5 Tiny Steps to Becoming a Tidy Person

Does the idea of being a tidy person feel overwhelming or like you would need to retrain every cell in your body?

I believe the key to becoming a tidy person is understanding what tidy looks like for you. Every t-shirt in a drawer vs. on the floor or every t-shirt in a drawer file folded? Does it mean you have one pile of papers to look through vs. endless piles throughout your house? Or does it mean you go paperless with everything and no longer have any piles?

There is a range of understanding of what tidy is to you and that is really is important. Your home doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board to be “tidy.” Here are some simple steps to get you started on your tidy journey. 

1. Never leave a room empty handed

   • If there is something in the space that doesn’t belong, bring it to its proper home.

2. Make laundry a weekly habit

   • The frequency is based on you and/ your family’s needs. Create a system where you can stay on top of it.

   • If it’s daily, do that. If it’s weekly, do that. The goal is after a load or 2 you can check this off your mental to do list.

   • Pro Tip: Set a timer so you don’t forget to switch from the washer to the dryer. There is nothing worse than having to re-wash a load!

3. Create a realistic to do list and actually get the items done!

   • I tend to throw an easy one on the list just so I can cross it off. “Call mom back”

4. Go through your mail daily

   • Frequency should be based on how much mail you get. When you go through your mail you want it to take less than 3-5 minutes. I do it daily and I’ve got it down to 30 seconds!

5. Reset your home weekly

   • Starting your week with a tidy and clean home is so important. If you reset your space routinely you're more likely to maintain it.

     • Put clothes away, clear off surfaces and run the vacuum.

     • Create a list of items you want to accomplish during your weekly reset and add a reminder to your calendar.

Becoming a tidy person won't happen overnight. Over time as you consistently work at changing your habits you can absolutely accomplish your goal of being tidy.