Between back-to-back meetings, commuting (or Zoom marathons), and squeezing in a social life, cleaning your home can quickly drop to the bottom of your to-do list. But living in a clean, organized space isn’t just about appearances—it’s essential for your mental clarity and peace of mind. The good news? Keeping your space clean doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With the right strategies, even the busiest professionals and working moms can stay on top of it. Here are my top 8 cleaning hacks for working professionals.
Also, you can get the complete digital printable copy of the Year Long Thorough Declutter Series Calendar and Checklists here.
The printable digital download is delivered to your email. It includes 25 pages of printable calendar pages and checklists to help you declutter every room in your home. You can grab that here.
Struggling with the daily housekeeping chores? Check out my ebook on this topic, entitled Make Over Your Homemaking. Use this link to get it at a discounted price. Better yet, get it FREE when you subscribe to my email list.
Here are some smart, time-saving cleaning hacks tailored for people with jam-packed schedules.
8 Cleaning Hacks for Working Professionals
1. Adopt the 10-Minute Tidy Rule
Set a timer for just 10 minutes each evening to reset your space. Focus on high-traffic areas like your kitchen counter, coffee table, or bathroom sink. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in such a short time when you’re focused.
Bonus Tip: Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast to make it feel less like a chore.
2. Keep Multipurpose Cleaning Wipes in Key Spots
Stash disinfectant or all-purpose wipes in your kitchen, bathroom, and even your car. These are perfect for quick wipe-downs of counters, sinks, or dusty surfaces while you’re multitasking—like brushing your teeth or waiting for your coffee to brew.
3. Make Laundry Day Less of a Hassle
If folding feels like the enemy, switch to a “hang everything” system. Invest in extra hangers and fold only the absolute essentials (like socks or undergarments). Better yet, sort and start a load in the morning and set it to finish when you return home.
4. Use the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule
Cluttered spaces are harder to clean. For every new item you bring in—whether it’s a shirt, a gadget, or a kitchen tool—donate or toss one you no longer use. It keeps things minimal and manageable.
I thought it might be thought provoking to look at some statistics on clutter to inspire you to get your house clean.
- US consumers buy 40% of the world’s toys, but bear only 3% of the world’s children.
- Most people wear 20% of their clothing 80% of the time. (source )
- 9.4% of U.S. households rent a storage unit. (source)
- People do not look at 80% of the papers and information they keep.(source)
- The average American house is double the size it was in the 1950s–and getting bigger. (source.)
5. Invest in Smart Tools
Consider robot vacuums or cordless electric scrubbers that can clean while you work, eat, or relax. While there’s an upfront cost, these tools save you hours in the long run.
6. Clean While You Cook
Wipe down surfaces or load the dishwasher while waiting for water to boil or the oven to preheat. By the time your meal is ready, most of the mess will already be gone.
7. Weekend Power Hour
Block off one hour during the weekend for a quick clean blitz. Create a checklist and power through it. Set a timer, and don’t let distractions get in your way. Treat it like a workout—fast, focused, and effective.
8. Keep a Donation Box Handy
Designate a basket or box in your closet or hallway for items to donate. Whenever you stumble on something you no longer need, toss it in. Once the box is full, take it out. It’s a painless way to declutter over time.
You don’t have to choose between a busy career and a clean home. With a few small shifts in your routine and some clever shortcuts, maintaining a tidy space becomes part of your lifestyle—not another burden on your calendar.
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