Wait… your house is always clean?
I get this all the time when people come over:
“How do you keep your house so clean?”
(Usually said while side-eyeing the spotless couch and mysteriously crumb-free floor.)
Maybe it’s because I’m an interior designer, and people assume I just magically keep things neat for a living?
The truth? I actually like tidying. Yep — even before I became a designer. I blame my hospitality days — years of wiping, straightening, resetting — it kind of sticks with you.
That background taught me a lot about how to keep spaces effortlessly tidy. And it totally shaped how I design homes, too. (Hello, hidden storage and furniture that doesn’t collect dust bunnies.)
But let’s set the design talk aside for a minute.
Let’s talk cleaning. Lazy-girl style.
Not your typical cleaning advice
You won’t find “set a timer for one hour” or “do one chore a day” here.
Why? Because… life. We’re busy. And those tips still eat up too much time.
I work full-time too, and I know that squeezing in a perfectly structured routine isn’t always realistic. Some weeks, the laundry wins. And that’s okay.
So instead, I want to show you how to clean less — and still live in a space that feels good.
This is the lazy-but-smart way to do it. Small shifts, clever habits, and a few designer-approved tricks to make your home feel cleaner without always being in “cleaning mode.”
Tip 1: Declutter First, Clean Second
Let’s start with the easiest win.
Before you even think about scrubbing or vacuuming, toss the trash.
Sounds basic, but it’s kind of magic.
Here’s the deal: if your counters, tables, or shelves are cluttered with stuff, cleaning takes forever. But if those surfaces are clear? Suddenly cleaning feels 10x faster (and way less annoying).
Why it works:
When I worked in hospitality, we always started by tossing rubbish before anything else.
It instantly made hotel rooms feel cleaner — and the same trick works at home.
So, grab a trash bag and do a quick sweep through:
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom vanity
- Coffee table
- Nightstand
- Your desk (aka snack wrapper central)
You don’t need to declutter your whole life today.
Just clear out the obvious junk — receipts, packaging, expired coupons, that empty shampoo bottle you keep ignoring…
Once the visible stuff is out of the way, move on to drawers or cabinets when you have a bit more time (or motivation).
Lazy girl truth:
- Less clutter = less to clean
- Less stuff = fewer dust traps
- Trash in bin = instant sense of control 🙌
If you only do one thing today from this guide to keeping your house clean, let it be this.
Trash out, peace in.
Try it today — you’ll feel the difference right away. And hey, don’t overthink it.
Just one bag of junk at a time.re space.
Why does this matter?
- More things on counters = more things to clean.
- The more stuff you leave out, the more dust it collects.
If you only do one thing today, grab a rubbish bag and start picking up trash around the house. You’ll already feel a big difference!
Tip 2: Give Everything a Home (So It Stops Living on Your Counter)
You don’t need to become the next Marie Kondo or label your socks by season.
But everything in your home should have a place to go — even if that place is just a random basket shoved inside a drawer.
Because if it doesn’t have a home, it becomes clutter.
And clutter makes cleaning feel like a full-time job.
The basics:
- Clothes go in the closet.
- Hangers should actually have clothes on them (not tossed in a laundry chair).
- Drawers shouldn’t explode every time you open them.
- That one item that lives on your counter? It probably doesn’t have to.
If your stuff doesn’t fit in its “home,” circle back to Tip 1 and declutter first.
There’s no point in organizing chaos — that’s just chaos with better storage.
For the stuff that has to stay out:
Use trays, baskets, or boxes to group things together.
It instantly makes things look tidier and — bonus — makes wiping the counter a breeze. Just lift one tray, clean, done.
Ask yourself:
- Does this need to be out 24/7?
- Would it really kill me to open a drawer for this?
(If the answer is no and no, tuck it away.)
The lazy girl mindset:
You’re not aiming for a perfect house — just an easy-to-reset one.
Spills happen. Kids happen. Long work weeks happen.
But if everything has a spot to return to, tidying up after the chaos is 100x easier.
That’s the real goal of this lazy girl’s guide to keeping your house clean:
Not perfection — just peace of mind.
Don’t stress if it gets messy. Just make it easy to bounce back.t to have a perfectly clean house 24/7—it’s to feel capable of dealing with the mess when it happens.
Tip 3: Get a Robot (Seriously)
Are you still vacuuming by hand?
Really? In the year 2025? We have self-driving cars and AI-generated playlists — it’s time to let a robot vacuum handle the crumbs.
I used to drag my vacuum around my 5-bedroom house like it was some kind of medieval punishment. Then I bought a robot vacuum, and… life changed.
Now it runs quietly in the background while I do literally anything else — cook, work, scroll Pinterest in bed. Productivity? Optional. Clean floors? Guaranteed.
Why robot vacuums are a lazy girl’s dream:
- They clean while you relax (or do more fun things)
- They map your home and avoid crashing into furniture like a toddler
- You can schedule them to run every other day — or daily if your house is a crumb magnet
- Good ones have strong suction and actually get into corners
- You won’t need to haul out the clunky vacuum nearly as often
Before you buy one:
- Clutter check! If your floor’s covered in cords, socks, or dog toys… start with Tip 1 & 2. Robots can’t dodge chaos.
