Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? You're still on the right track for a fresh start. Before life gets busier and mess slowly creeps back in, we’ve rounded up small but impactful habits to start now, and which you can actually stick to for the long term.

It's as simple as it sounds, but it’s a small habit that helps alleviate the pressure of having a full decluttering session: keeping a ‘donations bag’ accessible at all times. It can be a small bag, a decorative basket, or even a box reserved for items you want to donate. As soon as you notice items you no longer use or enjoy, place them directly into the bag.

If you have children, consider placing a donation basket in their rooms to remind them of its presence and encourage them to contribute. This makes letting go feel easier and more natural throughout the week, rather than making it a one-off chore. When it’s filled, sort through the items one more time, then make a trip to a charity shop to empty it out.

Do you often find yourself with a pile of dirty clothes you aren't getting to? We’re not judging at all. But if there’s one chore we all have to deal with, it’s laundry. So instead of letting laundry pile up and consume an entire weekend, it might be easier to establish a manageable routine and avoid getting overwhelmed. Experts suggest throwing in a load of laundry every day, then immediately fold or hang items to avoid the dreaded pile-up. Or assign specific days to complete a few loads instead of postponing the task entirely. It’s a small habit, but it makes the process feel more manageable and relieves both physical and mental clutter.

With all the gifts and sale purchases that accumulated during the holiday season, clutter is sure to have built up in our homes at this time of the year. The one-in-one-out habit helps keep your storage from overflowing and limits the incoming clutter. It's a simple rule: as something new comes in, another goes out. Practicing this habit helps you think twice before you buy more things, encouraging more thoughtful purchases.

Experts recommend the one-in-one-out rule, especially for clothing, kids' items, and decor. For instance, if you’re considering buying a new dress, do you have one in mind you’re willing to let go of in its place? Ask yourself if you really need to have another dress, and whether you have the extra space to store it. Embracing this mindset makes decluttering a constant, ongoing process instead of a once-a-year event.

You'll be more inclined to clean if your essentials are at your fingertips. One hack is to stock a cleaning caddy with all the supplies you need so you’re ready to strike when messes arise. Some staples include multipurpose cleaners, brushes, sponges, microfiber cloths, gloves, all-purpose spray, glass cleaner, and other frequently used cleaning supplies. It’s easy to carry around whenever you’re moving from room to room to clean.

It's often the smallest changes that make the biggest impact, and we’re all here for it. Always closing the toilet lid before you flush is a simple but powerful household habit to adopt from here on out. Because here’s the gross truth: the rushing water from every flush sends tiny droplets shooting up and out into the air. And yes, those droplets are made up of whatever was in the toilet bowl when you flushed. These aerosols can carry bacteria and viruses that can hang around and land on nearby surfaces. Shutting the lid, along with regular cleaning and proper handwashing, can be your best bet to keep the bathroom clean.

Let's be honest: this habit might feel slightly annoying. What do you mean you have to squeegee your shower after every use? But it’s actually the best trick to remove water and soap residue straight away. It’s a small practice with a huge payoff, as it helps prevent watermarks, soap scum, hard water stains, and minerals from building up. This helps keep your shower cleaner for longer and reduces the need for frequent deep cleans. Regular squeegeeing also reduces moisture in a damp environment, helping to prevent mold and mildew.

A quick but regular nightly reset of one or two of your most used zones, such as the living room or kitchen, can make your entire home feel drastically calmer and more manageable. You can spend just 10-15 minutes at the end of each day clearing surfaces and putting items back where they belong. This way, you can wake up to a tidy space, and that visual calm can help reduce decision fatigue and make everything else on your to-do list feel easier.

To reset your living room:

• Pick up any clutter that doesn't belong in the room and take it elsewhere, especially items on the floor, coffee table, side tables, and other flat surfaces.
• Fold throw blankets, fluff up pillows, and neatly arrange sofa cushions.
• Do a quick floor sweep or maximize the robot vacuum once you've picked up items from the floor.

To reset your kitchen:

• Give counters a quick wipe with a damp cloth after all the cooking and eating is done for the evening.
• Wash and dry the dishes, or load the dishwasher.
• Take out the trash, especially if it’s full or smelling. 

If you’ve run out of energy or feel overwhelmed for the day, keep a designated basket where you can place stray items temporarily. Don’t forget to tackle them tomorrow and return things to their proper places.