So, here I am, staring down the barrel of the New Year, armed with a latte and a dream: to finally nail those New Year’s cleaning resolutions.
You know, those promises we make to transform our homes from ‘whoa’ to ‘wow’ without breaking a sweat?
Yeah, those.
And let me tell you, with clutter magically multiplying and laundry piles that seem to have their own heartbeat, it’s a challenge that could make even Marie Kondo sweat a little.
But, this year is different.
I’m all about finding those lazy-girl hacks and easy-peasy New Year’s decluttering resolutions that even the busiest, most overwhelmed small-home dwellers can stick to.
Because let’s face it, we’ve got enough on our plates without adding ‘become a cleaning superhero’ to the list.
So, if you’re like me, perpetually juggling a million things and living in a place where ‘tiny’ doesn’t even begin to describe it, you’re in the right spot.
Let’s dive into this together and make our homes our happy places again, one lazy yet effective cleaning hack at a time.
These are easy, quick and actually might be fun to do to make your home clean and clutter-free EVERY. SINGLE. FREAKING. DAY.
1. One-Minute Rule
This one cleaning resolution can be a game-changer for you.
I mean it was for me when I started this rule.
Imagine this: tasks that zap less than sixty seconds? Done right then and there.
Boom!
Hang up that coat as soon as you walk in (no more chairdrobe, am I right?), and give that counter a quick swipe after your coffee fix. Easy peasy!
Need some tools to jazz up this magic trick?
Snag some stylish wall hooks like this one, perfect for those coats and bags. And oh, the “AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth”? A wipe-down wizard for those pesky crumbs.
Tiny tasks, tackled instantly, can bring big-time calm to our cozy corners.
Here are some more easy one-minute tasks to do when you wake up for the day or come home from work.
- Sorting Mail: Open and sort mail immediately, recycling junk and organizing important letters.
- Putting Shoes Away: Instead of leaving them by the door, place them in their designated spot.
- Clearing the Coffee Table: Remove any cups or plates right after use.
- Emptying the Trash Bin: If it’s full, take it out on your way out.
2. Make Your Bed
Imagine starting your day not just with a cup of joe but by transforming your bed from a crumpled canvas to a masterpiece of neatness.
It’s as simple as straightening the sheets and fluffing those pillows each morning.
This little act can seriously elevate the whole vibe of your space, making it feel instantly more put-together and calm.
Now, let’s talk upgrades.
I’m a huge fan of cozy, chic bedding that makes this habit even more delightful.
Think about slipping on a set of soft, inviting sheets for that luxe, snooze-worthy feel.
Add a couple of snuggly throw pillows for that extra touch of comfort and style.
3. Laundry Basket Handiness
I LOVE this lazy cleaning hack!
Grab a laundry basket and make a quick sweep through the room, scooping up all that out-of-place clutter.
I do this every night before I go to bed. I place my basket at the bottom of the stairs and fill it up and then I can bring it upstairs to put away.
And, oh, you’ve gotta check out Amazon for some super cool baskets. My current crush? This rolling laundry basket.
It’s sleek, fits in all the tight spots, and is perfect for our mini clutter-busting missions.
So, let’s grab our baskets and start our clutter roundup. Who’s ready to turn their homes into tidy havens with this simple hack?
4. Daily De-Cluttering
Decluttering my home might be the hardest one to do for a New Year’s resolution.
I mean, it is for me.
I have a family and both my husband and I work from home so we REALLY live in the home every day.
And that brings a lot of clutter everywhere.
So, to help me accomplish this, I’ll only spend just 5 minutes each day to blitz through a specific spot.
Today, let’s hit the coffee table that’s been collecting more than just coffee cups, and tomorrow, we’ll zoom in on that desk that’s starting to look like a paper factory!
Here’s the cool part: you don’t need anything fancy.
Just set a timer on your phone (yeah, that device we love!) and dive in. It’s like a mini workout for your space, and trust me, it’s oddly satisfying to see the transformation.
3. Five Minute Focus
While you your one-minute rule why not also try the five minute focus?
Set your timer for a quick five minutes and pick a small cleaning task.
Maybe it’s dusting off that bookshelf or giving the bathroom mirror a shine.
You’d be amazed at what you can conquer in those precious 300 seconds!
It’s like a mini race against the clock, but instead of stress, you get a sparkling clean spot in your home.
Plus, it’s a great way to break down those daunting tasks into bite-sized, totally doable chunks.
4. 10-Item Tidy
If you have kids or room mates, start using this cleaning resolution!
Each day, pick out 10 random items that have wandered away from their homes, and put them back where they belong.
It could be anything – a pair of scissors, a book, those pesky remote controls, or even your favorite mug.
This little daily mission is like a mini scavenger hunt, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
Not only does it keep the clutter at bay, but it also gives us a chance to reorganize things that we might have been overlooking.
