7 Top Tips for Keeping Your Open Concept House Clean
Open concept houses, renowned for their spaciousness and free-flowing design, can be a little challenging to keep tidy due to lack of walls and a scarcity of storage areas. However, with the right strategies and a consistent approach to house cleaning, your airy open concept house can remain clutter-free and sparkling clean.
We’ve gathered seven key tips from professional organizers and other experts to help you retain the beauty of your open concept home while keeping it pristine.
1. Declutter Before Buying Storage
Tidying up your open concept house is all about embracing a “less is more” mentality, which emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Before you rush out to buy bins and storage items to hide your clutter, take a moment to assess everything you own. Consider each item’s value and function in your space.
This reflective process will help you identify what truly matters and what can be let go. Strive to declutter as much as possible by sorting through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Not only will this lead to a more organized home, but it will also create a more serene environment where you can truly enjoy your open concept living space.
2. Ensure Your Projects Are Mobile-Friendly
Instead of leaving unfinished projects scattered across your dinner table or sofa, think about investing in a rolling cart. This versatile piece of furniture can store your projects efficiently, providing a designated space for materials and tools, which means you won’t have to search for them later.
When you take a break, simply roll the cart back into storage, keeping your living area clutter-free. Not only does it help maintain a tidy environment, but it also keeps your open space flexible for other activities, allowing you to easily transition between work and relaxation. Plus, many rolling carts come with additional features like shelves and drawers, further enhancing their functionality and organization.
3. Divide Your Cleaning Tasks by Room or Space
House cleaning can be quite daunting, especially in an open concept home where the living, dining, and kitchen areas blend into one large space. This layout can make it feel overwhelming to tackle all the cleaning at once. To make the process more manageable, it’s helpful to break your cleaning tasks into smaller, more organized areas.
Start with the smaller, less intimidating spaces, such as a corner of the living room or the dining table, where you can quickly see results. This can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue. Gradually progress to larger spaces, like the kitchen or the entire living area, and don’t hesitate to set a timer for each area to keep yourself focused and efficient. With a structured approach, you’ll find that cleaning can become a more manageable and even satisfying task.
4. Use Dividers to Conquer Your Space
While open concept houses are undeniably beautiful and promote a sense of spaciousness, they can sometimes expose clutter when you’re short on time to tidy up. Utilizing dividers can be an effective solution to conceal that mess and create a more organized atmosphere. Consider using lightweight room dividers that are easy to move and rearrange based on your needs.
Alternatively, tall, low-maintenance plants can serve as stylish barriers while also improving air quality and adding a touch of greenery to your space. By strategically placing these dividers, you can create distinct zones within your home, helping to maintain a sense of cleanliness and order without sacrificing the open feel that you love.
5. Eliminate Kitchen Odors Before They Arise
In an open concept house, kitchen smells can easily permeate the entire living space, affecting the overall ambiance and comfort of your home. To combat this issue, consider investing in a high-quality range hood that effectively reduces cooking odors and keeps your air fresh. A well-designed range hood not only helps eliminate unwanted smells but also adds a stylish touch to your kitchen.
Additionally, it’s crucial to regularly clean your appliances, including your oven and stovetop, to prevent the buildup of mildew and unpleasant odors. This practice not only ensures a more pleasant cooking environment but also extends the lifespan of your appliances, contributing to a healthier home overall.
6. Optimize Storage Spaces
Maximize all potential storage spaces in your open concept house to create a more organized and functional living environment. For instance, consider using the space underneath your bed for storing items you don’t need regular access to, such as seasonal clothing, spare linens, or extra shoes. This not only frees up closet space but also keeps your belongings neatly tucked away.
Additionally, opt for furniture with built-in storage solutions, like coffee tables with hidden compartments or ottomans that double as storage bins. These pieces not only serve practical purposes but also help to maintain a clean aesthetic by keeping items out of sight, allowing you to enjoy your open layout without visual clutter.
