Since I first shared my daily housekeeping routines on the blog years ago, I’ve noticed many readers have the same questions and curiosities.
It’s no surprise that housekeeping is one of the topics people ask me about most. Decorating and personal style are fun to discuss, but the everyday reality of keeping a home in order is something we all face.
Readers ask about practical details: how to keep sinks, appliances, rugs, hardwood floors, tile, upholstery and counters clean; the rhythms of my cleaning routine—what I clean and how often; tips for maintaining tidy rooms; how to live with family members who aren’t naturally tidy; whether I manage pets and a clean house; what cleaning products I use and whether they’re non-toxic; whether I employ a housekeeper; and how I tackle clutter and organization.
These are everyday concerns for most households, right?
I’ve addressed many of these topics in my books and on the blog. In fact, I have a brand new book on organizing coming out April 3 that I’m excited about and will share more details on soon. If you follow my posts, you’ll know I’ve written about cleaning and organizing in multiple places and answered many reader questions over the years.
I don’t claim to be a perfect housekeeper. My husband helps with a number of tasks, but we don’t have a regular housekeeper—though I admit that would be a dream for many of us.
We live a busy life with dogs, teenage boys, guests coming and going, two businesses to run, and regular home-cooked meals. Clutter, dust and grime happen here like in any home. Still, we aim to keep our house reasonably clean most of the time.
My guiding principle is simple:
I aim for a “clean enough” house.
What does “clean enough” mean? It’s not perfection. I have standards for certain areas and habits, but I let go of other things that aren’t worth the stress. Some things I won’t compromise on, and other things I can live with. I try to be practical and relaxed where it matters.
Throughout my books I’ve shared my mindset and many practical tips, but there are always more questions and ways to help readers. Because housekeeping is such a frequent topic, I’m considering a more comprehensive, periodic housekeeping series here on the blog to go deeper into routines, systems, and solutions.
If that sounds useful, I’d love to know. I’m also planning to share more daily housekeeping moments and tips on my Instagram stories for those who follow along there.