- Pet-friendly zone. Some pets are chill with robots. Others? Not so much. Introduce them gently.
Bonus: There are robots for everything now:
- Robot mop – it even cleans its own mop pad (yes, really)
- Robot window cleaner – lazy girl window hacks, anyone?
- Robot lawn mower – okay, technically outdoors, but still worth a shoutout
Invest once, clean less forever.
Let the bots do the boring stuff so you don’t have to.
Lazy tip: set your robot vacuum to run while you’re out — come home to clean floors and pretend you worked really hard. 🧹✨rkflow will only make cleaning take longer and feel more exhausting. Follow the right order to avoid back-and-forth work, and you’ll be surprised at how much time you save.
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Tip 4: Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Want to clean less often? Clean in the right order.
There’s a reason professional cleaners follow a system — and nope, it’s not just to look efficient. Cleaning randomly actually makes things take longer (and who has time for that?).
Here’s a lazy-proof process that saves you time and effort, every single time.
✨ Step-by-Step Cleaning Flow:
1. Declutter first
Always. No matter how messy (or not) it looks, start by tossing rubbish and putting things back where they belong. You can’t wipe a surface if it’s buried in random stuff.
(Need help? Go back to Tip 1 + 2)
2. Clean top to bottom
Dust falls. That’s gravity. So clean from the top down or you’ll be wiping the same spots twice.
On a regular day, I wipe down:
- Countertops
- Open shelves
- Cabinet sides (when I remember)
- Floors (always last)
On a deep clean day, I level up:
- Dust cobwebs from ceiling corners
- Wipe window and door frames
- Clean the tops of tall cabinets
- Hit all the surfaces before vacuuming + mopping
3. Clean clockwise (yes, really)
This sounds weird, but it works:
Pick a starting point in the room and clean in one direction — like moving around the room in a big lazy circle.
It helps you stay focused, avoid redoing spots, and finish faster.
4. One room at a time
You don’t need to deep clean your entire house in one heroic burst.
Focus on one room. Finish it. Then move on — or don’t. It’ll still feel like progress.
5. Vacuum and mop last
Always finish with the floor. It catches all the dust, crumbs, and whatever mystery fluff floats down from above.
Let your robot help if you’ve got one (see Tip 3!). But either way — floor = final step.
Lazy girl bonus:
- Cleaning in a logical order = faster clean
- One room at a time = less overwhelm
- Always end with vacuum/mop = pro-level results
No chaos, no random wiping, no re-doing the same shelf 3 times. Just smooth, satisfying progress.
Tip 5: Use the Right Tools (So You Don’t Hate Cleaning)
Still scrubbing every surface with the same crusty old sponge and an all-purpose spray?
Yeah… no wonder cleaning feels like a chore.
The truth is, the right tools do half the work for you.
And when something’s easy, you’re way more likely to actually do it.
You don’t need a closet full of fancy gadgets — just a few smart tools that actually work.
Lazy Girl-Approved Cleaning Essentials:
🧽 Microfiber cloths
Don’t just grab an old T-shirt and call it a day. A good microfiber cloth traps dust like magic. A bad one? Just spreads it around like glitter.
🧴 The right cleaner for the right surface
Using bathroom spray on your stone benchtop? Yikes. Whether you’re team eco-friendly or don’t mind chemical sprays, just make sure it’s safe for the surface. (Not sure? Ask ChatGPT 😏)
⏳ Let the cleaner sit
This is a game-changer. Spray it, walk away, come back in 5–10 minutes. You’ll need way less scrubbing — and it actually works better.
🪥 Sponges & brushes that feel good in your hand
Not too rough, not too flimsy — just something that won’t destroy your surfaces or your wrists.
The key takeaway?
Cleaning isn’t meant to be a full-body workout (unless you’re into that — no judgment).
Make your life easier with the right tools, and suddenly “cleaning day” feels way less dreadful.
Tip 6: Find a Cleaning Routine That Actually Works for You
Okay, real talk: even with all the best lazy girl hacks, your house won’t clean itself. (Unless the robot uprising happens — fingers crossed.)
The trick isn’t forcing yourself into a rigid schedule — it’s creating a rhythm that fits your life as it is.
We’re not about perfection here. We’re about doing just enough to feel good in your space.
Pick your cleaning style:
🧹 A little every day
Some people love doing 10–15 minutes daily — dishes here, counters there, done.
This keeps mess from piling up and feels super manageable.
🧼 Once or twice a week
Prefer to batch things? Dedicate one or two days to knock out most of it.
Great if you like structure but hate doing something every day.
🛁 Weekend deep clean
Busy weekdays? Reserve a chunk of time on the weekend to get it all done in one go.
Put on a podcast, light a candle, pretend you’re in a cleaning montage.
My personal routine:
I keep it super simple.
Most weeks, I block out half a day on the weekend to tidy and clean. That’s usually enough.
If life gets hectic, I squeeze in another hour midweek. No stress.
Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Wipe down all the surfaces
- Let the robot vacuum do its thing
- Use the handheld vaccumme for stairs, corners, and tight spots
- Finish with a quick mop
That’s it. Done and dusted (literally).
Lazy girl motto:
It’s not about being perfectly clean — it’s about finding your rhythm.
With the right flow, cleaning becomes just another part of your routine… not your whole weekend.
Try a few different routines and see what feels doable. If it feels like too much, scale it back.
Tip 7: Don’t Clean Alone — Get the Fam Involved
You didn’t make the mess all by yourself, so why should you be the only one cleaning it?
Getting your family (or housemates) to help out is a game-changer. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also teaches everyone to take care of their space. Win-win.
Here’s how to actually get people to help (without nagging):
🧺 Start small
Skip the vague “clean your room” command.
Instead, give simple, clear tasks like
- “Pick up any rubbish on the floor”
- “Put all the shoes back in the cabinet”
- “Unload the dishwasher and put things away”
People (especially kids) are way more likely to do something when they know exactly what’s expected.
🧠 Teach where things go
“Put everything away” only works if they know where stuff belongs.
Give them a task like: “Clear off the coffee table and put everything in This Cabinet.”
Over time, they’ll learn the system — and stop leaving stuff “just for now.”
🎒 Everyone declutters their own stuff
If it belongs to them, they put it away.
That random pile of school papers or the mystery sock under the couch? Not your problem.
This teaches responsibility and keeps the clutter from magically regenerating overnight.
📋 Ditch the mega to-do list
Don’t drop a 17-point list and expect motivation.
Instead, break it down into bite-sized chunks. One task per person = manageable and stress-free.
🎶 Make it (almost) fun
Put on music. Set a timer. Turn it into a 10-minute “cleaning race.”
Or promise a reward afterward — dinner out, movie night, whatever works for your crew.
It’s not bribery… it’s strategic motivation.
🪄 Just start — the magic trick
Sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started.
I’ve noticed once my husband starts tidying, he keeps going.
Momentum is powerful — use it to your advantage.
Lazy girl wisdom:
You don’t need to do it all.
You just need to get everyone doing a little. That’s how homes stay tidy with way less effort.
Small habits + shared responsibility = a home that basically runs itself (or close enough).
Tip 8: Make Decluttering a Lazy Little Habit
Did a big declutter? Amazing.
Now let’s make sure you never have to do that kind of deep dive again.
Tiny, lazy habits that keep clutter from creeping back in.
No more waiting for spring cleaning. No more “I’ll deal with it later” piles taking over your kitchen bench.
How to sneak decluttering into your regular life:
🧺 Sort while you do laundry
If you pull out something you never wear — donate it. Don’t fold it. Don’t guilt-trip yourself. Just let it go.
📬 Toss junk mail immediately
Straight from mailbox to bin. Don’t even let it touch the counter.
📚 Donate books you won’t re-read
Be honest: if it didn’t spark joy the first time, it won’t the second.
🧃 Check the fridge/pantry regularly
Expired sauces and mystery leftovers? Out they go.
Why it works:
Small steps = zero overwhelm
Daily habits = no need for mega cleanouts
Less stuff = faster cleaning, more space, fewer headaches
Decluttered life = Easier life
When your home isn’t full of random clutter:
- You clean faster
- You find things easier
- You actually enjoy being in your space
And isn’t that kind of the whole point?
Keep it lazy. Keep it light. Make space for what you actually love.
If you’d like to know more tips on how to keep your house clean and tidy, leave me a comment and let me know what other tips you’d like me to share.
Clean Enough Is More Than Enough
Keeping your house clean doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing.
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home or an ironclad routine.
You just need a few smart habits, the right tools, and a little bit of lazy-girl logic.
Here’s a quick recap of your Lazy Girl’s Guide to Keeping Your House Clean:
🗑 Tip 1: Declutter and Toss Trash First
Clear surfaces = faster cleaning and less stress. Always start with the easy wins.
📦 Tip 2: Give Everything a Home
When stuff has a place, mess doesn’t pile up. Trays, baskets, drawers — whatever works.
🤖 Tip 3: Get a Robot Something
Let tech help you out. A robot vacuum (or mop!) is your low-effort cleaning buddy.
🔄 Tip 4: Clean in the Right Order
Declutter → top to bottom → one room at a time → vacuum/mop last. Simple and satisfying.
🧽 Tip 5: Use the Right Tools
Microfiber cloths, the right cleaners, and comfy brushes make cleaning faster (and less frustrating).
📅 Tip 6: Find a Routine That Works for You
Whether it’s 10 minutes a day or half a weekend, consistency beats perfection.
👨👩👧 Tip 7: Get the Family Involved
You’re not the housekeeper. Delegate, simplify tasks, and make it fun when you can.
♻️ Tip 8: Make Decluttering a Habit
Small daily decluttering habits keep your home tidy — without big cleanout stress.
You don’t need to hustle your way to a clean house.
You just need a lazy-but-clever system that works for your actual life.
Start with one tip. Try it this week. Then build from there. Effortless routines = a calmer, cleaner home.
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