It’s no secret that living in a tidy environment can bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to the household. The less cluttered and more organised your space is, the more you can focus on what truly matters — whether it's spending time with loved ones or simply unwinding with a good book after a long day. Here are 5 cleaning tips to help create a peaceful household with less stress and minimal time spent worrying about cleaning.

1. Add decluttering to your cleaning routine

Cleaning isn’t just about wiping dust and cleaning mold stains — it’s also important to take stock of your belongings and be okay with letting go of clothes that no longer fit or video games that you haven’t played in years. The fewer ‘things’ you have taking up space, the less cluttered your home feels, and the less cluttered your mind feels.

2. Embrace a minimalist lifestyle

Speaking of decluttering, once you’ve downsized your belongings, there’s a trick to keeping your home clutter-free: minimalism. Consider the "one in, one out" rule: when you bring something new into your home, let go of something old. This simple, purposeful habit can keep your home from feeling overwhelmed with possessions, as well as limit spending on unnecessary items.

3. Establish cleaning routines that suit your household and your schedule

Develop daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines to ensure you're covering all areas without feeling overwhelmed. Daily routines might include making the bed and washing dishes, while weekly tasks could involve vacuuming and wiping surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner. Monthly, you might tackle deeper cleaning, such as cleaning out the refrigerator or washing windows. Not only can schedules help promote a healthy home, but they’re also great for maintaining mental health.

4. Prioritise the areas that need it most

Cleaning the home doesn’t have to be a massively stressful task. If you don’t feel up to doing a full house clean, simply focus on high-traffic areas until motivation hits and you’re able to tackle the rest of the home. For example, a clean kitchen and/or bathroom can significantly impact the overall tidiness of your home, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a little less stress.

5. Get the whole household involved

Creating a peaceful household is a team effort. Involve your family/housemates in cleaning tasks by assigning age-appropriate chores. This not only lightens your load but also teaches responsibility and teamwork. Encourage everyone to keep their own spaces tidy and set a positive example by maintaining a clean environment yourself.

These 5 cleaning tips can help you maintain a sense of tranquillity amidst the daily hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle.