Streamlining Your Home Routines for a Calmer Life

When we come home at the end of the day, the last thing we feel like doing is straightening up the mess the family has left. We are exhausted, stressed, and ready for bed. However, there is a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, toys scattered throughout the living room, school projects and backpacks strewn around the kitchen and mudroom, and dirty clothes on everyone's bedroom floors.

If your evenings look like this, your mornings are probably pretty chaotic. Living this way can:

• Overflow into your work

• Compound the stress you're feeling from other things in your life

• Make everyone exhausted

• Cause arguments

• Prevent you from living up to your full potential

  
  

So, how can we fix these issues?

Tools to Streamline Straightening the House

1. Designate Storage Spaces

   The first tool is to have the best place to store each of your belongings. If everything has a place, you won't have to search for a convenient spot at the time. For example, hanging hooks near the entrance for keys, backpacks, and coats can make a big difference.

   
   

2. Encourage Putting Items Away

   Teach family members, including yourself, to put items away after use. This includes placing dishes into the dishwasher if you have one. A little reminder can go a long way.

   
   

3. Use Hampers for Dirty Clothes

   A hamper in each room encourages everyone to keep things neat. When clothes are taken off, they should go straight into the hamper. This simple step can significantly reduce clutter.

   
   

4. Utilize a Carrying Basket

   When picking up multiple items, use a basket, box, or bag. I recommend a basket with a handle because it is easier to carry than a box and allows you to see what you are reaching for better than a bag. This method makes the chore quicker. You can pick everything up and then walk from one room to the next, putting away items as you go.

   
   

5. Consider a Grabber Tool

   A grabber can save time when picking things up off the floor. It may take a little practice to coordinate, but it’s especially helpful if you have any health issues.

   
   

6. Strategically Place Baskets

   My last and personal favorite tool is to use baskets strategically placed around the house. For example, have one in the kitchen for items that belong upstairs in the bedrooms or bathroom. A washable basket in bedrooms can collect dirty dishes to be brought downstairs. This keeps the mess contained. It’s important to practice grabbing the basket when someone is going that way and bringing the items where they belong. Just remember to return the basket to its original spot when you head to the room it belongs in. Then, it’s ready to collect things again.

   
   

Succeeding in How to Streamline Routines

Just as skateboarding takes practice to be good, so does learning habits.

Routines take practice. Even the ones that don’t work properly still took repetition to become habits. So, don’t expect yourself or others to pick up new routines right away. Succeeding in how to streamline your routines will take repetition, reminders, and appreciation of accomplishments.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency is key when establishing new routines. It helps to set specific times for tasks. For instance, designate a time each evening for a quick tidy-up. This can be a family activity where everyone pitches in. When we work together, it not only makes the task quicker but also fosters teamwork and communication.

Celebrate Small Wins

As you start to implement these changes, celebrate the small victories. Did you manage to keep the living room tidy for a whole week? That’s fantastic! Acknowledge your efforts and those of your family members. Positive reinforcement can motivate everyone to continue working towards a more organized home.

Adjust as Needed

Remember, it’s okay to adjust your routines as needed. Life changes, and so do our circumstances. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to tweak it. Flexibility is essential in maintaining an organized and calm environment.

For professional help in streamlining routines, check out Neatly Done Life. They can provide you with the tools and support you need to create a more organized and peaceful home.

Conclusion

Streamlining your home routines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing a few simple tools and strategies, you can create a more organized and calm environment. Remember, it takes time and practice, but the results are worth it. Embrace the journey towards a more organized life, and enjoy the benefits of a calmer home.