Embracing 9 Fresh Organizing and Tidying Practices for a New Year
Almost the new year is approaching, and if you're contemplating changes for 2027, know you're not alone. If a cleaner living space is one of your aims, the key is to cultivate better routines. Unsure where to begin? We asked cleaning experts about the dirtiest spots in most homes and simple adjustments that can make a significant impact. Here are nine cleaning and organizing habits to adopt in the new year.
- *Matthew Johnson*, mold specialist and founder of EcoClean Home Solutions
- *Lucy Thompson*, founder of Lucy's Cleaning Co.
Set a Cleaning Schedule
Lucy Thompson, founder of Lucy's Cleaning Co., suggests setting the tone for the year by creating a cleaning schedule for yourself.
“To avoid feeling overwhelmed with numerous tasks, establish a cleaning schedule," she suggests. "Assign a daily cleaning task, such as laundry on Thursdays or bathroom cleaning on Sundays. This creates a consistent routine that feels less daunting and time-consuming."
Adding this to your calendar will help you adhere to it and ensure you don't forget.
Embrace the 'Clean-As-You-Go' Method
Do you often find cleaning chores in the kitchen or bathroom overwhelming or feel that every cleaning session turns into a deep-clean marathon? If so, Thompson recommends the 'clean-as-you-go' approach.
“Simple habits include wiping surfaces after use or cleaning spills right away," she suggests. "This prevents clutter from accumulating, keeping your living space tidy and uncluttered throughout the year.”
Make Your Bed Every Morning
Your grandmother might have told you to make your bed every morning, claiming it produces a positive energy flow. Thompson concurs with this small but impactful habit.
“Making your bed every morning instantly brightens up your room and gives you a sense of accomplishment for a productive day ahead," she says.
Regularly Schedule Declutter Sessions
Clutter in your home can contribute to stress and make finding everyday items difficult. Regularly scheduling declutter sessions not only helps reduce stress but also helps you maintain a cleaner, more well-organized home overall.
"Set aside time each week to declutter one area of your house. It's easier to manage a clutter-free, clean space when decluttering is made a consistent routine," says Thompson. "Start by clearing out cabinets in the kitchen, or if that's too much, set aside monthly deep declutter sessions to tackle specific areas of your home."
Stay on Top of Laundry
Laundry isn't exactly a fun task, but it's necessary for maintaining a clean living space. Piles of unfolded clean laundry can be a common issue. To make this task less daunting in 2027, try to establish a manageable laundry routine.
“Making laundry manageable involves doing one load at a time and immediately folding or hanging items. This helps prevent procrastination and turns the chore into a simple, less time-consuming daily task," suggests Thompson.
Regularly Dust Your Home
Dusting is an important part of maintaining good air quality and keeping your living space clean. Regular sweeping and dusting keeps surfaces clean and prevents particles from gathering and contaminating your indoor air.
“Invest in a good quality HEPA vacuum and microfiber cloths to help capture and hold indoor particles," advises Johnson. "This will result in cleaner surfaces and improve the overall air quality of your home."
Regularly Change Your HVAC Filters
Many homeowners neglect changing their HVAC filters regularly, but doing so can have a significant impact on your living space's cleanliness and overall indoor air quality.
“Air filters serve as the primary defense for both your HVAC system and indoor air, capturing contaminants before they reach the HVAC unit," explains Johnson. "Over time, filters become clogged with dust and particles, reducing their effectiveness, lowering air quality, and straining the HVAC system."
To ensure optimal HVAC performance, Johnson advises following the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement intervals and setting reminders to check and replace filters regularly. Replace filters more frequently during periods of heavy HVAC use.
Switch to Natural, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Both Thompson and Johnson recommend making the transition to eco-friendly, all-natural cleaning products for a healthier living space.
“Non-toxic cleaning products are great for improving overall indoor air quality and reducing potential health risks for you and your family," advises Johnson. "Making the change to plant-based, all-natural products can make a big difference in how fresh your home feels."
"Instead of harsh chemicals that can decrease air quality indoors, provoke reactions in sensitive people, and negatively impact the environment, botanical solutions opt for natural components to combat contaminants," Rubino explains. "Opt for these choices to foster a healthier home environment and enhanced air quality."
On a budget, you can still maintain a clean house. Combining vinegar and water in a spray bottle makes for an economical and potent solution. Additionally, baking soda proves to be an excellent tool for eliminating grease and other messes.
Deep Clean Every Seven Days
For a more pristine living space, it's essential to dedicate time to thorough cleaning. Sokolowski recommends setting aside one day per week for deep cleaning tasks such as cleaning baseboards, dusting ceiling fans, or giving your bathroom a thorough clean.
"Implementing this routine will hinder the accumulation of grime and ensure your home remains fresh and clean all the time," she advises.
If a weekly deep clean isn't feasible, or every other week for that matter, think about employing a professional cleaner. After all, there's nothing wrong with seeking assistance with tasks that exceed one's time or energy limits.
Utilizing resources like 'RealSimple's Cleaning Checklists' can provide you with a thorough guide on deep cleaning tasks. Regularly incorporating these checklists into your cleaning schedule can ensure a consistently clean home.
Adopting eco-friendly cleaning products, such as those suggested by Matthew Johnson and Lucy Thompson, not only makes your home cleaner but also contributes to a healthier environment. Using natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda can be both economical and effective.
