Keeping your home tidy shouldn’t be so hard…

Let’s be honest – cleaning your home isn’t exactly most people’s idea of fun. Between work, the kids, your social life, and everything else on your plate, finding time – or let’s face it, the motivation – to tidy up can feel like a losing battle. And if you’re someone who just doesn’t enjoy cleaning? It can feel downright unbearable.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend hours scrubbing and dusting to have a home that feels clean and calm. With a few smart habits and quick hacks, you can stay on top of things in 15 minutes a day or less – even if life is chaotic or cleaning is the last thing you feel like doing.

Whether you’re a knackered parent trying to stay ahead of the mess, a full-time professional with zero spare time, or someone (like me) who just wants to get the housework done as quickly as possibly – these tips are for you.

I’ve pulled together my favourite quick and easy cleaning tips that actually make a difference – without taking over your whole weekend. No faff, no pressure, just simple ways to help you keep your space tidy and your head clear.

Let’s get into it – and take back your time, your space, and maybe even your Sunday lie-in.

1. Set a Timer for 15 Minutes a Day

It might sound simple, but setting a timer can totally change the way you approach cleaning. Commit to just 15 minutes a day of focused tidying, and you’ll be surprised how much you can get done. It stops cleaning feeling like a marathon and makes it more like a quick sprint.

The trick is to choose a specific task or area to focus on each day – maybe it’s the kitchen counters one day, the bathroom the next, or clearing clutter from your living room. When the timer goes off, stop. This keeps cleaning manageable and stops burnout.

Plus, knowing you only have to clean for a short, fixed time makes it easier to start. No more procrastinating because the job seems too big.

2. The One-Minute Rule

If it takes less than one minute, just do it now. This rule is a game changer for keeping on top of small tasks that otherwise pile up. Whether it’s tossing junk mail, wiping a splash off the sink, or popping clothes straight into the laundry basket, these little things help prevent mess from snowballing.

By handling these tiny tasks as they happen, you save yourself from big jobs later – and a cluttered space that feels overwhelming. It’s a small habit that makes a big impact on your home’s tidiness.

3. Keep a “Catch-All” Basket

Let’s be honest: life gets messy, and bits and pieces inevitably end up in the wrong place. That’s where a catch-all basket becomes your best friend. Place one in your main living areas – like the lounge, hallway, or kitchen – and use it to gather stray items during the day.

At the end of the day or week, spend a couple of minutes sorting through the basket and putting everything back where it belongs. It’s a simple trick that corrals clutter quickly without stressing you out.

For families, it’s especially handy – you can toss children’s toys, mail, or random bits and bobs into one place instead of chasing after them all day.

4. Use Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes

Cleaning doesn’t need to be complicated. Keeping multi-purpose cleaning wipes handy makes it easy to tackle dirt and grime in seconds. Whether it’s a quick wipe of your kitchen counters after cooking or a swipe around the bathroom sink, wipes speed up cleaning and reduce the need for buckets and sprays.

I recommend keeping a pack in every key area, so you can grab one whenever you spot a mess. They’re perfect for quick fixes and stopping dirt from building up into stubborn stains. Always opt for bio-degradable ones where possible.

5. Clean As You Go (Especially in the Kitchen)

The kitchen can quickly turn into a disaster zone, but a simple habit like cleaning as you go can prevent mess from spiralling out of control. While waiting for the kettle to boil or the oven to preheat, wipe down surfaces, wash up a few dishes, or load the dishwasher.

This means that once you’re done cooking, you won’t be faced with a mountain of washing up or sticky counters. It’s much less overwhelming and saves you time in the long run.

6. Micro-Cleaning Zones

Don’t feel like you need to tackle the whole house every time you clean. Instead, focus on micro-cleaning zones – small, manageable areas that you can finish quickly.

Pick a bedside table, a coffee table, or a section of your hallway and spend five or ten minutes tidying and wiping down just that area. It feels much less daunting than an entire room and still makes a noticeable difference.

Doing this regularly keeps your home feeling fresher and more organised without the overwhelm.

7. Keep Your Cleaning Tools Handy

How often have you been put off cleaning because you can’t be bothered fetching your supplies from the cupboard? Keep your everyday cleaning essentials in places you use them most – under the bathroom sink, in a kitchen cupboard, or in a small caddy you can carry from room to room.

Having your favourite spray, clothes, and wipes within easy reach means you’re far more likely to tackle messes as soon as you see them. Convenience is key to staying consistent.

8. Laundry Hack: Fold Straight from the Dryer

Laundry is a massive chore for many, but one trick to make it less painful is to fold clothes straight out of the dryer. This prevents clean laundry from piling up in a “laundry chair” or basket, turning into clutter.

It takes less time than you think and stops clothes from getting wrinkled, saving you ironing time later. Plus, it’s satisfying to see a neat pile ready to go straight into the wardrobe.

9. Declutter Weekly (Not Monthly)

Clutter makes any home feel chaotic, no matter how often you clean. Instead of leaving it to build up and tackling it in a massive monthly clear-out, make it a habit to spend 10-15 minutes once a week decluttering.

This could mean recycling old papers, throwing out rubbish, or gathering items to donate. A regular clear-out keeps your home feeling open and fresh and makes cleaning much easier overall.

10. Hire Help (Or Use an App)

Sometimes, the best way to keep a tidy home is to ask for help. If your budget allows, hiring a cleaner – even just once or twice a month – can take the pressure off and give you a fresh start.

If hiring isn’t an option, apps like TaskRabbit or Handy connect you with local helpers for one-off jobs. It’s worth considering if your juggling a hectic schedule and want to focus your time on things you enjoy.

Final Thoughts: A Clean Home Your Way

Keeping a tidy home doesn’t have to be a never-ending battle or a huge drain on your time and energy. The truth is, a clean and calm living space is within reach – even if you’re juggling a million things or cleaning just isn’t your thing.

The key is to ditch the idea that cleaning has to be a massive, all-day event. Instead, focus on small, manageable habits that fit into your lifestyle. Whether it’s spending 15 minutes a day ticking off quick jobs, embracing the “one-minute rule,” or simply cleaning as you go, these little changes add up to a big difference over time.

Remember, your home doesn’t need to look like a showroom to be welcoming and comfortable. It just needs to feel like your space – a place where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy life without the stress of clutter and mess constantly hanging over your head.

So don’t beat yourself up if you can’t spend hours scrubbing every weekend. Use these tips to find what works for you, stay consistent, and be kind to yourself along the way. A tidy home isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating a space that supports your busy life and helps you feel a little more in control.

And hey, if you ever need a quick win, just set that timer and get going. You’ll be surprised how satisfying it feels to reclaim your space in just a few minutes.

Here’s to a cleaner, calmer home – on your terms.