It’s easy to put off cleaning your property for another time, but if you are keen to not let your house become overwhelmed with rubbish, follow these simple tips
Maintaining a spotless home can often feel like a Herculean task. Amid busy work schedules, health commitments and an active social life, keeping on top of housework is no small feat.
Nevertheless, one cleaning specialist has disclosed some invaluable advice for keeping your place pristine without the need for constant scrubbing or organising. Nigel Bearman, a professional cleaner from Daily Poppins believed that it’s the small things that make a world of difference: adopting minor but consistent habits that overtime will overhaul the ambiance of your living space.
He said: “The difference lies in the little things. Small, consistent habits that build up over time and completely transform the way your home feels.”
1. Never leave a room empty handed
One straightforward yet effective strategy he recommended was to never leave a room empty-handed. For instance, if you’re off to make some tea and spot something out of place – whether that’s a stray plate, a discarded jumper or socks – grab them and relocate them to their rightful spot as you wait for the kettle.
Nigel pointed out: “This habit requires little thought as after a while it will become second nature, meaning you’re tidying up constantly without adding any extra time onto your day.”
2. Follow the ‘one-minute rule’
In addition, the cleaner suggested that people adopt what he dubbed “the one minute rule” to combat the tendency of postponing tasks. This approach is about tackling small chores immediately if they can be done in less than a minute, rather than delaying them, reports the Express.
“It’s not about perfection, it’s about consistency. Homes are built on quick wins that add up,” he said.
3. Clean as you go
For those who cook regularly but loathe washing up, Nigel advocated cleaning as you go. His advice was clear: “Wipe down surfaces in between steps, load the dishwasher as things cook, and get in the habit of putting ingredients away the moment you’ve used them. These small changes can feel effortless once you’re used to them.”
4. Dump unused items
Nigel also encouraged addressing the clutter in the infamous “just in case” drawer that many homes possess. It typically contains assorted objects like random cables and unused loyalty cards, which rarely see the light of day.
His guideline is straightforward: if it hasn’t been used in the past year, it’s time to part with it. He said: “We often keep things out of guilt or habit, but that’s how clutter builds up secretly. Be honest with yourself and clear out anything that’s not serving a purpose.”
5. Do a daily ‘reset’
In addition to maintaining a daily routine, it’s essential to also schedule in a daily and weekly “reset”. Allocate 10 minutes every night before bed to tidy up, focusing on tasks such as putting away blankets, clearing kitchen surfaces, emptying bins, and washing dishes.
To make this manageable, set a timer and do as much as you can within the time frame – the key to a clean home is consistency.
6. …and a weekly one
A weekly deeper reset is also beneficial. Set aside time on a Sunday (or a day that suits you) to prepare for the upcoming week by vacuuming and dusting. By making this a regular routine, the task will become less time-consuming.
According to Nigel: “Not only does it help you stay on top of things, but it also puts you in the tidy person mindset. You’ll naturally start noticing and taking on the small tasks throughout the week.”
