Keeping a clean home while balancing a busy life—especially as a parent—can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that a simple shift in how you approach cleaning could make it easier and more automatic? Enter habit stacking, a method that pairs a new habit with one you already do regularly. It’s a small but mighty trick that helps you stay on top of chores without feeling like you’re drowning in housework.
I’ve been using habit stacking to keep my home tidy without spending all day cleaning. Here’s how it works and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine!
What is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is a concept popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits. Instead of trying to build a new habit from scratch, you attach it to an existing habit—something you already do daily. This makes it easier to remember and integrate into your routine.
For example, if you already make coffee every morning, you could add the habit of wiping down the counters while you wait for it to brew. Over time, cleaning the counters will feel as natural as making your coffee.
How I Use Habit Stacking for a Cleaner Home
I use habit stacking to fit cleaning into my daily schedule without it feeling like a burden. Here are a couple of ways I do it:
- Nighttime Routine: After putting my son down for the night, I immediately scrub out his tub and spend five minutes cleaning his bathroom. Since I’m already in there, it’s easy to add this quick habit to my routine.
- Nap Time Cleaning: When my son goes down for his nap, I throw a load of laundry in before I start my one-hour cleaning session. This ensures I keep up with laundry without feeling like it’s an extra chore.
These small, intentional habits make a huge difference in keeping my home clean without feeling like I’m constantly tidying up.
Simple Habit Stacking Ideas to Try
Want to make cleaning feel more effortless? Here are a few habit-stacking ideas you can start using today:
- After brushing your teeth at night, wipe down the bathroom sink and mirror.
- When you start the coffee maker in the morning, unload the dishwasher.
- After dinner, set a five-minute timer to declutter the living room.
- When your kids finish their baths, do a quick wipe-down of the bathroom sink.
- While waiting for food to heat up in the microwave, clean one section of the kitchen counter.
Why Habit Stacking Works
- It eliminates decision fatigue. You don’t have to think about when to clean—it’s already built into your routine.
- It keeps cleaning manageable. Instead of marathon cleaning sessions, you tackle small tasks consistently.
- It builds momentum. The more you do it, the more second nature it becomes.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a home clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By habit stacking, you can incorporate small cleaning tasks into your existing routine without adding extra stress. The key is consistency—over time, these little habits add up to a cleaner, tidier home with minimal effort.
Have you tried habit stacking for cleaning? Let me know in the comments what habits you’ve stacked to keep your home tidy!
Elizabeth Yuen 