Embracing the Japanese concept of kaji will make daily housekeeping quick, effortless and set a new rhythm for chores

In the fast-paced world of modern living, keeping on top of daily chores can feel like an exhausting, never-ending cycle. But in Japan, there’s a quiet, efficient philosophy that reshapes how to approach housework – and it’s gaining traction worldwide.

Kaji is about all sorts of cleaning, but crucially, weaving household tasks seamlessly into your everyday routine, making cleaning and tidying feel less like a burden and more like a natural rhythm of life.

While professional decluttering tips are helpful, finding a manageable routine is the key to keeping your home clean and tidy in the long term. Here's our expert guide to the magic of kaji.

What is kaji and how is it useful for staying on top of chores?

Kaji simply means 'housework' in Japanese, but it represents more than just chores. At its core, it’s about mindfulness and efficiency – the idea that small, regular actions prevent mess from ever becoming unmanageable.

Rather than scheduling long weekend cleaning sessions, kaji encourages spreading household tasks throughout the day in short, purposeful bursts.

KonMari success coach Rebecca Jo-Rushdy, says, 'Kaji is the gentle art of maintaining a home with presence and flow – transforming daily chores into rituals of care.

'Rather than viewing tidying and cleaning as burdens, kaji invites us to approach them as small acts of love, helping us connect more deeply to our homes and create spaces that support a joyful life that flows with our busy schedules.'

A key element to ensuring kaji succeeds is having a place for everything you own. This makes cleaning and tidying quick and stress-free. These HOMZ Small Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Latching Lids, available from Amazon provide simple but effective storage, while these Latitude Run 4 Tier Stackable Foldable Storage Bins from Wayfair blend eye-catching and practical.

Learn how to maximise storage in every room by using these six hidden storage ideas to maximise space.

2. Pros & cons

The main benefit of kaji is its stress-reducing simplicity. By tackling mess in small increments, your home stays consistently tidy without overwhelming effort. It’s also deeply rooted in practicality, favouring tools and routines that work efficiently in tight spaces – perfect for apartment or small home living.

However – as with the SPOT decluttering method – the concept does require discipline: it’s easy to fall behind if you’re used to delaying chores until they pile up.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Kaji's key pros include how it reduces overwhelm by breaking chores into bite-sized, daily tasks, and how it promotes a consistency that means your home will stay tidy without the need for marathon cleaning sessions. It also encourages family involvement, as kaji views housekeeping as a shared responsibility.

'The daily routine nature of kaji could also be listed as a downside: it takes time and effort to build the discipline, and it may not suit those who prefer to batch chores instead. It's also not ideal for deep cleaning – you’ll still need to carve out time for occasional heavier tasks.'

If trying to involve children in the tidying process, the Lustroware Modern Feel Storage Tote Basket from The Container Store is ideal as a lightweight basket they can use to easily collect items before tidying them away where they belong.

3. How do you do it?

Kaji is all about integrating cleaning into your daily movements. Similar to the Caterpillar Decluttering Method, which focuses on changing unhelpful habits, the goal is to create a sense of flow so chores become a natural, automatic part of the day – as automatic as brushing your teeth.

Jo-Rushdy says, 'To begin incorporating kaji at home, try creating a gentle rhythm: assign tasks to specific days or link them to existing routines (e.g., wiping counters while the kettle boils, or never leaving a room without taking one item to put away). It’s less about rigid schedules and more about attuning to your space and tending to it with care.'

Toner says, 'Some of the more popular ways of establishing kaji include assigning zones, tidying as part of transitions, and involving the household. You can focus on specific areas each day, rather than trying to do everything at once, pair tasks (such as wiping the bathroom sink after brushing your teeth) and involve children in simple tasks like folding laundry or sweeping.'

The Shark Cyclone PET Handheld Vacuum from Wayfair is ideal if you want to include kids in the cleaning process. It's lightweight, easy to use, and highly effective at gathering dirt, dust and grime – as well as pet hair.

4. Who is it good for?

Anyone feeling overwhelmed by mess will benefit from this approach, especially busy parents, professionals, and those in smaller homes or shared spaces.

Jo-Rushdy says, 'Kaji is especially supportive for those overstimulated by clutter or chaos – neurodivergent individuals, parents, or anyone craving a calmer, more grounded home.

'Working with our hands helps us step away from screens, and studies show that tidying can reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. Personally, as I work predominantly online, I schedule regular breaks to step away from the computer and take care of my home – and my mind.'

Kaji is particularly helpful for people with ADHD or executive function challenges, as it reduces decision fatigue by embedding tasks into predictable routines.

Toner recommends these IRIS USA 30 Quart WEATHERPRO Plastic Storage Boxes from Amazon. She adds, 'Clear and stackable, they're great for storage and will fit with any decor. Plus, they can easily be relocated.'

5. Top products

Since kaji is a general cleaning and tidying philosophy, a wide range of products can prove useful.

A good microfiber cloth (like E-Cloths from Amazon) is a staple for quick, chemical-free wipe-downs. Drawer organizers, such as these Everything Organizer Drawer Organizer Trays, available at The Container Store, ensure no drawer can become a dumping ground. And a compact cordless vacuum (such as the Shark WandVac, below) makes spot-cleaning effortless.

Here is a selection of products our experts recommend having to hand to help you establish kaji in your home...

Meet the experts

Rebecca Jo-Rushdy

With a background from Parsons School of Design, NYC, Rebecca is a KonMari success coach who helps clients around the world to declutter their homes, hearts, minds, and workplaces so they can instead become sanctuaries that spark joy and flow.

Karina Toner

Operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, and with extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning.

Kaji isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress through consistency. By shifting your mindset from ‘big cleans’ to micro-movements, your home becomes easier to manage and more enjoyable to live in.

This summer, learn the things you should be storing in drawers, according to professional organizers.