7. Create Designated Drop-off Zones
Instead of cluttering your dining table with keys, wallets, and other everyday items that tend to accumulate, consider creating one or two designated drop-off zones in high-traffic areas of your home, such as near the entrance or in the hallway. These zones can be as simple as a stylish bowl or a small basket where everyone in the household can conveniently place their belongings.
Make it a habit to regularly sort through these drop-off zones, ideally once a week, to keep them tidy and organized. This not only helps maintain a clean dining space but also ensures that you can easily find essential items when you need them.
An Actionable Guide to Maintaining a Tidy Home: Organizing by Room with an Open Floor Plan
Entryway
While your shoe rack may have appeared charming online, it’s not serving its purpose if shoes are scattered across the floor, visible from across the room. Consider replacing it with a stylish cushion bench featuring a hinged top that offers hidden storage for your footwear. This makes it easy to keep your shoes out of sight and your space looking tidy.
Living room
Maximize your décor’s functionality by selecting a coffee table or ottoman that features built-in storage. This clever addition not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also offers a practical solution for keeping your house clean. With this versatile piece of furniture, you can effortlessly tuck away miscellaneous items such as kids’ toys, cozy blankets, your favorite books, or even incoming mail.
Imagine how much more serene your space will feel when clutter is neatly concealed, making it easier to entertain guests or simply relax at home. Plus, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having everything in one place, easily accessible whenever you need it.
Kitchen
Here’s a helpful decluttering tip for hosting guests: consider reserving space in your upper kitchen cabinets specifically for countertop appliances, such as juicers, dehydrators, and blenders. This simple adjustment not only keeps your countertops tidy but also creates an organized and inviting atmosphere for your kitchen.
With appliances neatly tucked away, you’ll have more space available for food preparation and entertaining, making the area feel more spacious and visually appealing. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your kitchen’s design and make a positive impression on your guests!
Dining room
If your dining room table has transformed into a catchall for keys, wallets, sunglasses, and stray papers, it’s definitely time to break this habit. Not only does this clutter detract from the aesthetics of your space, but it can also lead to increased stress and difficulty finding important items when you need them. To reclaim your table and restore order, start by designating one or two high-traffic drop-off zones in your home, such as near the front door or in a hallway. These areas should be easily accessible to everyone in the household.
Additionally, set aside regular times, perhaps once a week, to sort through these drop-off zones to keep your house clean. During this time, take a few minutes to put items back in their proper places, discard unnecessary papers, and ensure that your designated drop zones are organized. This simple strategy can help keep your dining room table clear and create a more inviting atmosphere for family meals and gatherings.
Bedroom
If your bedroom features an open-concept design, consider utilizing the space beneath your bed for storing items you don’t need frequent access to. This could include off-season clothing and shoes, special occasion dishware, or toys that your kids have outgrown.
To keep everything stylishly hidden, use a duvet cover that is at least one size larger than your bed—so if you have a queen bed, opt for a king-sized duvet cover. This will ensure that your bedding drapes elegantly over the sides and reaches the floor.
For nightstands, choose options with drawers rather than shelves. This makes it easy to tidy up quickly by simply stowing items away in a drawer, keeping your space neat and organized.
Keeping a House Clean that has an Open Concept doesn’t have to be Hard
Keeping an open concept house clean can be a bit of a challenge due to the interconnectedness of the spaces, but with these seven practical tips, it’s completely achievable. An open layout offers a beautiful flow and a sense of spaciousness, but it also means that mess can quickly accumulate and be visible from multiple angles. By implementing a consistent approach to decluttering and organizing, you can maintain the charm and appeal of your open space.
This involves regularly assessing items that are out of place and ensuring that every item has a designated spot. By establishing daily habits and routines, such as tidying up high-traffic areas and utilizing storage solutions, you’ll find that keeping your house clean becomes a much easier task, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetics of your home without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.