How a Clean Home Can Save You Time and Reduce Stress

We all know life can be a total whirlwind. Between family, work obligations, hobbies, exercising, keeping in touch with friends, and other personal commitments, the last thing you have time to think about is cleaning your house. But did you know that a messy home could actually be costing you more than just time?

The Mental Load of Mess

Clutter and untidiness can affect your mental clarity. Studies show that a disorganized space can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even guilt, which in turn impacts productivity. If you find yourself overwhelmed, starting with small daily habits—like making your bed every morning or cleaning up dishes right after meals—can create an immediate sense of accomplishment and control.

Here’s how you can tackle your mess, reduce stress, and buy your time back to spend on the things you love:

1. Set Realistic Goals

Instead of setting aside entire weekends to deep-clean your home, which can be daunting, try the “15-minute rule.” Spend just 15 minutes a day tackling small tasks. You’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish in that short amount of time. Break larger cleaning tasks into smaller, manageable portions. This method not only saves time but helps maintain consistency, so cleaning doesn’t pile up.

Here’s a list of a few tasks that can take just 15 minutes each:

1. Wipe down kitchen Counters daily after dinner
   • Clear off crumbs, sticky spots, and dust on counters, and quickly wipe down high-touch cabinet handles.
2. Reset the living room every night before bed
   • Fluff the pillows, fold blankets, and quickly put away any clutter that has piled up on center table, console table, etc.
3. Wipe the bathroom sink and mirror every morning after brushing your teeth
   • Wipe down the sink and faucet, then give the mirror a quick wipe to remove fingerprints and water spots.
4. Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas every 2-3 days
   • Focus on entryways, the kitchen, or hallways where dust and dirt build up quickly.
5. Empty trash bins around the house the night before designated garbage days
   • Take a few minutes in the evenings to empty smaller trash bins in the bathroom, bedrooms, and home office ahead of garbage day.
6. Organize a single drawer or shelf once per week
   • Pick one drawer or shelf in your home (kitchen, home office, bedroom) that needs attention, and set a 15-minute timer to organize and throw away to declutter.

These short, focused cleaning bursts can help you make daily progress without feeling overwhelmed and spending your entire weekend cleaning.

2. Declutter to Destress

Less is more when it comes to household items. Decluttering your space can instantly improve your living environment and mood. Set a date every 3-6 months where you will go through items your haven’t used and consider donating or tossing items. Designating a ‘home’ for items that constantly wind up on the kitchen counter or dining table allows for quicker clean-ups, fewer distractions, and reduced clutter.

Here’s a list of common items that contribute to the most clutter and what you can do to find a home for them:

1. Mail
   • Designate a spot near the entryway or in the kitchen for incoming mail. Use a simple wall organizer or a small basket to sort through and avoid piling on counters.
2. Keys, sunglasses, and sunscreen
   • Use a small dish or a drawer organizer in your entryway so these essentials are always in the same place when you need them.
3. Chargers
   • Corral charging cords and headphones in a designated “charging station” using a drawer or a desk organizer.
4. Toys and Kids’ Items
   • Use bins or baskets in common areas and kids’ rooms to collect toys and kids’ items and put. This keeps things easily accessible but out of the way.
5. Shoes
   • A shoe rack by the door or inside a closet will reduce the mess of shoes by the entrance.
6. Reusable Bags
   • Hang them in the pantry or on a hook inside a closet, or use a bin in your car trunk for easy access when you need to take them into the supermarket with you.
7. Jackets and Outerwear
   • Set up hooks by the door, coat rack, or designate a coat closet so outerwear doesn’t end up on chairs or tables.
8. Random Small Items (e.g., pens, tape, scissors)
   • A small drawer or desk caddy with compartments can keep these items handy and in one designated spot.

3. Tap into Outsourced Help

For those weeks when your mental load or hectic schedule leaves no room for even a 15-minute clean-up, you don’t have to go it alone. Outsourcing home cleaning to professionals can alleviate stress and free up your schedule for more important tasks. By entrusting your cleaning to a reliable, licensed, and bonded service, you’re investing into your mental well-being.

The most effective way to keep your home clean, reclaim your time, and clear mental space is to find a balance between everyday tidying and outsourcing what you can’t get to.

Request a free quote and get help tackling your mess and reducing stress.