9 Essential Cleaning and Organizing Habits to Kickstart the New Year

As 2025 begins, many are reflecting on ways to improve their routines. If achieving a tidier living space is on your list, building better habits is the key. Feeling unsure where to begin? Relax—we consulted cleaning experts to identify the most overlooked areas in homes and simple adjustments that can make a significant difference. Discover nine transformative cleaning and organizing habits to embrace this year.

Create a Consistent Cleaning Routine

Alicia Sokolowski, founder and co-CEO of AspenClean, recommends starting the year by setting up a personalized cleaning schedule.

"To avoid feeling swamped by the sheer number of tasks, develop a cleaning schedule," she advises. "Assign specific chores to each day, like doing laundry on Fridays or tidying the kitchen on Sundays. This approach builds a routine that’s easier to handle and less time-intensive."

Adding this to your calendar will help you stay committed and ensure you don’t overlook it.

Adopt the 'Clean-As-You-Go' Strategy

Do you frequently feel kitchen or bathroom cleaning is too much to handle? Or does every cleaning task turn into an exhaustive deep-cleaning session? If yes, Sokolowski suggests trying the 'clean-as-you-go' method.

"Examples include wiping down surfaces after use or addressing spills right away," she explains. "This stops messes from accumulating, fostering a healthier and consistently neat living space. This straightforward practice saves time, minimizes stress, and ensures your home remains inviting daily."

Start Your Day by Making Your Bed

Your mom likely emphasized making your bed each morning to set a positive tone for the day. Sokolowski shares this view. "Making your bed every morning is a small yet powerful habit," she notes. "It instantly enhances your room’s appearance and provides a sense of achievement, paving the way for a productive day."

Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions

Clutter can amplify stress, making it harder to locate items, whether it’s a sweater buried in your drawer or a spare bottle of ketchup in your pantry. Regular decluttering not only alleviates stress but also promotes a cleaner, more organized home environment. 

"Every week, dedicate time to decluttering a specific area of your home. Maintaining a tidy, clutter-free space becomes much simpler," Sokolowski advises. "Begin in the kitchen by removing unused items from cabinets, such as old Tupperware that’s been forgotten at the back."

At a minimum, aim to schedule thorough decluttering sessions once a month. For instance, focus on the bathroom in January, your bedroom in February, and the kitchen in March.

Keep Up with Laundry Tasks

Laundry may not be enjoyable, but it’s a necessary chore. Do you often find yourself with stacks of clean laundry that remain unfolded or heaps of dirty clothes waiting to be washed? No judgment here. However, 2025 could be the year you tackle this challenge head-on.

"Create a realistic laundry routine to prevent buildup," suggests Sokolowski. "It’s more effective to handle one load at a time, folding or hanging clothes right away, rather than delaying and turning laundry into an all-day ordeal."

A simple way to manage this is by running a load of laundry daily. This approach reduces the time spent and avoids the overwhelming buildup of clothes. 

Reaffirm Your Commitment to Dusting

Michael Rubino, an expert in mold and air quality, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse, highlights the significance of consistent dusting for better air quality. He recommends setting a schedule for this task and ensuring you have the proper tools ready. 

"HEPA vacuum cleaners and microfiber cloths are essential tools for removing particles from your home," he explains. "The fewer particles on surfaces, the cleaner your air and indoor environment will become."

Enhance your home’s quality and your well-being by investing in additional microfiber cloths and a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.

Replace HVAC Filters Promptly

Many of us neglect to replace our HVAC filters regularly, yet this is vital for keeping a clean home. "Air filters act as the first line of defense for both your HVAC system and indoor air, trapping pollutants before they spread or reach the HVAC unit, where they might encourage microbial growth," Rubino explains.

Over time, filters accumulate particles, diminishing their efficiency, compromising air quality, and putting extra strain on the HVAC system, potentially leading to expensive repairs.

To ensure peak performance, Rubino recommends adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement schedules and setting reminders to inspect and change filters routinely. You may also need to replace filters more often based on how frequently you use heating or cooling systems. Keeping a few spare filters at home is always a smart move.

"Indicators that a filter might need early replacement include discoloration, strange smells, increased energy costs, weaker airflow, and dust buildup around vents or condenser coils," he notes.

Switch to Plant-Based Cleaning Solutions for a Fresh Start

Both experts recommend replacing harmful chemical cleaners with plant-based, eco-friendly options.

"Unlike harsh chemicals that can degrade indoor air quality, cause health issues for sensitive individuals, and harm the environment, botanical cleaners rely on natural ingredients to tackle pollutants," Rubino states. "Opt for these to foster a healthier home and improve air quality."

Remember, maintaining a clean home doesn’t have to be expensive. A simple mix of vinegar and water in a spray bottle is both cost-effective and efficient. Likewise, baking soda works wonders for removing grease and tough stains.

Commit to Weekly Deep Cleaning

To maintain a cleaner home, consistent effort is key. Sokolowski recommends dedicating one day weekly to deep cleaning activities, such as cleaning baseboards, dusting ceiling fans, or giving your bathroom a thorough scrub.

"This routine helps prevent dirt accumulation and ensures your home stays clean, healthy, and fresh consistently," she explains.

If weekly or bi-weekly deep cleaning isn’t feasible, consider enlisting professional help. Remember, there’s no harm in seeking assistance for tasks that exceed your time or energy.