FlyLady 31 BabySteps
Getting started with the Flylady System by doing the 31 Babysteps
The FlyLady system is designed to help you build simple, sustainable routines that bring order and calm to your home. By following these 31 BabySteps created by Flylady aka Marla Cilley, you’ll create daily habits that make cleaning and organising effortless. This guide walks you through how I tackled each step of the Flylady 31 Babysteps and includes an embedded link to my Clean With Kate YouTube playlist for extra motivation!
Fylady baby steps checklist
Day 1: Shine your sink
Start with a small but powerful habit—shine your kitchen sink. A clean sink sets the tone for a tidy home and gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment.
Day 2: Get dressed to shoes
Get fully dressed, including lace-up shoes. This simple act shifts your mindset, helping you feel more productive and prepared for the day.
Day 3: Explore FlyLady’s messages
Visit the FlyLady website or read motivational emails. This will help you stay encouraged and connected to the system.
Day 4: Write down your routines
Start a morning and evening routine. Keep it simple—just a few tasks like making your bed, shining your sink, and laying out tomorrow’s clothes.
Day 5: Set up a post-It reminder
Place notes around your home to remind yourself of key habits, like “Shine the Sink” or “Start a Load of Laundry.”
Day 6: Declutter for two minutes
Take just two minutes to declutter a small area. Consistency is key! Use a timer.
Day 7: Focus on your evening routine
A strong evening routine sets up the next day for success. Lay out clothes, shine your sink, and prepare for the morning.
Day 8: Do a 5 minute room rescue
Pick a cluttered space and spend five minutes picking up and putting things away and decluttering. No more than that! Set a timer for 5 minutes and stop when it goes off.
Day 9: Add a laundry routine
Start a simple laundry routine—maybe a load a day or setting specific wash days.
Day 10: Make a control journal
Create a binder or digital journal to track your routines and tasks.
Day 11: Set a 15-minute timer
Tackle housework in 15-minute bursts to avoid burnout.
Day 12: Use a calendar
A physical or digital calendar keeps you on track with cleaning, appointments, and family schedules.
Day 13: Clean your bathroom sink
A quick daily wipe-down keeps your bathroom fresh.
Day 14: Plan your meals
Start a simple meal-planning routine to reduce stress and save time.
Day 15: Declutter for 15 minutes
Spend 15 minutes removing items you no longer need. Use a timer to keep yopu focussed and stop when it goes off.
Day 16: Set a bedtime
A consistent sleep schedule improves productivity.
Day 17: Start a paper decluttering habit
Sort mail and paperwork daily to avoid piles.
Day 18: Add a swish & swipe
A quick bathroom wipe-down and toilet swish keeps things clean with minimal effort.
Day 19: Focus on gratitude
Write down three things you’re grateful for to maintain a positive mindset.
Day 20: Pick up hot spots
Tidy “hot spots” (clutter-prone areas) daily to prevent mess buildup.
Day 21: Take care of yourself
Self-care matters! Take time for yourself each day.
Day 22: Get your family involved
Assign small cleaning tasks to family members.
Day 23: Plan a weekly home blessing hour
A one-hour clean-up keeps your home looking great.
Day 24: Add a weekly menu plan
Plan weekly meals to simplify grocery shopping.
Day 25: Focus on one zone at a time
Work through your home in zones to prevent overwhelm.
Day 26: Try a 27-fling boogie
Get rid of 27 unnecessary items to reduce clutter.
Day 27: Start a weekly plan
Assign specific tasks to days of the week (e.g., Monday for laundry, Friday for cleaning).
Day 28: Create a launch pad
Set up a space for essentials like keys and bags to streamline mornings.
Day 29: Reduce screen time
Limit distractions to boost productivity.
Day 30: Reflect on your progress
Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Day 31: Keep Going!
You’ve built great habits—now maintain them! Keep following your routines for long-term success.