Start at the top

• As with everything else, gravity has its way with dust, dirt and dirty clothes piles. If you were to vacuum first and dust last, residual dust would end up back on the floor, making the need for another vacuuming session come all too soon. Always start your cleaning routine at the highest level. For example, when cleaning the bathroom, wipe the mirrors first, replace used towels on rods with fresh towels, disinfect the sink area and tub, and finish by cleaning the toilet and sweeping and/or mopping the floor.
  
  

Make the bed

• The one item that makes the most impact in the bedroom is, of course, the bed. It usually takes up the most floor space, so it makes sense that by simply making the bed, the room automatically appears more "clean" and organized. If the in-laws are stopping by in a few minutes and you still have to address the disaster in the kitchen, just make the bed and the bedroom looks more presentable.
  
  

Cut the clutter

• Piles of stuff tend to accumulate throughout the house---either on shelves, tables or the floor. Set aside a few minutes each day to address these piles. Eliminate them one by one; don't try to get rid of them all at once or you'll probably get overwhelmed.
  
  Think in terms of recycling lingo: Reduce, reuse and recycle. If you can't find a place for an item or paperwork (either in a specific location meant for that item or in the trash), try to sell it, give it away or see if someone else can use it. If none of those options work, don't start another pile; throw it away. By the next day, you won't even remember that it's out of the house.