Learn the difference between cleaning and tidying up, and why just doing both is not enough if you want to create a home that truly works for you.

We’ve all been there: looking around our home and feeling overwhelmed by the mess. So, we decide to clean and tidy up. But often, even after all that effort, our space still doesn’t feel quite right.

That is because just cleaning and tidying up is not enough. In fact, we don’t actually need a lot of cleaning and tidying up if we do this one thing.

But before we dive into it, let’s first find out the difference between cleaning and tidying up:

Cleaning vs. Tidying Up

Cleaning is about getting rid of dirt, dust, and grime. It involves tasks like vacuuming, mopping, wiping surfaces, washing, and scrubbing. Cleaning keeps things hygienic and healthy. It also makes your space look and smell fresh.

Tidying up means putting things back in their places or finding places for items to make the space look neat. It’s when you do things like organising stuff, arranging items, straightening up cushions, folding clothes, and making sure everything is well-kept. Tidying up makes your home look orderly.

Why Cleaning and Tidying Up Aren’t Enough

Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you clean and tidy up, your home still feels cluttered and messy? That’s because just cleaning and tidying up isn’t enough.

The Problem with Tidying Up

When we tidy up, we’re often just moving and arranging things around in our home. We might straighten up the living room, making the bed, or organise the kitchen counters, but we are not really getting rid of anything. Sometimes, we even keep things that are no longer relevant to our lives. This leads to clutter and makes our space feel cramped.

The Cycle of More Stuff

The more things we have, the more we have to clean and tidy up. It’s like a never-ending cycle.

We buy more stuff, then we have to find a place to put it. But soon enough, our shelves are overflowing, and our closets are stuffed to the brim. And guess what? That means more cleaning and tidying up for us.

All this cleaning and tidying up can be exhausting. We spend hours each time trying to keep our homes looking presentable, only for it to be messy again not long after. It’s draining both physically and mentally.

Beyond Cleaning and Tidying Up

So, what can we do about it? It’s simple: declutter. We need to declutter and be mindful about what we keep.

Even if your home is clean and tidy, it can still feel overwhelming if you have too much stuff. More than just cleaning and tidying up, it is essential to focus more on decluttering.

Decluttering means getting rid of things you don’t need or use. It’s about making choices about what to keep and what to let go of.

Instead of just moving things around from one place to another, take the time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t find useful. Be honest with yourself about what you really need in your life.

Tidying up means organising or arranging items neatly without necessarily removing them. But decluttering involves removing unnecessary items from your space.

Why Decluttering is Important

Much like cleaning and tidying up, decluttering should also be a routine. Here’s why you can’t skip decluttering if you want a mess-proof home:

1. Prevents Clutter Build-Up

Regular decluttering prevents the accumulation of unnecessary items. When you consistently remove things you no longer need, you keep your home from becoming overwhelmed with clutter or mess.

2. Simplifies Cleaning

Fewer items mean less dusting, less wiping, less organising, and less time spent on cleaning or arranging. When your space is decluttered, cleaning becomes quicker and more efficient.

3. Improves Organisation

Decluttering helps you organise your belongings better. With fewer items, you don’t have to stumble to find things and it’s easier to maintain order in your home to make it truly mess-proof.

4. Maximise Usable Space

Decluttering frees up space in your home and makes it more functional. With more room to move and fewer obstacles, you can better enjoy and utilise your living areas to suit your lifestyle.

How to Declutter Effectively

Decluttering is not as simple as just getting rid of clutter or throwing things away. If you’ve decluttered before, you’d know that it is actually more challenging than merely cleaning and tidying up. It demands critical thinking and emotional management.

When we declutter, we are required to assess our possessions, considering the value each item adds to our lives and the meaningful life we aspire to.

The process of decluttering can be daunting for many reasons, but here are some ways to tackle it and makes it less intimidating:

Start Small: Begin with one area, like a drawer or a closet. Don’t try to tackle the whole house at once.

Sort and Decide: Go through your items and sort them into categories: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Trash. Be real with yourself about what you really need and use.

Ask Questions: When deciding what to keep, ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Does this item add value to my life?
• Is it useful or necessary?

Organise Smartly: Once you’ve decluttered, organise the remaining items in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle. Use storage solutions that work for you, like baskets, shelves, or drawers. Aim to have a system that makes your life easier and more convenient.

Maintain Balance: We often get excited about bringing new things home but are reluctant to get rid of existing items. But doing this can lead to accumulation of clutter. For every new addition, try to let go of something old or unused to keep a harmonious balance and prevent clutter from piling up.

Making Your Space Work for You

Decluttering is just one part of creating a home that truly works for you. Be intentional about what you bring into your space. Choose items that are functional, beautiful, or meaningful to you.

When you combine cleaning, tidying up, and decluttering, you can create a living environment that supports your well-being and makes you happy. It’s not just about having a clean house—it’s about having a space that feels good to be in.

So next time you’re about to clean or tidy up, think about taking a little time to declutter too. Your future self will thank you!