With the new year now underway, many of us are looking for ways to get a fresh start. This could mean committing to eating healthier, or to spending more time at the gym. But for some of us, this might mean getting the house in order so that you can completely enjoy your beautiful home.

If this is you, then here are some ideas to help you get your home in tip-top shape.

The Kitchen

As this is one of the areas in your home where you spend the most time, it’s a good place to start.

Consider going through your drawers to completely declutter them. Organise utensils and other cutlery, and then remove everything from the drawers. To clean them in an eco-friendly way, mix the juice of three lemons, three teaspoons of bicarbonate soda, one drop of dishwashing detergent, one drop of oil, such as eucalyptus or lavender, and one litre of water.

The next thing you could do is clean the oven. Bicarb mixed with water can do the trick. Just scrape the off walls as much grime as you can, and then make a paste with the bicarb and water and apply it to the inside of the oven. Leave it overnight and then use a cloth with hot water to wipe it away.

The Bathroom

Get down on your hands and knees with an abrasive pad and hard toothbrush to scrub any dirt and grime out of the grout in the bathroom. Once you’ve done this, wipe everything down with water, let it dry, and then apply a grout sealer to keep dirt out in the future.

Detox the toilet by using one cup of vinegar mixed with one quarter cup bicarb soda. Take the seat off and clean around the seat bolts, and then wipe down with a warm, clean cloth.

The Bedroom

Start by culling some of your clothing. Give away things that don’t fit or that you don’t wear anymore and spend some time organising things into categories so that you can have a clearer picture of what you actually own. Most of us have so many clothes we forget what’s in our closets.

If you store anything under the bed, take it out and give the floor a good mop or vacuum. You may also want to flip your mattress over to prevent excessive wear and tear.

Wash your curtains, and wipe the windows using a mixture of two teaspoons white vinegar and one litre of water.

The Living Room

If the couch has taken a beating over the year, then consider bringing in a professional. Otherwise, mix together a quarter cup of eco-friendly dishwashing detergent and one cup of warm water. Use a soft brush to work the foam into the fabric and clean up any stains that may have appeared over the last year.

If there are marks on your walls, know that most can come out with a bit of bicarb rubbed onto a sponge.

Don’t Stop There

Once you get rolling, go into the rest of the rooms in your house to scoop up dust mites and make everything shine. That’s a good way to start the new year!