Simple Tips to Tidy Up and Feel Great

A Peaceful Home Starts with Clean Habits: 3 Simple Tasks That Make a Big Difference

Maintaining a clean and organized home isn’t just about appearances—it’s about creating a calm, peaceful environment where you can relax and feel at ease. Whether you’re renting your first apartment or have settled into a long-term residence, practicing a few simple cleaning habits can transform your living space into a sanctuary.

At Cambridge Place Apartments in Iowa City, we believe that a peaceful home begins with a healthy, comfortable environment. When your apartment feels clean and well cared for, it’s easier to focus, unwind, and enjoy your time at home. Here are three Simple Tips to Tidy Up and Feel Great—small steps with a big impact on your comfort.

1. Dusting: Breathe Easier in a Cleaner Space

Dust may seem harmless, but it can have a bigger impact than most people realize. Dust particles often include pollen, pet dander, and other irritants that can trigger allergies or asthma. Left unchecked, they can also make your home feel heavier and less fresh.

Dust tends to gather on flat surfaces like bookshelves, countertops, windowsills, and tables, where it quickly builds up if not cleaned regularly.

? Simple Tip to Tidy Up and Feel Great: Dust all surfaces once a week using a microfiber cloth or dusting tool. Pay special attention to places you might overlook, such as baseboards, blinds, or ceiling fan blades. Keeping your apartment dust-free not only improves your air quality but also creates a lighter, more tranquil atmosphere throughout your home.

2. Decluttering: Clear Space, Clear Mind

Clutter has a way of sneaking in over time—mail on the counter, clothes in a chair, or a drawer that just won’t close. While it may seem harmless, clutter can create visual stress and mental distraction, preventing you from feeling truly relaxed in your space.

Creating a clutter-free home doesn’t mean striving for perfection. Instead, it’s about making sure the things you surround yourself with add value and comfort to your daily life.

? Decluttering Simple Tip: Use natural transition times, such as changing seasons or preparing for a move, to sort through your belongings. Ask yourself: Have I used this item in the last year? If not, consider donating or recycling it. Even tackling one drawer or one shelf at a time can give you a quick sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep going. The result is a cleaner, calmer home that promotes mental clarity and a sense of control.

3. Vacuuming: Keep Allergens and Irritants at Bay

Just as dust builds up on surfaces, rugs and carpets quietly collect dirt, crumbs, and allergens deep within their fibers. Without regular cleaning, those irritants can get stirred up and affect your indoor air quality.

? Best Practice: Vacuum your floors and rugs at least once a week—or more often if you have pets or allergies. Be sure to reach corners, under furniture, and along baseboards where dust tends to hide. Regular vacuuming not only keeps your space looking neat but also helps create a healthier living environment.

Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home

The good news is that keeping your apartment clean doesn’t require hours of effort each week. By focusing on a few regular habits—dusting, decluttering, and vacuuming—you can maintain a living space that feels fresh, calm, and welcoming.

At Cambridge Place Apartments, we’ve designed our community to make apartment living in Iowa City as comfortable as possible. With features like in-unit washer and dryer hookups, private balconies or patios, and spacious floor plans, it’s easy to care for your home and enjoy your routines. We encourage all residents to treat their apartment as a long-term home, because whether you’re staying a year or longer, your space should feel truly your own.

By maintaining it with care, you’ll not only enjoy a more peaceful home today—you’ll also set yourself up for a more enjoyable, stress-free tomorrow.