Balancing work, home, and family can feel overwhelming—especially for shift workers, health care professionals, and homeowners juggling a million responsibilities. But here's a tip to keep things manageable and your environment calm and clutter-free: dedicate just 20 minutes a day to tidying up. With a simple plan, you'll feel more in control of your space and have more time to focus on things that matter most.
Why a 20-Minute Tidy-Up Works
It's easy to put chores off when time is tight, but setting a short, realistic window for tidying up can make a huge difference. It prevents messes from piling up and creates a sense of accomplishment. You don’t need a full day of deep cleaning—just small, intentional actions every day to keep your home feeling fresh.
Here’s how you can get started with just 20 minutes a day.
1. Start with the Bed (2 minutes)
Making your bed in the morning sets the tone for an organized day. It's a quick task that transforms the look of your bedroom instantly and makes you feel productive from the get-go.
Bonus Tip: Get your family involved! Assign this task to kids or partners who have a bit more flexibility in their mornings.
2. Wipe Down Counters (3 minutes)
Clear and wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces to keep them looking tidy. This action not only maintains cleanliness but also preps these areas for the next use without any fuss.
Pro Tip: I use Thieves multipurpose spray and a cloth which a fresh aroma instantly.
3. Sort Laundry (3 minutes)
Laundry can pile up fast—don’t let it overwhelm you. Use your 20-minute tidy to either fold what’s dry or throw a load in the washer. Little by little, laundry becomes manageable.
Bonus Tip: Create a laundry schedule to stay on top of things. Dedicate specific days for washing, drying, and folding.
4. Organize Clutter (6 minutes)
Collect items that don’t belong in certain rooms and put them back where they belong. This simple step can reduce visual clutter and make your space feel cleaner instantly. Remember to start with high-traffic areas like the living room or entryway.
5. Sweep/Vacuum High-Traffic Areas (3 minutes)
Regularly sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic areas can prevent dirt from spreading throughout the house and maintain clean floors. Aim for at least once a day to keep up with daily debris.
Pro Tip: Keep a broom or handheld vacuum in easily accessible areas for quick cleanups throughout the day.
6. Empty and Load Dishwasher (5 minutes)
A full dishwasher can cause chaos in the kitchen, so make it a habit to empty and load it during your 20-minute tidy. This will keep dishes from piling up in the sink and prevent having to do a large load later on.
Bonus Tip: Run your dishwasher at night to avoid using energy during peak hours.
7. Tidy Up Living Areas (5 minutes)
Take a quick walk around the living room and pick up any items that may be out of place. This could include books, magazines, toys, or anything else that has been left behind. Place them back in their designated spots to maintain a clutter-free space.
Pro Tip: keep storage bins or baskets nearby for easy tidy up and organization.
8. Garbage Check (2 minutes)
Don’t forget about those little clutter magnets like your car or SUV. Take a moment to grab water bottles, snack wrappers, and receipts that snag valuable space.
Quick Fix: Keep a small trash bag in your car to make clean-up on the go even simpler.
9. Update Your Planner (5 minutes)
A little planning does wonders for your sanity. Use a physical or digital planner to jot down upcoming tasks, appointments, or reminders. Whether it’s a grocery list or a school event, keeping it all organized avoids last-minute stress. I am a paper version person and I take it along pretty much everywhere I go.
Tip for Families: Make everyone’s activities visible on a shared family planner to stay aligned.
10. Quick Bedroom Tidy (3 minutes)
Pick up clothes off the floor, put away stray items, or fluff pillows. This small daily habit keeps bedrooms from becoming overwhelming spaces.
Get the Family to Help
- For kids, turn it into a game by playing music and challenging them to finish tidying before the song ends.
- Assign zones or rooms to different family members.
11. Office or Workspace Touch-Up (2 minutes)
It’s surprising how much mental clarity a neat desk can bring. Toss away papers you no longer need, return pens to their holders, and give your workspace a once-over to clear distractions.
12.Tidy Garage Space (3 minutes)
If you use your garage regularly, you know how quickly it can get messy. Spend a few minutes putting items back in their place—tools, sports gear, shoes—so you can avoid big weekend cleanouts.
13. Plan for Meals (5 minutes in the evening)
Take a few minutes to think ahead about what’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner tomorrow. Prepping ingredients, marinating proteins, or making a quick grocery list can make your day much easier.
Community Idea: If time allows, prep together as a family. Share the meal-planning process to teach younger kids responsibility while giving you a break.
How to Get the Family on Board
Getting your family involved turns daily tidying into a team effort, not a solo mission.
Try These Tricks:
- Set a Timer: Make it a race to see who can tidy up the fastest.
- Assign Zones: Appoint specific areas to family members based on their age and interests.
- Offer Rewards: Use small incentives like extra screen time or a movie night for younger family members.
- Be Consistent: Create habits by tidying up together at the same time each day.
Final Thoughts
With just 20 minutes a day, you can keep your home organized and efficient—no deep cleaning marathons necessary. For shift workers, parents, and organizing enthusiasts, this small time commitment offers big results. Plus, getting the family involved not only lightens the load but also builds a culture of collaboration in your home.
Start your 20-minute tidy-up routine today and see how much easier life becomes. Got tips or routines that work well for your busy household? Share them in the comments below!
Sincerely ,
Shannon
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