Now that we’re settling into our new home, I wanted to share with you a few ways we’re keeping that “new” feeling. You know that feeling, when you move into a new place and everything is fresh and clean? It’s a new start, right? Well I’m bound and determined to make that clean feeling last. You’ve already read some of my moving cleaning tips, but let’s chat some more on how to keep the house clean after moving in.
Ditch your shoes at the door. It’s amazing how much cleaner your house stays when you stop wearing shoes in the house. Seriously. Try it sometime. We started the habit of taking our shoes off at the door once Arden was born and it’s been a lifesaver on the sweep, mop and vacuum front.
Quick daily clean of the floor. Speaking of sweeping, mopping and vacuuming…A simple sweep or vacuum of your floor every day makes a huge impact. The Swiffer Wet Jet is such a versatile tool for my hardwoods. It helps me sweep and clean in one. I love using multifunctional tools like the Swiffer Wet Jet because it saves time and space.
Always put things away where they belong. In a house with kids there’s always toys, food, clothing etc where it doesn’t belong. I make a point to pick up things as I walk around the house and put them away as I pass by. It helps to have bins by the door and stairs to collect things, but usually I just try to put things away as soon as I finish with them. This helps keep clutter down and make it easier to clean up messes.
See a mess? Clean it up. Simple right? Drop food on the dining room floor? Pick it up. Dust on the books in the bookshelf? Wipe it up. Cooked on food on the stovetop. Wipe it up. Keeping on top of messes as you see them helps save time in the long run when you tackle a deep clean. Using the Swiffer Duster makes dusting go by in a flash. Just a quick swipe and dust is trapped by the Swiffer pouf 😉 And don’t even get me started on my Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, you all know how I feel about them!
Unpacked items? Get rid of them. Speaking from experience here. We moved two months ago and I have a whole box of shoes that I haven’t unpacked yet. :X Time for the Goodwill #konmari
Have bins for the Goodwill, selling, or giving. Speaking of the Goodwill…having a dedicated bag or box for putting items that your getting rid of helps tame clutter. It’ll save you from misplacing items and then keeping them by accident because they’re stored at the very back of your junk closet 😉
Clean the kitchen & dining table every night. I don’t know about you, but having a clean kitchen when I go to sleep at night helps me fall asleep faster. It’s true. There’s something super stressful about having a dirty kitchen. I fret about having to clean it the next day. So not fun. It’s easy to just make it a habit to clean the dishes, sink, stove, counter and table every night after use. My husband and I take turns doing the dishes, while the other puts the kids down to bed. It’s a good system.
Kids clean up after themselves. This is such a great rule to start instilling early. Our kids put their shoes in the basket, their dirty clothes in the hamper, their toys in their bins, their dishes in the sink. Every little bit helps and you’re helping them take on more responsibility. Soon they be cleaning the kitchen at night. Can’t wait!!!
Here’s a fun video from HGTV pro, Jonathan Scott, featuring 5 easy tips to keep a clean slate.
Pictures of me by Jetkat Photo.
This post was in partnership with Swiffer and Mr. Clean. Thanks for supporting Copy Cat Chic and our generous sponsors.
Vicky says
Great post!Where is your rug from? Looks like the one I am eyeing one! It is soft enough to sit on it? does it shed a lot?Thanks!
Reichel says
Hi Vicky- It’s the paddle rug from rugsusa.com. Doesn’t shed at all and we love it!
sahra says
perfect spring cleaning!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
Mariam says
I definitely agree that ditching shoes at the door helps keep down the mess tremendously! Fantastic post!
xo Mariam | The Petite Bijou
Reichel says
Thanks Mariam! 🙂
Amanda | Maple Alps says
I’m a huge fan of making sure things go back where they belong! It only takes a few seconds to make sure everything is in its proper home, and really makes a huge difference in the long run! You have a beautiful new home, by the way!
Reichel says
Right? So easy to keep on top of it. Thanks so much Amanda 🙂
Ruthie Ridley says
StumBled across this just as I’m thinking to myself that I need to get back on top of my cleaning! thanks for sharing!
Reichel says
Glad you found it helpful Ruthie! 🙂
Kristen says
Congrats on the new house! Moving is so much work, but so rewarding once you are settled in.