today, I’ll share the exact strategies I’ve used for the past seven years to keep my home clean, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Whether you’re just getting started or have tried countless systems before, these four practical tips will make a world of difference in your home.

And if you’re ready to go deeper into managing your home and business, don’t miss the opportunity to grab my Five Block Time Blocking Workbook, join my Systemize Your Life Program, or level up your business with my Systemize to Scale Program.

The Difference Between Clean and Tidy

Before we begin, let’s clarify something important: a clean house is different from a tidy house. A clean house is free from dirt and grime, while a tidy house is free from clutter. You can’t truly clean your home if it’s cluttered, so tidiness is the foundation for cleanliness. These strategies will help you manage both!

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#1. Remove Clutter (The Key to Tidying Up)

Before you can have a clean home, you need to have a tidy one. A cluttered space makes cleaning nearly impossible, and it’s often the source of our stress and overwhelm. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a monumental task; it can start with small, intentional actions.

Here’s a principle I love from the Montessori method: leave every space better than you found it. When you enter or leave a room, take a moment to improve the space. For example, if there’s an empty coffee cup or misplaced item, grab it and put it where it belongs. This habit alone will drastically reduce the clutter in your home over time.

Start small by tackling one area at a time. Set a timer for five minutes and challenge yourself to fill a trash bag or a donation box with items you no longer use. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make in such a short amount of time! Check out this episode about my ESCAPE method for a quick guide to jumpstart you on the decluttering journey.

Quick Tip:

Start your decluttering journey with one high-traffic area in your home, such as the kitchen counter or entryway. Commit to keeping that space clutter-free for a week before expanding to other areas.

Action Step: Join my Systemize Your Life Program to learn how to incorporate decluttering into your daily routine for long-term success.

“When your home is tidy, cleaning becomes faster, easier, and far less overwhelming.”

#2. Build “Tidy Cues” Into Your Daily Routine

If you’ve ever struggled to stay on top of tidying, you’re not alone. That’s why I developed the concept of “Tidy Cues,” a simple yet transformative habit that can keep your home consistently tidy.

What are Tidy Cues?
Tidy Cues are small moments of transition built into your day where you pause to tidy up your space. These cues are best placed at the end of each of your time blocks (like the ones in my Five Block Time Blocking Workbook). For example:

• After breakfast, take 5 minutes to clear the kitchen counters.
• Before transitioning from work to family time, spend 10 minutes organizing your workspace.
• At the end of the day, do a quick tidy of the living room to reset for the next morning.

The key is to create a habit where tidying becomes a natural part of your daily rhythm. Even young kids can be included in this process! Teach them to tidy up toys before moving to the next activity or clean up their own plates after meals.

Quick Tip:

Set a timer on your phone for the end of each time block as a reminder to implement your Tidy Cue. Keep it short and sweet—just 5 to 15 minutes is enough to make a big impact.

Action Step: Learn more about time blocking and Tidy Cues by grabbing your free Time Blocking Workbook.

#3. Involve Your Kids in the Process

Teaching kids to participate in keeping the house clean and tidy is not only beneficial for you but also builds lifelong skills for them. Children as young as toddlers can start learning responsibility through simple tasks, like picking up toys or wiping down surfaces.

Here’s how to start:

• Create age-appropriate tasks for each child. For example, a 3-year-old can help pick up toys, while a 10-year-old can learn to fold laundry or sweep the floor.
• Make it fun! Turn tidying into a game or play music to make the process more enjoyable.
• Model the behavior you want to see. When your kids see you tidying up, they’re more likely to follow suit.

Over time, tidying will become second nature to your children, creating a household culture of cleanliness and teamwork.

Quick Tip:

Designate a specific time each day for a family tidy-up session. For example, spend 10 minutes tidying the living room together before bedtime.

Listen for More Tips: How to Teach Your Kids to be Organizers Instead of Hoarders +The Truth about Why Most Moms Avoid Organizing All Together

#4. Simplify Your Cleaning Routine

Once your home is tidy, keeping it clean becomes much easier. But cleaning doesn’t have to involve hours of scrubbing or endless checklists. Instead, focus on creating a simple, manageable cleaning routine that fits into your busy schedule.

Here’s what works for me:

• Prioritize one or two cleaning tasks each day instead of trying to tackle the entire house at once.
• Use the right tools and products to make cleaning faster and more effective. (Check out the video where I show you EXACTLY what I use in my home)
• Schedule a deep cleaning session once a month to tackle areas that don’t require daily attention, like baseboards or windows.

By simplifying your cleaning routine, you’ll save time and energy while maintaining a clean and comfortable home.

Quick Tip:

Keep a small caddy of cleaning supplies in each major area of your home (like the kitchen or bathroom) for quick and easy access. Check out these Quick Tips For Getting Your Home Clean With Your Kids Help!

Action Step: Ready to streamline your entire home and business? Check out the Systemize to Scale Program for advanced strategies that save time and reduce stress.