Written by Andrea Reviewed by Daniel

Living With a Messy Person? 13 Tips to Keep Your Home Tidy Anyway!

Living with someone messy can feel like battling clutter at every turn. From random socks on the sofa to a never ending pile of dishes, it’s enough to test anyone’s patience. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

But don’t worry: this article is here to save your sanity. It’s not just about tidying up – it’s about finding simple, smart ways to live with the mess and keep your home feeling like a sanctuary. You’ll discover tricks that actually work, no matter how chaotic things get.

If you’re ready to take control of your space (without constant arguments), you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Create “Drop Zones” For Their Stuff

Living with a messy person often means dealing with their things scattered everywhere. Set up dedicated spots, like a basket by the sofa or hooks near the door, where they can quickly drop their belongings. This way, even if they don’t put things away properly, at least the mess is contained.

Having these designated areas not only helps keep your home tidier but also reduces friction in your relationship. Instead of constantly asking them to pick up their things, you can simply direct items to these zones. Plus, when everything has a clear “home,” it’s more likely to end up there eventually. Fingers crossed.

Establish “Clean” And “Flexible” Zones

Some areas of your home need to stay spotless, while others can be more relaxed. Your kitchen and bathroom might be non-negotiable clean zones, but maybe their home office can be their own organised chaos. This compromise helps keep peace while maintaining essential standards.

This zoning system works particularly well because it respects both people’s needs. The clean person gets their essential spaces kept tidy, while the messy person has areas where they can be more relaxed. It’s about finding that sweet spot between order and personal freedom.

Do Quick “Rescue Missions” Daily

Rather than letting things pile up until you’re overwhelmed, spend 10 minutes each day doing what we call a “rescue mission.” Focus on the most visible areas, clear surfaces, straighten cushions, and put away obvious items. It’s amazing what you can achieve in such a short time.

Think of these missions as maintenance rather than deep cleaning. By tackling small messes regularly, you prevent them from becoming overwhelming projects. This approach is particularly effective when living with a messy person because it keeps things manageable without requiring their constant participation.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Where You Need Them

Store cleaning products in every room where you’ll use them. When supplies are within arm’s reach, you’re more likely to tackle messes straight away rather than letting them build up. Plus, it makes it easier for your messy housemate to clean up if they’re feeling inspired.

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Consider creating mini cleaning stations in each room. A small basket with essential supplies tucked away in a cupboard or drawer means you’re always prepared for quick cleanups. This strategy removes the excuse of “I couldn’t find the cleaning stuff” and makes maintaining tidiness more convenient for everyone.

Use Smart Storage Solutions

Invest in storage that makes tidying nearly foolproof. Think ottoman beds for hiding clutter, attractive baskets for quick clean-ups, and labelled containers that make it obvious where things belong. The easier you make it to stay tidy, the more likely everyone will participate.

Remember that visible storage can actually encourage tidiness. Clear containers let you see what’s inside, making it easier to find things and put them away. Plus, when storage looks good, it becomes part of your decor rather than just a functional necessity.

Set Up A “One In, One Out” System

When you live with someone messy, clutter can quickly take over. Implement a rule where for every new item that comes into the house, something old must go. This helps prevent overwhelming accumulation of stuff, even if your housemate isn’t naturally minimalist.

Make this system work by keeping a donation box easily accessible. When new items come in, immediately identify what can go out. This prevents the gradual build-up of possessions that often leads to cluttered spaces and makes maintaining order much more manageable.

Create A Simple Cleaning Schedule

Break down cleaning tasks into small, manageable chunks throughout the week. Monday might be for bathrooms, Tuesday for hoovering, and so on. Even if your messy housemate doesn’t always stick to it, having a structure helps you stay on track.

Keep the schedule visible but not overwhelming. A simple checklist on the fridge or a shared digital calendar can work wonders. The key is making it easy to follow without feeling like a rigid set of rules that might put off your less organised housemate.

Use The “Two-Minute Rule”

If something takes less than two minutes to do, do it immediately. Hanging up a coat, putting dishes in the dishwasher, or wiping down the kitchen counter are quick tasks that prevent bigger messes from forming. This rule helps maintain order even when living with someone less tidy.

The beauty of this rule is its simplicity. It doesn’t require any special planning or tools, just a commitment to tackle small tasks right away. Over time, these quick actions become habits that naturally keep your space tidier, regardless of your housemate’s tendencies.

Keep Surfaces Clear

A clear surface is harder to mess up! Keep worktops, tables, and other flat surfaces as empty as possible. Use drawer organisers and cupboard storage to keep necessities close but hidden. This makes cleaning easier and gives messy housemates fewer places to leave their things.

This approach works especially well because it creates a visual standard. When surfaces are clear, it’s immediately obvious when something is out of place. This subtle reminder often encourages even the messiest person to think twice before adding to a clean surface.

Implement A “Last Person” Rule

The last person to leave a room is responsible for a quick tidy-up. Even if your messy housemate doesn’t always follow through, having this agreement in place sets a standard and might encourage more mindful habits over time.

This rule works best when it’s framed positively rather than as a burden. Make it about maintaining a pleasant space for everyone rather than assigning blame for mess. When everyone feels responsible for the shared space, they’re more likely to contribute to keeping it tidy.

Make Peace With Imperfection

Accept that your home won’t always be perfectly tidy, and that’s okay. Focus on keeping things clean and functional rather than magazine perfect. This mindset helps reduce stress and makes living with a messy person more manageable.

Remember that a home is meant to be lived in, not just looked at. Finding a balance between tidiness and comfort is key. When you accept that some disorder is natural, you can focus your energy on maintaining the aspects of cleanliness that matter most to you.

Use Visual Cues

Sometimes messy people simply don’t notice mess the same way others do. Use visual cues like a specific laundry basket for dirty clothes or a designated spot for keys and post. These subtle reminders can help guide better habits without constant nagging.

The key is making these cues obvious but not overwhelming. Clear labels, consistent locations, and intuitive systems work better than complicated organisational schemes. When organisation becomes second nature, even the messiest person can maintain better habits.

Lead By Example

Instead of criticising, demonstrate good habits. Keep your own spaces tidy, clean up after yourself promptly, and maintain an organised system. Sometimes seeing the benefits of a tidy space can inspire others to follow suit, even if it takes time.

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Remember that change takes time and patience. By consistently modeling good habits without judgment, you create an environment where tidiness feels achievable rather than overwhelming. Your positive influence can gradually help your messy housemate develop better habits naturally.

Parting Advice

Living with a messy person doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of chaos. With a little patience, creativity, and compromise, you can maintain a tidy home and enjoy a peaceful living environment.

If you found these tips helpful, share them with someone you know who might be struggling with the same challenge. Who knows? You might inspire a cleaner, happier household!

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