If your mind is an agent of chaos and you find it challenging to stay organized and keep things tidy, you’re not alone. Naturally, there are plenty of external factors that play a role, such as a busy schedule, children, pets, and even mental health. But if you feel like you could change your habits for the better, sometimes looking within and making a game plan for a tidy mindset shift can be a great start. Here are a few ways you can approach your “inner housekeeping” for some much-needed clarity and reset that extends to your space.

Remember to start small.

A cluttered environment can be a reflection of how you’re feeling inside, and as messes continue piling up, it can get more and more overwhelming. If you’re struggling with mental health, the idea of “cleaning up” isn’t what some might consider a simple task, it can become an exhausting marathon. Being gentle with yourself is important here, and starting small is key.

Embrace the power of daily routines.

Building habits to maintain a tidy home starts with your daily routines. Begin your day by making your bed as soon as you wake up. This simple act sets a positive tone and instantly makes your bedroom look neater. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your mindset and motivation for the day. Next, focus on another small area of the room, like cleaning up your desk or picking up laundry or items off the floor.

Breaking these tasks up will feel less like a mountain to climb. Pay attention to how you feel afterward. If you’re in a groove after you’ve finished, ask yourself if you’re up for moving to another small task. If not, take a break to clear your mind and reset before coming back to it.

Tackle the dishes after every meal.

Repeat this in a different room, like the kitchen. Dishes in the sink are usually a big culprit, so you can chip away at those. One trick is to consider the future version of you as though they are a friend or loved one. Interestingly, many of us find self-love a challenge but bend over backward for the people important in our lives.

Ask yourself, “Would it be kind and helpful to future me if I washed these dishes or loaded them into the dishwasher now?” Repeat with laundry, sweeping, mopping, dusting, or whatever needs to get done next.

Set a weekly cleaning schedule.

Create a schedule that outlines specific tasks for each day of the week to further help you break down the tasks. If you have a full household, there are a few clever and fun ways to get them involved, too.

Make cleaning supplies easily accessible.

Organize your cleaning supplies in a designated area, such as a cleaning caddy or a cupboard. Having everything at your fingertips just makes the process easier, and if it’s in an area you frequent, you’ll be gently reminded of your household tasks.

Create a cleaning checklist.

Develop a cleaning checklist that outlines the tasks to be completed in each room. Having a visual guide ensures that you don’t overlook any cleaning chores. You can check off each task as you complete it, giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Stay consistent and reward yourself.

Consistency is key to building and maintaining tidy habits. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to prompt you to perform daily and weekly cleaning tasks. Over time, these reminders will become ingrained in your routine. And, don’t forget to reward yourself for your efforts. After completing your cleaning tasks or decluttering sessions, take a moment to relax and enjoy your clean and tidy space. Recognizing your achievements reinforces the habit-building process.