Make Space and Minimise Mess at Home

A tidy, organised home contributes to a sense of calm and overall well-being. It’s been well researched that living in cluttered, messy surroundings is harmful to our mental health. Trouble is, messes and muddles spring up almost behind your back, especially in busy households. 

A few simple strategies and habits can help you stay on top. You’ll feel like you have more space and are finally in control if just one or two of these tips help.

Declutter Regularly

Decluttering is an ongoing process. It would be lovely if it was once and done, but life’s never that simple. Sort through your belongings regularly and clear out the items you no longer use. It doesn’t mean tossing out things permanently as you can store precious items in a storage unit. Having fewer possessions at home means less cleaning and organising, making it easier to minimise mess. Having them in self storage means you can fetch them back any time you choose.

Create a Cleaning Routine 

Having a consistent cleaning routine makes it less likely you’ll cut corners or put tasks off. Simple habits to work on are things like always making sure the kitchen is tidy before you go to bed or cleaning the bath or shower after each use. You could break down bigger jobs into manageable chunks and allocate specific days or times for each task. For example, have a laundry day, a vacuuming day, a day for washing or polishing hard floors… you get the idea. When you just have one job, it’s easier to whizz through it. 

Clean as You Go to Keep Tasks Small

Doing small jobs straight away is a huge help when you’re trying to minimise mess in the fastest time possible. Instead of leaving all the dishes until after the meal, wash up pots and utensils as soon as you’ve finished with them. It only takes a moment, but suddenly the after-eating clean up is done in a flash. Whenever you use an item, put it straight back where it belongs instead of leaving it lying around until later. Make your bed as soon as you get up, put dirty laundry straight in the basket etc. Little tidy-up habits help keep the place neater throughout the day.

Organise Your Storage Spaces

Having well-organised storage spaces can be really satisfying and, daft as it sounds, bring a sense of satisfaction into your life. Invest in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, shelves, and drawer dividers to keep items neatly arranged. Label containers to make it easier to find and put away belongings. Make use of vertical space by installing hooks or hanging organisers. Take a seasonal approach to the way you store things, putting winter things in self storage during summer and vice versa. The cost of self storage isn’t huge, and it helps reduce the number of possessions at home, including garden machinery and furnishings, clothing, and guest or playroom items. 

Manage Your Hallway

The hallway or porch is often a high-traffic area that easily gets cluttered. If you can, establish a system to manage items like shoes, coats, bags, and keys. Assess the space and decide what would work, such as installing a shoe rack, fitting hooks or a coat rack for outerwear, and having a key rack or dish for house and car keys. A tidy hallway is lovely to come home to, and more welcoming to visitors too.

Take Defensive Action 

High traffic areas are harder to keep clean, but little things can help, such as doormats and enforcing a ‘wipe your feet’ rule when you come in. Or go a step further and lay down a ‘no shoes indoors’ rule. You could also use furniture protectors or slipcovers to protect furnishings from spills if you have kids, or hair if you have pets. Use washable rugs in kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms if you prefer carpet over tiles or vinyl floor-coverings.

Involve the Whole Family 

When everyone does their bit to keep the place tidy and clean, it’s much easier. It might take a little reminding and maybe gentle nagging at first, but everyone will soon get used to new ways of doing things. You could encourage kids with age-appropriate tasks and rewards to help them see what needs doing. Even very young children can be keen to help and be involved.

It’s an ongoing process and takes constant vigilance, which is why good habits help make the job less burdensome. By working together, you can minimise mess and make your home feel more spacious and comfortable.