Simplify Your Home: The Art of Cleaning Up
Simple Tips for a Tidy Home (and how to keep it that way!)
At Oakhaven Properties, located in the heart of Langley, BC, we believe that a clean and organized home brings peace of mind and a sense of comfort. Cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with the right approach, it can even be therapeutic! Here are some easy ways to tidy, clean, and organize your home effectively.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
The biggest hurdle in cleaning is often just getting started. Instead of tackling your entire home in one go, break it down into manageable tasks. Try the 10-minute rule—set a timer and focus on one small area at a time. This prevents burnout and keeps the process stress-free.
Declutter with the "One-Year Rule"
If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it might be time to let it go. Donate, recycle, or toss unused items to create a more open and inviting space. Keep a donation bin handy so you can easily set aside things you no longer need.
PRO TIP
For any clothes that hang, rotate the clothes on hangers backwards (so the opening of the hanger hook is facing you). When you wear, wash and rehang an item, put it on the hanger regularly. Set a reminder in your phone one year from now and see how many items of clothes you haven’t worn in a full year. This makes it easier to let go or pass on things that are no longer in your rotation.
Adopt the "One In, One Out" Rule
For every new item you bring into your home, remove one that you no longer use. This helps maintain balance and prevents unnecessary clutter from accumulating over time. This is especially helpful for shoes, purses and accessories. These are things that it’s easy to accumulate and multiple of and this trick keeps things in rotation.
Use Smart Storage Solutions
Maximize your space with effective storage solutions. Baskets, drawer organizers, and shelving units help keep items in their designated places. Consider using clear storage bins so you can easily see what’s inside without rummaging.
Clean as You Go
One of the easiest ways to keep your home tidy is to clean up as you go. Wash dishes immediately after meals (or even while you are prepping or cooking), wipe down countertops daily, and put things back where they belong right away. These small habits can make a huge difference in maintaining an orderly home.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Having a routine helps ensure that cleaning doesn’t pile up. Set specific tasks for each day—for example, vacuuming on Mondays, laundry on Wednesdays, and deep-cleaning the bathroom on Saturdays. A little daily effort makes the workload much lighter.
Make It Enjoyable
Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Put on your favorite music or a podcast while tidying up. Involving family members and turning it into a fun, shared activity can also make the process more enjoyable.
Don’t Forget High-Traffic Areas
Entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms tend to accumulate the most mess. Focus on these areas regularly to maintain a fresh and inviting home. Wipe down surfaces, shake out doormats, and keep frequently used items organized.
Final Thoughts
A clean home is a happy home, and at Oakhaven Properties, we understand the value of a well-kept space. By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you can keep your home looking beautiful and organized all year round. Happy cleaning, from Langley, BC!
Have you heard of our
Oakhaven Home Collective Challenge?
We have an awesome challenge running for the month of March 2025. When you sign up, you will be invited to join our Facebook Community Group and complete daily cleaning, tidying or arranging tasks. Each time you post about your results and tag the @oakhavenltd handle is tagged on Instagram, you will be entered to win one of 2 great prizes! Click below to learn more and sign up.