5. Weekly Wardrobe Review
I don’t know about you but I can’t walk in my walk-in closet anymore!
There are just too many clothes and shoes to contend with.
So, instead of giving up, why not try a wardrobe review every week? I think I’m going to HAVE to start doing this.
Every Sunday, dive into your wardrobe and pick out one piece you haven’t rocked in months.
It’s decision time: Is it a keeper, ready for donation, or time to say goodbye?
This isn’t just about decluttering; it’s a mini fashion revival!
Rediscover forgotten favorites or make room for new treasures.
It’s like playing stylist with your own clothes – and who doesn’t love that?
6. Under the Bed Cleaning (We’re going there)
Have you checked under your bed lately?
You might be surprised but there’s a ton of dust bunnies there!
It’s time we crash it.
Once a week, arm yourself with your vacuum (this is the one I ABSOLUTELY can’t live without) and swiftly swipe under your bed.
It’s like a secret mission against dust and lost socks!
This little action is a game-changer, trust me.
Not only does it keep those dust bunnies in check, but it also gives you a little peace of mind knowing that every corner of your room is getting some love.
7. Manage ALL the Shoes
Now, don’t get me started on all the shoes I own too.
My front door entryway storage is not that bad but my bedroom is abysmal.
But it’s time to tackle the shoes this year.
Take a moment to sift through your shoe collection and make some decisions.
Keep the pairs you wear on the reg and think about saying goodbye to the ones that just gather dust.
This isn’t just about decluttering; it’s a style refresh!
It helps us focus on the shoes we truly love and actually use, making our mornings easier (no more rummaging through a mountain of shoes!) and our spaces neater.
8. Focus on the Bathrooms
Set aside just 10 minutes once a week to give our bathrooms some love.
We’re talking about a rapid-fire cleaning session hitting the big three: the mirror, sink, and toilet. It’s like a mini makeover for your bathroom!
This isn’t just about scrubbing; it’s about transforming a usually dreaded task into a quick, satisfying sprint.
Before you know it, you’ve got a sparkling bathroom that didn’t eat up your day.
And here’s my favorite scented cleaner.
9. Manage the Mail
You won’t know if you just moved into your brand new first apartment, but after a week or two you will be flooded with mail.
Bills, statements and offers every day!
So, to make sure you don’t drown in your mail, dive into that stack of letters and papers.
Sort them out, recycle what’s not needed, and keep only what’s important.
It’s not just about sorting mail; it’s about starting our week on a clutter-free note.
This little ritual keeps those pesky paper piles under control and our minds clear. Plus, it’s a great way to stay on top of bills and important notices.
10. Handle the Trash
Every Tuesday (or whatever day trash day is for you), take a look through your place and scoop up any clutter or trash that’s just hanging around.
It’s like a mini decluttering mission that keeps our homes looking and feeling great.
And to make this even easier, grab a trash can – it’s sleek, durable, and perfect for all that tossing.
And for the smaller messes, check out the “Umbra Mini Waste Can” – ideal for your desk or bathroom.
11. Wipe it Down
Focus once a week to wipe up surfaces and counters.
We’re talking tables, countertops, maybe even the TV screen. It’s a swift, satisfying sweep to keep our spaces dust-free and gleaming.
To amp up your wipe-down game, check out what I use.
First, use these mirofiber cloths – these babies are great for dusting and polishing without leaving any streaks.
And for those tougher spots, the “Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner” is a dream.
It smells amazing and works like a charm.
12. Do a Load of Dishes Every Day (or Multiple Times a Day)
Look –
You’ll instantly have a cleaner house when you put your dirty dishes into the dishwasher as soon as you finished using the plate.
Don’t let it sit around making a mess.
This way, we avoid the dreaded mountain of plates and cups that seems to grow when we’re not looking!
And to make this chore a bit more fun, check out some cool Amazon finds.
First, find a good scrub brush like this one for scrubbing.
Plus, for those dishwasher fans, the “Finish All in 1 Powerball Dishwasher Detergent Tablets” are amazing for a spotless, hassle-free clean.
13. Check the Couch Cushions
If you eat on your couch, then it’s best to check them weekly.
Make it a weekly thing to dive into the depths of our couch cushions.
You never know what treasures (or trash!) you might find. Coins, remote controls, maybe even that pen you thought you’d lost forever.
And to give our couches an extra bit of TLC, I’ve got a couple of Amazon essentials for you.
The “Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum” is a champ for sucking up crumbs and dust bunnies.
And for a fresh scent, give the “Febreze Fabric Refresher” a spritz.
It’s like a breath of fresh air for your furniture.
Best Cleaning Resolutions to Keep All Year Long
So, there you go!
Try some of these New Year’s resolutions to keep you home tidy and clean. I know I will.
And don’t forge to follow me on Pinterest for more cleaning and organizing tips!
