Routine

• The first and most important hint to keep your home clean and organized is to start a routine that works with your schedule. You can take a day off now and then, but just one -- if you start slacking, you will only be setting yourself up for a much more difficult housekeeping job later. Choose a time of day when you can spend 30 minutes cleaning and organizing. Don't worry about getting it all done in one go, the key is slow and steady progress. Each day spend 30 minutes focused on cleaning just one or two rooms of your home.
  
  

Organization

• Keep things uncluttered and organized to reduce your overall workload when it comes to housekeeping. Each time you clean a room or area of your home, spend the time wisely by removing anything you have not worn or used in 6 to 12 months and consider donating or selling it; if you haven't used it in that long it's unlikely that you actually need it or will ever use it. Once you have cleared the clutter, organize things into neatly categorized boxes, shelves or drawers -- this will save you time when trying to find items. Clean surfaces, ducts and corners.
  
  

Maintenance

• Always pick up after yourself and ask others to do the same. Once in the habit of clearing up messes soon after they are made, you'll notice that you rarely have to do large clean-ups anymore. If you notice something that needs to be done, just do it. Delaying will only cause you mental clutter and stress as well as set you back in your housekeeping efforts.
  
  

Presentation

• Scents can produce good or bad reactions; you wouldn't want to sit and visit someone if their home smelled bad, so let others feel an inviting, fresh scent when they walk into yours. Chemical sprays can be overwhelming to some people and are bad for the environment; a better alternative is to use quality scented candles, air diffusers and potpourri. You can also make your home smell warm and inviting by simmering some cinnamon sticks and a few slices of fresh-cut apple in a small pot of water on the stove.