Let’s be honest: not everyone has the time—or the energy—to scrub baseboards on a Tuesday night or deep-clean the oven “just because.” But keeping a tidy, comfortable home doesn’t have to be exhausting.
If you’re more strategic than sweaty when it comes to housekeeping, this guide is for you. Here’s how to keep your home looking effortlessly clean—without turning into a full-time cleaner.
1. Do 5 Minutes a Day (Really)
The trick to looking like you clean all the time? Do a little every day.
✔ Wipe down counters
✔ Toss clutter in a basket
✔ Load (or unload) the dishwasher
✔ Run a quick vacuum in the high-traffic zone
It’s amazing how far five intentional minutes can go—especially when guests drop by unannounced.
2. Close the Doors to Rooms You Didn’t Clean
Pro tip from lazy geniuses everywhere: if you didn’t clean a room, don’t let people go in it.
Guest coming over? Close the laundry room door. Tidy the kitchen, the bathroom, and one “acceptable” living area—and leave the rest to mystery.
3. Stockpile Multipurpose Cleaning Wipes
One product. One swipe. Done. Keep cleaning wipes in every bathroom and the kitchen so you can do fast wipe-downs when things start to look grimy.
No excuses if the supplies are right there.
4. Declutter = Less to Clean
Fewer items = fewer things to dust, wipe, fold, or trip over.
✔ Ditch junk mail and expired flyers
✔ Keep a donation bin by the front door
✔ Store seasonal stuff (and hide the rest in bins)
Minimalism isn’t just trendy—it’s the lazy person’s secret to fast cleaning.
5. Make the Bed (Even If That’s All You Do)
A made bed makes an entire room look better—even if there are laundry baskets on the floor. It takes less than a minute and gives you maximum visual payoff.
Bonus: it might even motivate you to pick up the socks.
6. Adopt the “Clean As You Go” Mindset
Waiting for the microwave to beep? Wipe the stovetop.
Waiting for the kettle to boil? Load the dishwasher.
On the phone? Tidy the coffee table.
Little bursts of activity while you’re already doing something else keep messes from piling up. Lazy—but smart.
7. Invest in Tools That Do the Work for You
Robot vacuums. Dishwasher pods. Self-cleaning litter boxes. These aren’t just gadgets—they’re life hacks.
If spending a few bucks saves you hours of your life, it’s worth it.
8. Fake a Clean Home with a Scented Candle
Let’s not pretend smell doesn’t matter. A home that smells clean feels clean.
✔ Light a candle
✔ Use a diffuser
✔ Wipe surfaces with citrus-scented spray
It’s the illusion of effort—and sometimes, that’s enough.
Clean Home, Clear Mind… and Maybe Clear Finances Too
Keeping a spotless home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your weekends or turning into someone who alphabetizes spice jars. With a little strategy (and a few shortcuts), you can enjoy a tidy home—without breaking a sweat.
And while you’re decluttering and simplifying your living space, why not do the same with your finances?
Try our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to see what you can comfortably manage—or get in touch for friendly, no-pressure mortgage advice.
