I’m going to be your mom for the next few minutes and teach you the basics of keeping up your house. If this seems “obvious” then this information simply isn’t for you.
This is for the people who feel like they’re constantly cleaning… yet their house never actually feels clean.
And here’s the truth:
You’re not failing because you’re bad at cleaning. You’re failing because you’re doing it in the wrong order.
Let’s fix that.
Step 1: Stop Cleaning — Start Tidying
Most people jump straight into cleaning. They grab a spray bottle, a rag, and start scrubbing whatever surface is closest.
But cleaning is not the first step.
In fact, it’s several steps down.
You cannot clean a surface that’s covered in stuff.
You can’t wipe a counter that’s full.
You can’t vacuum a floor that’s cluttered.
So you must tidy first.
What is tidying?
Tidying removes visual clutter — anything sitting out on counters, tables, floors, nightstands, dressers, and benches.
Tidying is about clearing the stage so cleaning can actually happen.
Step 2: Use the Basket Method
Tidying doesn’t mean you need to put everything away perfectly in the moment. That’s unrealistic.
Instead, use my basket method:
- Grab a few baskets
- Toss everything inside
- Set the baskets in a corner
- Deal with the contents later when you have more time
This instantly removes visual clutter and makes your home look cleaner within minutes.
It also prevents you from getting stuck sorting items when your real goal is to prepare the space for cleaning.
(Here is a link to my basket method article if you want more detail on that.)
Step 3: Now You Can Clean — But Clean With Intention
Once the surfaces are clear, now you can clean.
But you’re not going to close your eyes, spin in a circle, point at something, and start scrubbing. No, no, no.
You’re going to clean with intention using my Daily Six.
Step 4: Follow the Daily Six
The Daily Six is the top portion of my cleaning scheduled — the 6/10 List — and it’s the easiest, most effective cleaning routine anyone can follow.
These six tasks keep your home clean with minimal effort.
If you do nothing else but these six things every day, your home will stay manageable forever.
The Daily Six takes me less than 30 minutes.
Anyone in the house can do them.
The Correct Order
This is why you have been struggling. You’re not failing at cleaning — you’ve just been starting in the wrong place. Order matters.
Here’s the proper sequence:
- Tidy First
Remove visual clutter so surfaces are clear. - Then Clean
Use the Daily Six to maintain your home efficiently.
When you skip tidying and jump straight into cleaning, you get overwhelmed, distracted, and stuck.
When you tidy first, cleaning becomes faster, more simple, and almost effortless. And your home will stay manageable forever.
Organized Chaos 