What to Clean on Sundays For an Easier Week Ahead

By the time Sunday rolls around, the temptation to do, well, absolutely nothing is sky-high. But carving out time to do the things that’ll make your week easier is the way to go. “Sunday resets don’t have to mean deep cleaning your entire house,” says cleaning professional Kellsie Zapatas. “The most impactful tasks are usually the simple maintenance tasks that help your home feel manageable going into Monday.”

Here's what cleaning and organizing pros recommend prioritizing for a better week ahead. 

Reset the Kitchen

You likely use your kitchen daily, so it’s a space that needs extra attention after a long week and before a new one begins. “Once dishes, clutter, and mess start piling up there, it tends to affect the whole flow of the home,” Zapatas explains.

Specifically, Zapatas recommends making a concerted effort not to go to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes, as it can make a difference in how your kitchen looks (and your mental state). Consider giving the sink and counters a good wipe-down, too, and emptying the trash. That way, it doesn’t smell like Saturday night's Chinese takeout all week long.

Put Away the Laundry

Unfortunately, fully doing your laundry consists of more than just washing and drying it, Meghan Cocchiaro, a certified professional organizer, shares. "It does not help if you get the laundry done, but it never gets folded or put away; it only adds to laundry chaos and life's general messes in the home during the week."

"When the laundry is done and put away, everyone can find the clothes they need easily during the week for work, exercising, school, and socializing," explains Cocchiaro. "No last-minute loads of laundry." And if you still find yourself doing random loads on a Wednesday? It may be time to evaluate what’s missing and buy extras, she says.

Tidy Entryways and Mudrooms

Mudrooms and entryways can be graveyards of clutter. Think: shoes scattered about, half-open backpacks with crumbs spilling out, and the keys you were certain you lost last week. Unsurprisingly, these areas can spiral into real headaches, which is why our experts say it’s a must-tackle for Sundays. 

“Entryways and mudrooms in particular should be reset so everyone can easily find their keys, bags, shoes, and coats to easily get through a busy day coming up,” Cocchiaro says. “Return items in each room to the room, closets, and cabinets that they belong in.” And if you have kids, Cocchiaro recommends taking a few minutes to quickly clean out their backpacks (e.g., tossing old snacks and pulling out important papers) before the week ramps up. 

Vacuum Floors

When life gets ultra-hectic, the floors are the first place it starts to really show. “Especially in busy households with kids or pets,” Zapatas says. “Dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and everyday foot traffic build up much faster than people realize, and visually, messy floors can make the entire home feel more chaotic.”

That’s why she recommends vacuuming particularly high-traffic areas on Sundays, even if you skip a full-house clean. Giving spaces like the kitchen, living room, hallways, and entryway a quick once-over can make your home feel fresher and more put-together heading into Monday.

Clean Out and Restock the Fridge and Pantry

In an effort to make room for the week ahead, Cocchiaro recommends cleaning out your fridge and pantry on Sunday. “If you clear out the expired food and tidy up both spaces, you can clearly see what you do and do not need to add to your shopping list for the upcoming week,” Cocchiaro says. “Restocking both spaces and making them tidy makes it so much easier to grab food to cook or snacks on the go.” 

For example, if your kids regularly eat cereal for breakfast, check that the milk isn’t expired and the Cheerios are fully stocked. If not, add them to a running grocery list. Sunday is the perfect time to order or shop for groceries after a clean-out.