7 Daily Cleaning Tasks to Keep Clutter Away

mature woman smiling.

This time a year ago, clutter was quietly killing me. I had a three-month-old baby and just couldn’t get organized. Adding this small human being to my 1200-square-foot condo was wearing on me more than I realized.

Everywhere I looked, there was something undone–laundry, dishes in the sink, and scattered toys. I’d catch up, but it felt like shoveling snow in a blizzard.

That’s when I realized something had to change. I needed a plan-something small and manageable that I could do every day without burning out.

So, I took advantage of my tribe to help with my little one and decluttered. From there, I was able to start a daily cleaning routine. Finally, I wasn’t drowning in tasks anymore. It didn’t make me nervous that people wanted to stop by. It was amazing. 

A little cleaning adds up, and once you realize that, burnout doesn’t stand a chance. Here are seven areas of my home I clean every day regardless of whatever else I have to skip to make it happen.

1. Make the Beds  

Admiral William McRaven wrote a book called Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life. In it, he encourages people to just start with making their bed to get things under control. And you know why? It works.

A made bed sets the tone for the day. It’s a tiny win right off the bat, and tiny wins add up fast. Even if the rest of the room is a mess, a made bed makes things feel more put together. 

It only takes a minute, and once you’re in the habit, it becomes second nature. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about climbing into a neatly made bed at night—it just hits differently.  

2. Do the Dishes  

Ali Frances from Bon Apétit says your dishwashing style says a lot about you.

Leaving dishes in the sink is a fast track to feeling overwhelmed. It’s like a visual reminder that you’re behind. Getting the dishes done every day keeps the kitchen functional and your stress levels low. 

Honestly, I try to wash dishes as I go throughout the day. At first, it felt like I was always doing dishes but then I changed my mindset and realized that I was doing dishes for less time and I felt better.

Even if it’s just a few plates, dealing with them right away makes a difference. No one wants to wake up to yesterday’s mess staring them in the face. Make it part of your routine—right after meals or before bed. A quick load in the dishwasher or a five-minute scrub is all it takes.

3. Wipe Down Counters  

Countertops collect crumbs, spills, and clutter faster than you’d think. A quick wipe-down each day (preferrable each time you do something on them) keeps things clean and prevents buildup.

Plus, there’s something weirdly satisfying about a spotless counter without clutter—it makes the whole kitchen feel fresher. And when the counters are clear, cooking becomes less stressful.  

4. Spend 15 Minutes Tidying Up Before Bed  

Living rooms and entryways are clutter magnets. If you let things pile up, these spaces become overwhelming fast. 

Taking fifteen minutes (five is better than nothing) each day to pick up shoes, books, toys, or random items makes a world of difference. It’s like resetting the space for the next round of chaos.  

I have a declutter basket that I keep in the living room. I put stuff in there when I don’t have time to put it away and at the end of the week, I take a little longer to put everything away. This way the clutter is out of sight every night and I have a system to take care of it later.

5. Do a Load of Laundry  

The laundry monster grows fast. If you wait until the weekend to tackle it, you’ll end up with an Everest-sized pile. 

Becky from Clean Mama says just one load of laundry a day will change your life and it rings a little truth. Consistently doing a load of laundry keeps things manageable. It takes just a few minutes to throw it in, and you’ll avoid that overwhelming mountain of clothes by Sunday.  

Laundry isn’t glamorous, but it’s part of life. The key is staying ahead of it so it doesn’t mess with your peace of mind. Fold it right away—don’t let it sit in the dryer for days. A little consistency saves you from laundry-induced burnout.

6. Take Out the Trash  

Trash piles up quicker than you think. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or office, overflowing bins make things feel messy. Taking out the trash every day keeps your home smelling fresh and looking clean. It’s one of those small chores that has a big impact.  

If you wait too long, it gets gross—no one wants that. Emptying the bins takes just a few minutes, but it resets the space and makes everything feel lighter. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get outside for a moment and clear your head.

7. Sweep or Vacuum High-Traffic Areas  

Floors get dirty fast, especially if you have kids, pets, or a partner who can’t seem to wipe their shoes. A quick sweep or vacuum in high-traffic areas makes a big difference. It keeps dirt and dust from building up and prevents allergens from taking over.  

You don’t need to deep clean every day—just hit the areas that get the most use. Hallways, kitchens, and living rooms are good places to start. It only takes five minutes but makes your home feel instantly cleaner. And when the floors are fresh, everything else feels a little easier to manage.

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Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.