Keeping a tidy home with a busy schedule (and a toddler running around!) means I have to be strategic about cleaning. One of the best systems I’ve put in place is having a cleaning closet on both floors of my home—and a simple bin to keep clutter under control.
This small change has made a huge difference in how easily I stay on top of housework without constantly running up and down the stairs. Here’s how I set it up and why it works!
Why I Have Two Cleaning Closets
I used to keep all my cleaning supplies in one central location, but that often meant lugging bottles, cloths, and tools upstairs and downstairs multiple times a day. Not only was it inconvenient, but it also made quick cleaning feel like a chore.
Now, I keep a fully stocked cleaning closet both upstairs and downstairs, so no matter where I am, I have everything I need within reach.
What’s in My Cleaning Closets?
Each closet holds:
✅ Multi-surface cleaner
✅ Disinfecting wipes
✅ Microfiber cloths
✅ A handheld vacuum or dustbuster
✅ Floor cleaner for that level
✅ Trash bags
✅ Toilet bowl cleaner (for bathrooms)
This setup makes it so much easier to tackle small messes on the spot instead of waiting until later (because we all know “later” usually never comes).
My Trick for Managing Clutter: The “Upstairs Bin”
Another game-changer? I keep a small bin in my downstairs cleaning closet specifically for random items that need to go upstairs.
Throughout the day, I toss in anything that belongs upstairs—like my son’s toys, a pair of socks, or a book I brought downstairs. When I go up, I take the bin with me and put things away in one trip. No more running up the stairs every five minutes!
This simple system:
✔ Keeps clutter from piling up downstairs
✔ Saves me time and effort
✔ Helps maintain a tidy home without extra work
Why This System Works
💡 Convenience = More Consistency. When supplies are easy to access, I’m more likely to clean in small bursts instead of letting messes build up.
💡 One-Minute Rule in Action. If something takes less than a minute (like tossing an item in the bin or wiping a countertop), I do it immediately.
💡 No More Staircase Clutter. Instead of leaving random items on the stairs (a tripping hazard!), they go straight into the bin.
Final Thoughts
Having cleaning closets on both floors and a dedicated bin for upstairs items has made cleaning more effortless and my home more organized. It’s a simple system that keeps things tidy without extra effort!
Do you have any go-to cleaning hacks? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing new ideas!
Elizabeth Yuen 