Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You’re still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and clutter slowly creeps back in, now is the perfect time to build small but impactful habits that are easy to maintain long term.

The key to a consistently tidy home isn’t marathon cleaning sessions—it’s simple daily habits that prevent mess from piling up. Here are seven practical cleaning and organization habits that actually work and can help you enjoy a cleaner home all year.

1. Keep a Donation Bag Accessible at All Times

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of clutter is by keeping a donation bag, basket, or box readily available. Instead of waiting for a full decluttering session, place items you no longer use or enjoy directly into the bag as you notice them.

If you have children, consider placing a donation basket in their rooms to encourage participation and make letting go feel more natural. Once the bag is full, quickly sort through it and drop it off at a local charity shop. This habit keeps clutter from lingering and makes decluttering an ongoing, stress-free process.

2. Create a Manageable Laundry Routine

Laundry has a way of piling up fast—but a simple routine can prevent it from taking over your weekends. Experts recommend doing one small load of laundry daily or assigning specific days during the week to tackle a few loads at a time.

The key is to fold or hang clothes immediately to avoid the dreaded clean-laundry pile. This habit reduces visual clutter, saves time, and keeps your home feeling more organized overall.

3. Practice the One-In, One-Out Rule

With gifts, sales, and impulse purchases, clutter can quickly build up—especially in closets and storage areas. The one-in, one-out rule helps keep your home balanced by removing one item every time something new comes in.

This habit works especially well for clothing, kids’ items, and décor. Before buying something new, ask yourself if you’re willing to let go of something else. It encourages thoughtful purchases and turns decluttering into a continuous, manageable habit instead of a once-a-year chore.

4. Keep Cleaning Supplies Within Reach

You’re far more likely to clean when your supplies are easy to access. Create a portable cleaning caddy stocked with everyday essentials like:

• Multipurpose cleaner

• Microfiber cloths

• Sponges and brushes

• Gloves

• Glass cleaner

• All-purpose spray

Having everything in one place makes it easier to clean as messes happen, saving time and preventing buildup.

5. Always Close the Toilet Lid Before Flushing

This small habit can make a big difference in bathroom cleanliness. Flushing with the lid open releases tiny droplets into the air that can spread bacteria onto nearby surfaces.

Closing the toilet lid before flushing—combined with regular cleaning and proper handwashing—helps keep your bathroom cleaner and more hygienic with minimal effort.

6. Squeegee the Shower After Every Use

While it may feel tedious at first, squeegeeing your shower after each use is one of the most effective habits for maintaining a clean bathroom. It removes excess water and soap residue immediately, helping prevent water spots, soap scum, hard water stains, mold, and mildew.

This quick step keeps your shower cleaner for longer and reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning.

7. Do a 10–15 Minute Nightly Reset

A short nightly reset of your most used spaces—like the kitchen or living room—can make your entire home feel calmer and more manageable. Spending just 10–15 minutes tidying up before bed allows you to wake up to a clean space, reducing stress and decision fatigue.

Living room reset ideas:

• Put away items that don’t belong in the room

• Clear coffee tables and surfaces

• Fold blankets and fluff pillows

• Run the robot vacuum or do a quick sweep

Kitchen reset ideas:

• Wipe down counters

• Load or run the dishwasher

• Wash remaining dishes

• Take out the trash if needed

If you’re short on energy, keep a designated basket for stray items and return them to their proper places the next day.

Keeping a clean and tidy home doesn’t require perfection—it requires consistency. By building small daily habits like these, you can maintain a calmer, more organized space all year long without feeling overwhelmed.