There’s something about a new year that makes you crave a proper reset. Not the rushed “quick tidy before guests” kind—the real one. The kind where surfaces feel clear, air feels lighter, and you stop seeing mess everywhere you look.

But a full-home reset doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The secret is having a clear order, focusing on high-impact zones first, and using a checklist that keeps you moving without overthinking.

This guide will help you:

• reset your home step-by-step (without cleaning in circles),

• declutter and deep clean in the right order,

• and keep the “fresh home” feeling going long after January.

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Before you start: the New Year Reset rules

Rule 1: Reset first, deep clean second

Cleaning around clutter slows you down and makes everything feel harder than it is.

Rule 2: Work top to bottom, dry to wet, floors last

Dust falls. Water drips. Floors collect everything. Save them for the end.

Rule 3: One room at a time (with product dwell time)

You can still be efficient without bouncing around. Spray bathroom/kitchen products first, let them sit, then continue.

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The Ultimate Reset Cleaning Plan (choose your pace)

Pick the plan that fits your life:

Option A: One-day reset (4–8 hours)

Best for: weekends, pre-visit refresh, “I need it done today.”

Option B: Two-day reset (2–4 hours per day)

Best for: busy households, less burnout.

Option C: 7-day reset (30–60 minutes a day)

Best for: consistency, low stress, realistic routines.

No matter which you choose, the order stays the same.

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Step 1: The Reset Prep (20–30 minutes)

This is the part that makes the rest feel easy.

What you need

• rubbish bags

• donation box/bag

• laundry hamper

• microfibre cloths

• all-purpose cleaner

• bathroom cleaner

• glass cleaner

• vacuum + mop

Quick reset checklist

• Empty all bins (replace liners)

• Gather laundry into one spot

• Grab a basket and do a fast “belongs elsewhere” sweep

• Put dishes into sink/dishwasher (no washing yet)

Tip: Don’t organise drawers right now. That’s a separate project. This is a reset clean, not a full renovation.

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Step 2: Declutter by Zone (the fastest method)

Instead of decluttering the entire house at once, do “zones” so you don’t lose momentum.

The 4-box method

Label four piles/bags:

1. Keep (belongs here)

2. Put away (belongs elsewhere)

3. Donate

4. Trash

Start with visible areas first: benches, tables, floors, bathroom counters.

You’ll notice the home already feels calmer—and you haven’t even deep cleaned yet.

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Step 3: The Whole-House Cleaning Order (Stop Backtracking)

Here’s the ultimate reset route:

1. Bathrooms (spray + dwell)

2. Kitchen (spray + soak + dwell)

3. Bedrooms (reset + dust)

4. Living areas (dust + wipe)

5. Return to bathrooms (scrub + rinse)

6. Return to kitchen (wipe + finish)

7. Floors last (vacuum → mop)

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Bathroom Reset (deep clean without spending all day)

Bathroom reset checklist (in the best order)

1. Spray shower tiles/grout and glass

2. Add toilet bowl cleaner and leave it

3. Remove rubbish + empty bathroom bin

4. Dust vents, ledges, towel rails

5. Clean mirror

6. Wipe vanity, taps, and sink

7. Clean toilet (outside first, bowl last)

8. Scrub shower (after dwell time) and rinse

9. Mop floor and exit

New Year add-on (optional but worth it):

• Wash bath mats

• Replace old toothbrush holders

• Wipe skirting boards and door frames

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Kitchen Reset (fresh surfaces, no greasy build-up)

Kitchen reset checklist (in the best order)

1. Clear sink and start dishes soaking

2. Spray stovetop/splashback and let it sit

3. Empty bin, wipe bin lid area

4. Dust high areas (tops of fridge/cabinets)

5. Wipe cupboard handles and switches

6. Clean benches (move items, wipe underneath)

7. Scrub stovetop and splashback (after dwell time)

8. Finish by cleaning sink and taps

9. Sweep/vacuum then mop

New Year add-on (optional):

• Clean inside microwave

• Wipe fridge seals

• Do a quick fridge “expired items” check

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Bedroom Reset (the calmest room you’ll create)

Bedroom reset checklist

1. Make the bed (instant visual win)

2. Laundry into hamper

3. Clear bedside tables and surfaces

4. Dust top to bottom (fan, shelves, furniture)

5. Wipe mirrors and touch points (handles, switches)

6. Vacuum floor, especially edges

7. Optional: quick under-bed vacuum

New Year add-on (optional):

• Donate clothes you didn’t wear last year (start small: 5 items)

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Living Room Reset (fresh feel in under an hour)

Living room reset checklist

1. Clear clutter (basket method)

2. Straighten cushions, fold throws

3. Dust shelves, frames, TV unit, lamps

4. Wipe tables and remotes

5. Spot-clean glass and mirrors

6. Vacuum lounge edges and under cushions

7. Vacuum/mop floor last

New Year add-on (optional):

• Wipe skirting boards

• Clean windows if the weather’s good

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Hallway + Entry Reset (first impression matters)

Entryway reset checklist

1. Put shoes/bags in a designated spot

2. Wipe switches and handles

3. Dust visible marks on walls

4. Vacuum/mop from inside toward the door

This small area makes the whole home feel cleaner.

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Step 4: Floors (the final “wow” factor)

The fastest way to ruin a reset clean is doing floors too early.

Best floor order

• Vacuum edges first

• Then open areas

• Mop hard floors last

Tip: Mop from the furthest corner toward the exit so you don’t walk over your work.

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Step 5: The “Keep It Fresh” New Year Routine (15 minutes daily)

A reset clean is amazing—keeping it is the real win.

Daily 15-minute maintenance

• 5 minutes: dishes + benches

• 5 minutes: quick tidy (basket method)

• 5 minutes: bathroom wipe (sink + mirror + toilet exterior)

Weekly maintenance (60–90 minutes)

• Bathroom refresh

• Kitchen wipe-down

• Dust + vacuum

This routine keeps your home feeling “new” without needing another full reset.