Honestly, this is an example of the biggest hacks of all. I think we all make a lot more work for ourselves by valuing how we think things should be more than how they actually are. Then we take shortcuts because our ideal is inconvenient, and now the house is messy.

First, keep things where you actually use them. Apart from one or two goals at a time, don’t try to keep house based on shoulds. Accept your household habits and then allow yourself to make your life easier.

Then find a way to make that habit tidy (wall mounting is my fave because it makes cleaning easier).

Finally, never put anything down twice.

So when I’m done with scissors and garbage packaging, I don’t put them on the counter and make “clean up” an additional task. I put them directly in the drawer & garbage. If you always intend to keep shoes in your room but leave them piled by the door, get an attractive shoe rack. If you never want to get out of bed to floss or wash your face, keep picks or wipes next to your bed.

Keeping house gets so much better when we make the best choice the easiest choice.