Tag: spring cleaning

May 2025

How I Stay Organized with Two Cleaning Closets (and a Simple Trick for Clutter!)

Elizabeth Yuen

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!

April 2025

Habit Stacking for a Clean and Tidy Home

Elizabeth Yuen

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:

  1. After brushing your teeth at night, wipe down the bathroom sink and mirror.
  2. When you start the coffee maker in the morning, unload the dishwasher.
  3. After dinner, set a five-minute timer to declutter the living room.
  4. When your kids finish their baths, do a quick wipe-down of the bathroom sink.
  5. 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!

March 2025

How 1000 Hours Outside Leads to a Cleaner Home

Elizabeth Yuen

Spending time outdoors isn’t just great for your health and well-being—it can also be a game changer when it comes to keeping your home clean! As someone who’s actively working toward the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, I’ve noticed an unexpected perk: a tidier, less cluttered home with minimal effort.

Less Time Inside = Less Mess 🏡

It’s simple math—the more time you and your family spend outside, the less time there is to create messes indoors. Fewer snack crumbs on the couch, fewer toys scattered across the floor, and fewer fingerprints on every surface. Whether it’s a morning walk, a trip to the park, or just playing in the backyard, every hour outside means one less hour spent making a mess inside.

Fewer Dishes, Less Kitchen Chaos 🍽️

If you’re eating lunch on a picnic blanket at the park instead of at the dining table, that’s fewer dishes to wash! When we spend more time outside, we naturally shift some of our meals and snacks outdoors, which means less kitchen cleanup. Bonus: food spills are way easier to manage outside than on your carpet!

Less Screen Time = Less Clutter 📱

In my recent digital detox, I talked about how cutting back on screen time has helped me feel more creative and present. But another hidden benefit? Less clutter! When we’re indoors, it’s easy to fall into mindless online shopping, accumulating more “stuff” we don’t really need. Being outside keeps us engaged in the real world rather than filling our home with impulse buys.

More Energy for Cleaning When You Are Inside ⚡

Spending time outdoors boosts energy levels, reduces stress, and improves overall mood. When I get fresh air and movement, I actually want to tidy up when I come inside! It’s amazing how a little time in nature can give you the motivation to tackle household tasks with a more positive mindset.

The 5-Minute Outdoor Reset 🌿

Instead of taking a break by scrolling on my phone, I’ve started stepping outside for a few minutes when I need a reset. A quick walk or just sitting in the sun helps clear my mind and keeps me from procrastinating household tasks. It’s a small shift that’s made a huge impact on how I manage my day.

A Cleaner Home, the Easy Way ✨

If you’re looking for an effortless way to maintain a cleaner home, start prioritizing outdoor time. The fresh air, extra energy, and reduced indoor mess all add up to a tidier space without extra effort. Plus, you’ll get all the mental and physical health benefits that come with spending more time in nature.

Are you trying the 1000 Hours Outside challenge? Let me know how it’s going for you—I’d love to hear your experience! 😊