Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks.
The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs and allergens.1 Plus, researchers have found that organized, uncluttered homes have quantifiable mental health benefits, too, including reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and increased productivity.2
The reality is, we enjoy our homes more when they are in good order. It’s much easier to relax without piles of unopened mail or a messy kitchen reminding us of work to be done. And don’t we all feel more inclined to entertain family and friends when our homes are well-kept?
That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite tactics—from overall strategies to little tips and tricks—for keeping things tidy without spending all our spare time cleaning.
Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning
We’ve all been there—you put off vacuuming or mopping your floor for a few days, only to realize that weeks have passed. Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you is the best way to stay on top of things and avoid overwhelm. Here are a few of our favorite strategies:
It may take some trial and error to find the tactics that work best for you. The most important thing is to make a habit of cleaning so that clutter and grime don’t have a chance to build. And if you’d like some professional help, reach out for a referral to one of our favorite cleaning services!
Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally
Many home care tasks are seasonal by nature and only need to be completed once or twice a year. But when we don’t have a plan to tackle them, it’s all too easy to put them off. Here are a few tips to stay on top of these chores:
Remember—breaking down these larger tasks can make them less overwhelming. If you space them out so that you can handle them one by one, even the most time-consuming chores become a lot more manageable.
And since all your time is valuable, don't hesitate to delegate these larger home care tasks to professionals. Give us a call for a list of our recommended service providers.
Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning
Set yourself up for success by ensuring you have the tools on hand to tackle small tasks with ease. Here are a few ways to make your cleaning supplies more accessible:
By strategically placing your tools and supplies in the locations where you’re most likely to need them, you’ll make cleaning less of a chore and more of a habit.
Stop the Clutter Before It Starts
From coats to shoes to mail, it’s all too easy to find clutter taking over your home. Once these piles start to form, they can feel overwhelming—which only makes it harder to address them.
To avoid this problem, stop the clutter before it starts. Assign every item a home and create storage spaces and “drop zones” in key locations.3 Here are a few ideas to get you started:
It can take a little time to get in the habit of returning items to their assigned space. But once you do, staying on top of clutter will become far more manageable.
Are you considering a larger organizational upgrade, like a custom closet or pantry system? Reach out for a free consultation to find out how the investment could impact the value of your home!
Tackle Small Tasks Right Away
Sometimes, the mental load of thinking about a chore you need to do is worse than the chore itself. Plus, handling small tasks right away can reduce the need for lengthy cleaning sessions.3
Try working these changes into your routine:
If you implement these small changes, your home will stay neater—and you’ll minimize the number of dedicated cleaning sessions you need to take on each week.
Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine
Kitchens can get dirty and cluttered fast. But a few minutes spent cleaning up each evening can prevent the mess from getting out of control.4
Imagine your kitchen is a restaurant and you’re tidying it up before closing down for the night. These simple steps will prepare you for the morning rush:
We all know it can be hard to find the energy for chores in the evening. But if you complete these small tasks each night, you’ll start the next day off right in a tidy, clean kitchen.
Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage
Most of us have limited storage space. Unfortunately, without the right spots to stash our items, it’s easy to become disorganized.
But we’ve found that using household items in innovative ways can help keep mess and clutter under control.5 Here are a few of our favorite swaps:
A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your space. Just be sure that you’re creating systems you can stick with and not putting things where you might forget about them later!
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HOME
Keeping your home clean and organized can be a continuous struggle—there’s no need to feel ashamed of that. But taking the time to implement systems that work for you can make life more pleasant and less stressful in the long run.
Remember, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell a home. We want you to love living in it, too. Reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
1. Healthline -
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/5-health-benefits-of-spring-cleaning
2. Forbes -
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-clean-home/
3. My Domaine -
https://www.mydomaine.com/house-cleaning-schedule
4. Housewife How-Tos -
https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/10-tips-to-keeping-a-clean-house/
5. Better Homes and Gardens -
https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/projects/simple-solutions/
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home! 🏠 There’s something magical about stepping across the threshold into a space that’s truly yours. The scent of fresh paint, the echo of footsteps on hardwood floors, and the promise of countless memories waiting to be made—it’s a feeling like no other. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a Free housewarming party?
That's correct, when you work with a Maryland Real Estate Professionals team member and one of our preferred lenders, we will provide you with the housewarming gift of a housewarming party!
A housewarming party isn’t just about showing off your stylish decor (though that’s definitely part of it!). It’s a chance to open your doors wide and invite friends, family, and neighbors to share in your joy. Here in Central Maryland, we know how to throw a memorable gathering—one that combines warmth, hospitality, and a dash of local flair.
After we help you purchase your home, you choose a date that suits your schedule and gives you enough time to settle into your new abode. Maybe you’ve hung up your favorite artwork, arranged the furniture just so, and found the perfect spot for your morning coffee. Now, let’s set the scene for your housewarming party. Whether you have a cozy townhouse in Annapolis, a chic loft in Baltimore, or a sprawling estate in the Frederick County countryside, your home will be the star of the show.
If you provide the Maryland Real Estate Professional team member your guest list, we will send out digital invitations to your guests. HAKUNA MATATA - We want to keep it hassle-free by using platforms that allow you to save invitations as images on your phone. A quick text message with all the details will have your friends marking their calendars. Remember to choose a range of time (say, 3-6pm) rather than a strict starting time. An open-house style party lets guests come and go as they please, without worrying about being late.
Delicious Bites and Sips
Now, let’s talk about the heart of any gathering—the food! Maryland Real Estate Professionals and our preferred lender will provide you with a housewarming gift, so that you will be able to purchase food for the party! For a housewarming party, opt for dishes that are easy to prepare ahead of time. Think bite-sized nibbles, colorful charcuterie boards, and refreshing drinks. Here are some ideas:
As guests arrive, greet them with a warm smile and perhaps a small token of appreciation. Here are some thoughtful housewarming gifts ideas:
Our friends over at DC Laser can help you come up with some amazing housewarming gifts! Just go to www.dclsr.com
Central Maryland Vibes
Maryland Real Estate Professionals has Central Maryand Covered! We know that Central Maryland is a place of contrasts—where historic meets modern, and cityscapes blend with natural beauty. Take inspiration from the region as you decorate your home. Incorporate nautical elements from Annapolis, embrace the industrial chic of Baltimore, or infuse your space with the tranquility of the Chesapeake Bay of the vast countryside of Caroll, Frederick and Washington Counties. Central Maryland is a beautiful place to work, live and play!
As the sun sets and the laughter echoes through your rooms, remember that this housewarming party is more than just an event—it’s the beginning of a chapter. A chapter filled with shared meals, cozy movie nights, and impromptu gatherings on the patio. So raise your glass, toast to new beginnings, pass out those housewarming gifts and welcome everyone to your Central Maryland haven.
Whether you’re hosting or attending, a housewarming party is a beautiful way to celebrate the journey of finding and creating a home. Cheers to you and your fellow Marylanders! 🥂🏡 Remember when you work with Maryland Real Estate Professionals, you are working with true professionals, who will look out for your best interest when you are buying your dream home! And don't forget that if you are looking for amazing ideas for housewarming gifts, you want to reach out to DC Laser. They are creative and have wonderful housewarming gifts!