Minimalist Cleaning Routine for 50% Less Cleaning
As a busy mom running a home-based business, I used to feel overwhelmed by the constant mess—the fingerprints on every mirror, the crumbs scattered across the floor, the endless toys that seemed to multiply. It felt like I was cleaning all the time, yet the mess never seemed to go away. But one day, something clicked. I realized that the constant cleaning wasn’t just taking up my time, it was taking away from my joy and connection with my daughter, Sofia.
I started to see things differently. Sure, my house wasn’t always spotless, but I began to embrace the idea that this chaotic, messy stage of life was actually a precious part of motherhood. The fingerprints on the mirrors? They were evidence of Sofia’s playful nature. The crumbs on the floor? They meant we were sharing meals together. The toys strewn around? They were a sign that Sofia’s imagination was in full swing.
So, I made a decision to approach cleaning differently, with a more minimalist mindset that allowed me to keep my home tidy without sacrificing time with Sofia or my own sanity. I’m here to share with you how this shift has helped me get my cleaning done in half the time—so you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing what really matters.
1. Simplify the Laundry
One of the first changes I made was simplifying my laundry routine. With a toddler in the house, it feels like laundry is always piling up. But I found that doing a load a day made it much more manageable.
I don’t stress if the load isn’t completely full; sometimes, I’ll skip a day. But on the days I do laundry, I’ve made it a habit to set the washing machine to start automatically at 5 a.m. By the time I wake up, the load is ready to hang or put in the dryer. This small change has helped me stay on top of laundry without feeling like it's constantly looming over me.
Sofia loves to help me with laundry, and I always try to get her involved—even if it takes longer. It’s not just about getting the task done quickly; it’s about teaching her responsibility and creating little bonding moments, too. Sure, it might take a little longer now, but I know it’ll pay off later when she’s older and helping out more around the house.
2. Accept the Current Season of Life
If you’re in a busy season like me, it’s important to remember that sometimes your house just won’t be perfect—and that’s okay. I used to have a rigid weekly cleaning schedule, but with a toddler, things rarely go according to plan. Some days, I simply don’t have the energy to do a deep clean, and I’ve learned to accept that.
Instead of stressing about it, I’ve embraced this season of life. When I look around, I try to focus on the positive—like the fact that Sofia’s fingerprints on the mirror mean she’s growing and discovering the world. I’ve also learned to enjoy the little moments, like when I’m dusting and I see her little treasures on her dresser or when I clean the kitchen and hear her laughter in the background.
These small acts of cleaning, while necessary, are also a chance for me to pause and appreciate my daughter’s childhood. The clutter? It’s temporary. The memories we’re making are what truly matter.
3. Streamline Your Kitchen Routine
The kitchen is often the hardest-hit area of the house when it comes to mess. But I’ve found that simplifying my kitchen cleaning routine makes a huge difference. Here’s my quick, four-step system that saves me time:
Take out the trash - I start by quickly tossing any trash (food wrappers, empty packaging, etc.) into the bin.
Put dishes in the dishwasher - I’ll toss any dirty dishes in the dishwasher right away.
Hand wash any dishes left behind - Anything that can’t go in the dishwasher gets hand washed.
Wipe down surfaces - I use a non-toxic cleaner, like Mrs. Myers (my personal favorite!), which is safe for use around kids and smells amazing.
This simple system keeps my kitchen looking presentable without requiring hours of scrubbing. If you're looking for a non-toxic cleaner that's safe for your home, Purdy & Figg is a great option.
4. Keep Counters Clear
If there’s one thing that makes cleaning easier, it’s keeping my counters free from clutter. The fewer gadgets and items I have sitting out, the less I have to dust and move around when cleaning.
This simple change has saved me a ton of time. I don’t need a ton of items sitting out to make my kitchen functional, so I keep it minimal. Not only does this save me cleaning time, but it also helps create a calming, clutter-free environment.
5. Plan Your Meals
I found that meal planning helps me stay organized and reduce stress during the week. I try to plan about five dinners for the upcoming week and keep things simple. For lunch, we often have quick salads, omelets, or leftovers.
Meal planning doesn’t have to be elaborate. It’s just about writing down a few easy dinner ideas and making sure I have the ingredients ready. On Sundays, I’ll do a quick check of the pantry to make sure I’m not overbuying or missing anything. This small habit has saved me time, money, and the stress of last-minute grocery trips.
6. Take Advantage of the “Whenever You Go North” Habit
This little habit has been a game changer for me. Every time I’m walking through the house and see something out of place, I take it with me to its proper location. If I’m heading to Sofia’s room and I see a toy in the living room that belongs there, I grab it and take it with me.
This simple act keeps clutter from building up and helps maintain a tidier home. It’s not a big task, but over time, it keeps things from getting overwhelming.
7. Everything Has a Home
The final tip that has helped me the most is making sure everything has a designated place. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but just having a spot for everything—keys, hats, shoes, toys—helps me keep my home more organized and minimizes the mess.
And don’t forget to declutter regularly. I’ve found that getting rid of items I no longer need or use not only frees up space but also reduces the amount of time I spend cleaning.
Embrace the Chaos
While I’ve adopted these minimalist cleaning habits, my house is not always spotless. But that’s okay. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to have a perfectly clean home all the time, especially as a busy mom with a toddler. Instead, I focus on the moments I’m creating with Sofia—like reading together, playing in the backyard, or even just enjoying a cup of coffee while she takes a nap.
One day, I know I’ll miss those little fingerprints on the mirrors, the crumbs on the floor, and the toys scattered around. So, for now, I’m embracing this messy, beautiful season of life.
If you’re looking for ways to simplify your own cleaning routine and save time, I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me. And remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Just do what works for you and your family.
Free Declutter Checklist
If you’re ready to simplify your home, download my free declutter checklist to get started! It’s the first step toward a more organized, peaceful space.
I’d love to hear about your own cleaning routines! How do you stay on top of the mess while also enjoying your time with your family? Let me know in the comments below!
You can find all of my favorite Cleaning Goodies, here!
This approach to cleaning has truly changed how I view tidying up—no longer a chore, but a way to appreciate the fleeting moments of motherhood. I hope it helps you too.
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