16 House Tidying Rules that Bring the Happy Back Home
Maintaining a tidy home can often seem like an uphill battle, especially when you're not the only one living in your space. Roommates, kids, and other family members add to the mix, making chores and housekeeping a potential hot spot for stress. But where do you start?
With a set of household rules.
We know that "rules" might set off alarm bells in your head. And before you panic, these rules aren't meant to be rigid. They're designed to help you and your housemates establish consistent habits that contribute to a happy home.
To get you started with your own rules, we're sharing 16 house tidying rules to use, adapt, or find inspiration from. And to make things even easier, we've created a free Household Rules on Tidying Worksheet for you to fill out with your own household rules, so everyone can be on the same page.
Let's jump in with 16 household rules to bring tidiness (and happiness!) back to your home:
1. Everyone pitches in.
Keeping a clean and organized home is a collective effort. As soon as you step through the door, make it a rule that everyone works together to put away everything you brought in before you kick back and relax. Whether it's unloading groceries or bringing in bags from the car after vacation, it's all hands on deck!
Teach your kids what it means to be a contributing member of a family and if you live with roommates build a sense of community.
2. Tidy as you go.
When you tidy as you go (think wiping down counters before you leave the kitchen or putting floating objects in a room back where they belong), keeping your space tidy will feel so much more manageable. No more battling overwhelming messes or dedicating whole days to tidying marathons!
3. Don't put it down. Put it away.
The best thing to tell yourself is "touch it once." Instead of just putting something down when you're done using it, take the time to put it away. That shirt you didn't want to wear today? Instead of tossing it on the closet floor, put it away. That spoon you used to stir your coffee? Straight into the dishwasher! There's no need to let it linger in the sink.
4. Focus on one thing at a time.
It's easy to get caught up in multitasking and juggling multiple projects simultaneously, but it's best to dedicate your attention to one item or project at a time. Whether it's using an appliance in the kitchen, working on a DIY project, or enjoying a hobby, make a conscious effort to complete it and then clean up afterward before moving on to the next exciting thing. That way, you don’t have a bunch of things lying around. Finish that big Lego® creation or crafting project before you start the next masterpiece.
5. Take ownership.
When you make a mess, you're the person who cleans it up. When you finish something up, take a moment to replace or refill it. You get the idea. 😉
6. Close the kitchen.
This simple rule sets the stage for smoother mornings and a sweet start to your day. You're doing your future self a favor! And here's how you can make it happen:
Don't go to bed without doing the dishes.
If there are clean dishes in the dishwasher, put them away.
Wipe down the kitchen counters and any used appliances.
Sweep the floor.
Take out the trash if it’s full.
With a clean kitchen, mornings—especially Mondays—will be easier to manage, creating a positive ripple effect on the rest of your day.
7. One in, one out.
Whenever you bring a new item into the house, you get rid of another one. This rule will keep clutter from taking over, but it also encourages mindful consumption and intentional choices about the items you welcome into your home. Before bringing something new into your space, you'll need to pause and reflect on what no longer serves you—donating clothes you no longer wear, selling that extra kitchen gadget, or passing down a book to a friend.
Bonus rules below!
The rules covered above can generally work with any household. But the following rules are specifically crafted for households with kids, pets, and roommates.
Tidying rules for kids
For kids, instilling a sense of responsibility and organization at a young age is so beneficial. It not only helps you maintain the tidiness of your home, but it also teaches them valuable life skills.
But don’t forget to teach them how. Kids aren't born knowing how to tidy and organize. It's completely normal for them to need a little guidance, regardless of how simple the task may seem. The younger they are, the more directions and support they might require. To make things easier, consider posting clear rules in the areas where they will be tidying and take a moment to explain the reasons behind them. You’re not just being a tyrant; you’re helping them learn the value of keeping things neat and organized and showing them how to take care of their belongings and home.
Here are a few kid-friendly tidying rules to get you started:
8. You're responsible for your room.
Give your little ones a sense of ownership and pride for their personal space by encouraging them to make their beds and keep their rooms tidy. If they're living in it, choosing the decorations on the wall, and spending their free time playing in it, they can take care of their personal space.
9. No more floor confetti.
... and by floor confetti, we mean the dreaded pile of dirty clothes or wet towels on the floor. Set a rule that dirty clothes go straight into the laundry hamper, and wet towels are hung up to dry after use to help keep your floors clean and reduce laundry confusion later. And once your little helpers start lending a hand with the laundry, they'll quickly see the connection between keeping things organized and reducing extra work!
10. Tuck your toys in.
Just like kids snuggle into bed, their toys need their own cozy resting places too! Encourage your little ones to tuck their toys in—teddy bears to their fluffy beds, cars to their garages, and dolls to their dollhouses. Tidying up toys before bed helps make their bedroom a calm space. But maybe more importantly, the process symbolizes the end of a day filled with joy and play. By tidying up before bed, children can release any lingering excitement or energy, which will help them transition to a sleepier state for bedtime. Once all of their toys are tucked in and put away, they’ll be more ready for that final bedtime story and a restful night in a tidy room.
Pet-specific tidying rules
Pets bring lots of love—and sometimes messes—into your home. Establishing a few pet-specific rules can help keep the messes cleaned up and prevent any major destructive mishaps.
11. Designate areas for pet items.
Keep Fido and Fluffy's supplies in check by creating a dedicated spot for their bowls, toys, and treats. By assigning a dedicated space for these items, you'll always know where they are (or where they belong) when it's time to tidy up after your furry friends.
12. Clean up right away.
Accidents happen, but that doesn't mean they have to leave a lasting mark! Keep a bottle of pet-safe cleaner and rags handy to make the clean-up process quick and hassle-free.
13. Wipe those paws.
Place a mat and towel near the entrance of your home and set the rule that you'll wipe your furry friend's paws before they enter. This simple step will help keep dirt and mud at bay, saving you from endless sweeping and mopping.
Tidying rules for living with roommates
Living with roommates—whether family members you’ve known your whole life or brand new friends living in a dorm together—can be an amazing experience filled with laughter and shared memories. To ensure that everyone feels comfortable and happy in their living space, it's essential to establish some ground rules.
14. Set clear expectations on shared items.
If you have grocery or cleaning items in common spaces, you'll want to set expectations about what's shared and how to label things that aren't. And to build off of rule #5, if a shared item runs out, the last person to use it should be the one to refill it!
15. Common area clean up.
Just like there needs to be clarity on what to do with shared items, you'll want to create some boundaries around shared spaces. A great rule of thumb is that whoever uses a common area (especially if they're inviting other guests into your common space) should take the initiative to clean up afterward.
16. Respect everyone's privacy.
From day one, make it a clear and non-negotiable rule that everyone respects each other's privacy. Whether it's knocking before entering someone's room or refraining from using others' belongings without permission, this rule fosters an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect among housemates.
*RENTER’S TIP*
If you don’t own your home, find out the rules from the landlord or building manager. They can be anything from hours for the laundry room to where to put different types of trash.
It's up to you.
Now the power is in your hands! When it comes to creating your household rules, it's all about personalization and flexibility. You know your house best!
So go ahead, gather your loved ones and start brainstorming those amazing house rules. And when you're ready to write them down, our worksheet is the best place to put your new rules! The free Household Rules on Tidying Worksheet is designed for you and your housemates to clearly lay out the rules you need for a happy home, so take the time to personalize it with your own household's values and preferences.
HAPPY TIDYING!
