Respond to prefers-color-scheme dark in app web views

Follow section front redirects in Spectrum

Enable NLP source in PCS for load testing

Switch off the News Alerts Survey Widget when we have enough responses

Poll to determine if new LUF updates are available

Allows the winning A/B test variant to be turned on without Spectrum deployment

Show infinite scrolling sections in Assembler MultiView

Show option for NLP article summaries in Action Bar

Show NLP summaries collection recirc on article pages

A general feature flag for Recipe Features that aren't yet released

Feature flag for media team features that aren't yet released

Use new Orca video player for preroll plugin in Spectrum

Show the snow tracker (instead of the heat tracker) on Spectrum

Resolving to get a cleaner house in 2024? Experts say it’s best to take baby steps to become neater and more organized.

“New year’s is a great time to get a fresh start on spots in your home that are bugging you, whether that’s an overflowing entryway closet or a messy kitchen,” says<a href="https://www.apleasantsolution.com/" target=_blank> Amelia Pleasant Kennedy</a>, a Detroit-based personal organizer and life coach. “But too many people take on too much — a whole house organization, giant cleaning projects — and find themselves spinning their wheels.”

By splitting up tidying and scrubbing duties into what Kennedy calls “micro moments,” you can make tangible progress toward a more sparkling, orderly home without getting overwhelmed. Here’s what she and other experts recommend.

“When I was waiting tables, we were instructed to never walk anywhere in the restaurant without something in our hands, whether that was a guest’s entree or a dirty glass,” says Melissa Maker, whose<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGozdt7Wbd15k7dWhvlmLUw" target=_blank> Clean My Space</a> YouTube channel has 2.1 million subscribers. “Now I do the same thing at home, picking up things that are out of place and putting them away. It really helps keep the clutter from building up.”

“My rule of thumb? Whenever I cross a threshold, I don’t leave that room until I do a quick scan and see if anything needs to move to another room,” says Scott Roewer of the Washington, D.C.-based<a href="https://theorganizingagency.com/" target=_blank> Organizing Agency</a>. He also advises that people who live in two-story houses keep a basket on each level to fill up with items that belong on the other floor, saving multiple trips up and down stairs to return things to their rightful places.

Even diligent tidiers may neglect things that are above or below eye level. “Corners of ceilings, tops of door frames and high bookshelves get forgotten,” Maker says. To avoid a cobwebby haunted house look — and stop dust from migrating downward from the ceiling fan or sky-high shelving — invest in a telescoping dusting wand and a good stepladder.

If something hasn’t been dusted in eons, place a drop cloth or old sheet underneath it, then dust or wipe down, letting the debris fall onto the covering. Then either throw the dust cloth into the washing machine or shake it out outside.

Organizing queen Marie Kondo has convinced many wannabe neatniks to embark on all-or-nothing cleanups. But that’s a great way to spark disappointment, says Atlanta-based organizer Naeemah Ford Goldson of<a href="https://restoreordernow.com/" target=_blank> Restore Order Now</a>.

“It takes a long time to accumulate clutter, so purging it takes a long time too,” she says. “Do things in bite-sized pieces — maybe sort out your linen closet or overflowing junk drawer before your disaster-area garage.”

And set up systems — storage bins, labels indicating what goes where — to be sure you succeed in keeping things in order after your initial clean up. Seeing progress in a small space can motivate you for bigger efforts later on.

Studies show that about<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es9003735" target=_blank> one third of indoor dirt and dust</a> — including, <i>eek</i>, E. coli and microplastics — comes into your house from outside, often <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/10/02/take-shoes-off-indoors-house/" target=_blank>on the bottoms of your shoes.</a> So, do as cultures from Asia to the Middle East do, and shed sneakers and boots by the door. “Buy yourself a shoe rack or one of those simple trays,” says New York City personal organizer<a href="https://www.carolinesolomon.com/" target=_blank> Caroline Solomon</a>. “And I keep a vacuum hidden by the door and frequently use it to pick up dirt, leaves or whatever.” If you have a dog, store a towel in your entryway for wiping paws after walks or romps in the yard.

If you try on those peak pandemic lockdown pants and they don’t fit or flatter you anymore, don’t put them back <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/01/26/organize-closet-maximize-space/" target=_blank>on the closet shelf</a> or the hanger. “Toss things that you don’t love anymore in a bag or other container that you keep right in your closet,” Solomon says. “When it’s full, then take it to a charity or consignment shop. This is a great way to purge without really thinking about it.” The bye-bye bin should also help you enforce the classic one-in, one-out rule, which decrees that a new item should only be added to a wardrobe when an old one departs.

Buy a simple squeegee for every tub or shower in your home, Maker says. “If you want your glass to look immaculate and prevent soap scum and hard water stains, the best method is to squeegee off your shower stall or tub walls every time you use them.” To keep things drier still — and prevent mold — open up your shower curtain or door and, Maker says, “run the bathroom fan for at least 30 minutes after you shower.”

If you aren’t diligent, the catalogues, holiday cards and random real estate flyers in your mailbox will pile up in your space. “It’s like snow — if you shovel it when it comes in, you keep it under control, but if you neglect it, it’ll become an avalanche,” Roewer says. “That’s why I at least file my mail by category every day. Then I might sit and open it while I watch TV, keeping a trash can nearby.” Roewer initially puts his mail in folders; an accordion file would work, too.

You’ll be more likely to attack tasks like scrubbing the toilet or Windex-ing your mirrors if you keep your supplies in one closet or, better yet, a portable container. “A cleaning caddie or kit means you can haul products from room to room around your house,” Solomon says. “It’ll make your life easier.” Stock it with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/09/13/dish-soap-detergent-clean-house/" target=_blank>a limited lineup</a> of products — Solomon says too many potions and gadgets can overwhelm your intentions.

<i>Jennifer Barger is a writer in D.C. who covers home and travel.</i>

Jennifer Barger

washpost

8 easy ways to get a cleaner house

the-washington-post

For The Washington Post

Paige Stampatori

 Topper for cleaner house 2024

The Home You Own

Small space living

Plants and outdoor living

Renovations and maintenance

Decorating

Cleaning and organizing

Home & Garden

prism://prism.query/site-and-discussions-not-future,/lifestyle/home-garden&limit=20

The Washington Post Home &amp; Garden section provides tips and advice for homeowners interested in home improvement and gardening. Resources and coupons for homes and gardens in DC, MD and VA. Guides for organizing, cleaning, planting and caring.

prism://prism.query/site-articles-only,/lifestyle&limit=20

Lifestyle

Washington Post Lifestyle gives you the latest fashion and beauty trends, home d&eacute;cor pointers, food and recipe ideas and reviews, relationship advice, travel ideas, wellness tips and much more.

More from The Home You Own