8 Home Cleaning & Organizing Ways to Prepare for the New Year

A new year brings new hopes and goals. Instead of struggling with “unrealistic” plans, why not start with small but meaningful changes, like improving your living space? Cleaning and organizing experts suggest that the key to not feeling “overwhelmed” in your home is to always keep it tidy through simple habits. Start today with these 8 effective house cleaning tips:

1. Spend 1 Minute Each Day Tidying Your Closet

Apply this ultimate home organizing tip “don’t drop it, put it back at the right position” rule and you’ll see your home, or at least your bedroom, instantly tidy! For example, instead of throwing dirty clothes on the floor, hang them up if you plan to wear them again or put them in the laundry basket. You can also set aside a section for clothes you rarely wear and periodically decide whether to keep or donate them. Make this a monthly habit rather than an annual one to avoid the “clogged” closet issue you often complain about.

2. Maintain at Least One “No-Clutter” Corner in Your Home 

Choose a corner of the room – it could be the dining table, work desk, or dressing table – and always keep it as clean and organized as possible. This helps to keep your mind calm and relaxed. Add a small vase of flowers or a tasteful decoration. When you see that corner always looking like a picture, you’ll be less likely to clutter it up!

3. Plan for the Next Day at the End of Each Day 

Don’t just think about your outfit for the next day to avoid rummaging through your closet each morning; also prepare for other morning “rituals”. Fill the coffee maker, prepare lunch for the kids, or set the pan on the stove for breakfast. These small tasks will make your mornings much smoother. After all, we tend to make a mess when juggling too many tasks at once, especially when our brains aren’t fully awake yet…

4. Make Your Bed and Tidy the Surrounding Area Every Morning 

With fewer tasks to do each morning (thanks to your preparations the night before), make it a habit to make your bed and tidy up the area around your bedroom each morning. This will make you feel more comfortable and relaxed when you return home after a long day. Not just the bed linens, pay attention to your nightstand, which can easily be overlooked and become cluttered with items like books, hairdryers, and half-filled cups. Tidy them every morning so you don’t have to do it at night when you’re tired and need rest.

5. Check Your Fridge Before Grocery Shopping 

An overly full fridge can drive us crazy. To avoid overbuying or buying items you won’t consume, make it a habit to check your fridge before going to the market. Arrange food and categorize them by shelf: leftovers, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc. Don’t forget to check expiration dates and discard anything as needed. While you’re at it, clean your fridge at least once a week when sorting food. This can also help you save on weekly grocery costs!

6. Organize Your Pantry 

Although pantry items have a longer shelf life than those needing refrigeration, they can still expire if not regularly sorted. Home experts recommend organizing your pantry once a month and using airtight containers to store opened dry goods. Also, be mindful of the humidity in your pantry to prevent pests that can pose health risks.

7. Wash Dishes Right After Dinner 

A pile of dirty dishes can be a real hassle if left uncleaned. If you keep postponing washing dishes with the mindset “I’ll wash them tomorrow,” you’ll end up needing over an hour to clean up the mess. Maintain the habit of washing dishes right after meals. Dirty dishes can also attract pests like cockroaches and bugs, making your home less “breathable.”

8. Start the Year Fresh with MyStorage Rental Services 

For items you don’t frequently use but aren’t ready to part with, there’s a modern and optimal way to tidy up – storing them in rental storage services. With MyStorage, you can choose between shared storage or self-storage units with reasonable rental costs and flexible storage sizes starting from 1m³ (which can hold about 8 boxes).