One of the best things that has come from downsizing has been the release of emotional worry and dependence on “things” to help create a sense of comfort. To be clear, our home is very comfortable, but I make different choices now about what comes in, what I spend money on, how I decorate, and how I get to spend the time that I used to have to spend cleaning. We have 700 sq ft with a small accessory dwelling unit (ADU). It includes one bedroom, a small living room, a kitchen, two bathrooms and a small office.
Here is a sample weekly plan that you can customize according to your needs and preferences:
Monday: Clean the outside areas, such as the porch, the deck, the windows, and the doors. You can use a broom, a dustpan, a rag, and a glass cleaner for this task. You can also check for any damages or repairs that need to be done. I want to start making Mondays the day I check on firewood, too! (Restacking, kindling needs, etc.)
Tuesday: Dust all the surfaces, such as the furniture, the shelves, the lamps, and the ceiling fans. I like to use little filters on the top of our ceiling fan blades to help cut down on dust, as well as an air filter in the bedroom. You can use a microfiber cloth, a duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for this task. You can also wipe down any mirrors, picture frames, and decorative items.
Wednesday: Clean the fridge and the pantry in your kitchen. You can use a disinfectant spray, a sponge, and a trash bag for this task. You can also sort out any expired or unwanted food items and organize your storage containers and labels. I am HORRIBLE at using produce, so I also have a compost bucket in the kitchen, and I try to empty this out weekly at the least.
Thursday: Vacuum and mop the floors in your cabin, especially in the high-traffic areas such as the living room, the bedroom, and the office. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a floor attachment, a microfiber mop, and a floor cleaner for this task. You can also spot-clean any stains or spills on the carpets or rugs. I like to have a combination of washable “nice” rugs, and then there is a poly-pro runner in the kitchen entry that could be replaced easily if needed. When I cycle my runners out, I move them to the outside decks so that the dogs have rugs in the summer. After they live outside for a year on the deck, they can be used at the bottom of garden beds, under the carport, etc.
Friday: Clean the bathrooms, including the toilets, the sinks, the showers, and the bathtubs. You can use a toilet brush, a disinfectant spray, a scrubber, and a squeegee for this task. You can also replace the towels, the bath mats, and the toiletries. I try to use refillable pumps and a nice glass bottle at the sink for hand soap.
Saturday: Do the laundry, including the sheets, the pillowcases, the blankets, and the clothes. You can use a washing machine, a dryer, a laundry detergent, and a fabric softener for this task. You can also iron, fold, and put away your clean laundry. This is a hard one for me, since we have dogs and I try to keep their blankets on a fresh rotation. I end up doing more dishes and blankets for the dogs than for humans! I need help bringing the laundry up from the basement, and I can fold stuff for a bit before I get kind of sore (I have some neat joint/muscle stuff). I ask for help with this, and try to have enough sheets and blankets that if I don’t get to the laundry every time I can still have clean bedding for everyone!
Sunday: Rest and enjoy your cabin. You can also do some light tidying up, such as making the bed, emptying the trash, and putting away any clutter. I am a constant tidier (sometimes I put things away before people are done with them, haha) and so this is a daily thing for me, but I also have a Jack Dempsey cichlid in a 55 gal tank, so I try to make sure that my fishy and my plants are good!
I hope this cleaning schedule helps you keep your home neat and cozy. If you want more tips or ideas, you can check out these resources:
Conclusion
The combined practice of slow decorating and downsizing offers a path to a more intentional way of living. It can help us reclaim time that was previously lost to maintenance and cleaning larger spaces. It’s a journey that encourages us to question our consumption habits, to prioritize quality and sustainability, and to find joy in the simplicity of less. As we embrace these principles, we discover that the true luxury lies not in the abundance of possessions, but in the richness of experiences and the tranquility of a space that resonates with our deepest selves.