20 Tips for Simple Home Care

I used to believe a clean home was just for people who already had their lives together. Turns out, it's often the other way around.

When I was stuck in a cycle of bad habits—laziness, overeating, wasting my days—my home was the first thing to show it. Piles of clothes, a sink full of dishes, and a general sense of clutter made me feel even more overwhelmed. It felt like my space was screaming about the chaos I felt inside.

But taking care of your home isn’t about achieving magazine-level perfection. It’s about creating a space that brings you peace, not stress. It’s about building a foundation that supports a better, more intentional life. I learned that just like losing over 110 pounds started with one small food choice, creating a peaceful home starts with one small action.

Here are 20 simple tips that helped me turn my space from a source of anxiety into a sanctuary.

Change Your Mindset Not Just Your Habits

Before you even pick up a sponge, the biggest change has to happen in your head. Let’s reframe how we think about home care.

Start with One Thing. Don't try to clean the entire house. Just make your bed. Or clear the kitchen counter. Or gather all the trash. Pick one small, visible task and do it.
Use the 5-Minute Rule. If a task takes less than five minutes, do it now. Wiping down a counter, putting away your shoes, or taking out the recycling all fall into this category. You’ll be shocked at how much you can accomplish in those small pockets of time.
Let Go of Perfection. Your home is meant to be lived in. It will get messy again. The goal is not a sterile environment but a comfortable, functional space. “Good enough” is a fantastic goal.
Pair It with Something You Enjoy. Put on your favorite music, listen to a podcast, or call a friend while you fold laundry or wash dishes. Tying a chore to an enjoyable activity makes it feel less like work.
Celebrate the Small Wins. This is huge. This principle helped me transform my health, and it works for your home too. Did you clear the sink? Great job. Did you finally fold that pile of laundry? Acknowledge it. Small wins build momentum for bigger changes.

Small Daily Actions Big Results

Consistency is more powerful than intensity. A few simple habits done daily will do more for your home than one frantic, eight-hour cleaning session every month.

Make Your Bed Every Morning. It’s a two-minute task that instantly makes your room look more put-together. It’s a small victory that sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Wipe Down Kitchen Surfaces After Use. After you make a meal, give the counters and stovetop a quick wipe. This prevents grime from building up and makes deep cleaning much less of a headache.
Handle Dishes Immediately. A sink full of dirty dishes is visually draining. Try to wash dishes right after you use them, or at the very least, rinse them and place them directly in the dishwasher.
Follow the One-Touch Rule. When you bring something into your home—like mail, keys, or groceries—put it where it belongs right away. Don’t just set it on the counter to deal with later. This one habit is a game-changer for preventing clutter.
Do a 10-Minute Tidy-Up Before Bed. Spend just ten minutes putting things back in their place. Fluff the couch pillows, fold the blanket, and clear any mugs or glasses from the living room. Waking up to a tidy space is a gift you give to your future self.

Simple Systems for a Tidy Home

Having a basic plan removes the guesswork and makes it easier to stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.

Have a Designated Laundry Day. Instead of letting laundry pile up until you’re out of clean clothes, pick one or two days a week to do it. It becomes a predictable part of your routine.
Clean One Room a Day. Don’t try to clean the whole house on Saturday. Instead, assign a room to each day. Monday is the bathroom, Tuesday is the kitchen, and so on. This breaks a huge job into manageable 15-20 minute chunks.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Where You Use Them. Store bathroom cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen cleaners under the kitchen sink. When the tools are right there, you’re much more likely to do a quick wipe-down.
Work from Top to Bottom. When you are cleaning a room, always start high and work your way down. Dust shelves and ceiling fans before you vacuum the floor. This way, you aren't cleaning the same surface twice.
Keep a Donation Box. Have a box or bag in a closet where you can immediately place items you no longer need or want. When it’s full, drop it off. This makes decluttering a continuous, low-effort process.

Remember Your Deeper Purpose

Finally, connecting your actions to a deeper meaning can change everything.

Think of Your Home as a Tool. Your home isn't just a collection of stuff. It's the place where you rest, recover, and prepare for your life’s work. A cluttered, chaotic home hinders that. A peaceful home supports it.
Involve Others. If you live with family, make home care a team effort. Assign age-appropriate chores. It teaches responsibility and reinforces the idea that the home is a shared space everyone contributes to.
Open the Windows. Fresh air does wonders. Whenever the weather allows, open your windows for at least 15-20 minutes to air out your home. It freshens the space and your mind.
Focus on How It Feels. Pay attention to the feeling of peace that comes from a clean kitchen or a tidy living room. Let that positive feeling be your motivation, rather than focusing on the chore itself.
View It as Stewardship. This has been the most powerful shift for me. As my faith has grown, I’ve started to see my home not just as my property, but as a gift. It's a sanctuary where I can rest, pray, and welcome others. Taking care of it is an act of gratitude and stewardship. It's a way of honoring the blessings I’ve been given and creating a space where God’s peace can dwell.