12 Affordable Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean & Tidy

Keeping on top of chores can be difficult, especially when you feel you haven’t the time. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten of the best ways to keep your home feeling clean and tidy, without splashing the cash. 

1. The One Touch Rule

If you’re like me and your home gets taken over by clutter during the week then this is the perfect solution. Instead of procrastinating until the weekend (we all do it!), the one-touch rule involves tackling any items that are out of place around your home, from rogue biros to hair bobbles, and putting them away there and then so you’ll have a clutter-free space and more time to do the things that make you happy. 

2. Avoid Over-Purchasing

Whether you’re trying to save yourself money or you’re a bit tight on space, it’s always a good idea to consider reducing your monthly purchases. Try setting a monthly budget, or focus on buying what you need instead of what you’d like, to help reduce the things that you own. This is a great way to help you stay organised on a budget.  

3. Ready, Set, Clean!

The thought of having to spend a few hours cleaning your home can be daunting. Instead of avoiding it completely and making more work for yourself, try setting a timer of around 20 minutes to challenge yourself to get as much done as possible. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed or spend the entire day cleaning, and you’ll end up tackling those jobs you’ve been putting off.  

4. Night-Time Clean Routine

Cleaning is definitely a form of self-care on a budget, and there’s nothing worse than waking up to a messy home. Take some time the night before to do a mini night-time cleaning routine to ensure you wake up to a clean and tidy home to get your day off to a good start. 

It doesn’t have to be a deep clean - simply straighten cushions, load the dishwasher, and give the kitchen surfaces a quick wipe, and you’ll certainly thank yourself the next day. 

5. Make Use of Storage

If you’re decorating your lounge or decorating rented property, opt for items of furniture with hidden storage. From beautiful side tables and vintage sets of drawers to sofas with storage and wicker baskets, there are plenty of ways for you to hide your clutter without ruining the look of your space. 

6. Declutter Once Every 3 Months

It’s so easy to build up clutter, whether it’s old pyjamas hiding at the back of your pyjama drawer or mixing bowls gathering dust in your kitchen cupboard. Making decluttering part of your routine every so often is super handy, not only to help clear space but also to give you a little extra cash here and there if you choose to sell secondhand. 

Dedicate some time to go through your entire home, making one pile for keep, one for donate, and one for bin. You’ll be shocked at how many things you forgot you even had! 

7. Create a Cleaning Schedule

When I first moved into my home, I didn’t have a cleaning schedule and only cleaned when it looked like it needed to be done. The problem with this that I soon discovered was that by the time it looked like it needed to be cleaned, it really needed to be cleaned, and I would spend hours scrubbing in the bathroom, wishing I could do something else.

I soon realised that the best solution was a cleaning schedule (whether that was once a week on a dedicated day, or little and often in the week), even if my home looked clean because it prevented build-up and made it a more manageable task. As soon as I started doing this, I found my home felt fresh as a daisy for weeks and rarely needed a deep clean. 

8. Have a Cleaning Caddy

Get your Mrs Hinch on with your very own cleaning caddy. If you don’t already know, essentially, a cleaning caddy is a container that holds all of your favourite affordable cleaning products. As you work your way through your home, take your handy cleaning caddy with you so you don’t have to keep going back and forth to your cleaning cupboard for bits and pieces. Not only will it speed up the process, but it will keep your cleaning essentials nice and tidy too. 

9. Deep Clean Once Every Month

Time to get all those tasks you’ve been putting off done. That means give your washing machine and dishwasher a clean, hoover behind your sofa, and empty your freezer. Our appliances work hard for us every day so it’s time to give them a little bit of love back. 

Providing you know when the best time to buy kitchen appliances is, you’ll save even more money in the long run the more you look after them. 

10. Clean Out Your Kitchen Cupboards

It’s so easy to put off decluttering your kitchen space, even when you have to dodge a cascade of falling chocolate bars each time you dare to open the cupboard door. 

Set aside some time to work your way around the kitchen, get rid of anything out of date, and set aside a pile of food to give away if you’re unlikely to eat it. You’ll thank yourself the next time you’re putting your weekly food shop away and you don’t have to wrestle with rogue crisp packets and stale crackers.

11. Follow Cleanfluencers for Motivation

Yes, in this day and age, there are such things as cleaning influencers, and they are great for providing motivation. The next time you need something to spur you to clean your home, load up Instagram and get your daily dose of cleaning content. 

Accounts such as Mrs Hinch, Go Clean, and Lynsey Queen of Clean are great and will certainly give you the cleaning bug. What’s more, you’re sure to pick up some handy tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your affordable cleaning products too, without spending a penny.   

12. Get Organised

Since moving into my own home, I’ve learnt that one of the biggest factors in maintaining a clean and tidy home is staying organised. From planners and master to-do lists to time-blocking and establishing a cleaning routine, it is super helpful to keep your home feeling brand new. 

If you’re interested in more ways to organise your life, don’t miss our article on ten affordable ways to stay organised.