Low Effort, High Return: My Go-To Tools for an Easy-to-Maintain, Functional Home

Functional design starts with the systems behind the scenes.

This post may contain affiliate links. I only share products I love and actually use.

Creating a home that feels peaceful and beautiful doesn’t mean you have to be cleaning all the time. One of the core ideas behind Functional Space Design is choosing tools and systems that work for you—quietly supporting your lifestyle, without adding more to your plate.

If you're not the kind of person who loves cleaning (same), these are my favorite low-effort tools that keep a home looking polished, functional, and put together with minimal time and energy.

1. Swedish Dishcloths

This eco-friendly essential has replaced almost every paper towel in my home. Made from a cellulose-cotton blend, it’s super absorbent and reusable.

• Absorbs like crazy – up to 20x its weight in liquid

• Gentle but tough – great for all surfaces, dishes, or even sanding dust (because things happen)

• Sustainable – compostable and machine washable

Swedish Dishcloths

2. Swiffer Sweeper with Long Handle

An everyday staple—especially for clients who want to maintain the look and feel of a clean space without overthinking it.

• Long handle = no back strain

• Swap pads easily – dry for dust, wet for quick mop

• Slim enough to tuck into a small utility closet

Swiffer Sweeper Starter Kit

3. Dyson V15 Cordless Vacuum

This is the one big investment I recommend often—it actually makes you want to vacuum.

• Auto-adjusts suction based on floor + debris

• Laser feature highlights invisible dust (we love visible results)

• Cordless & lightweight, with up to 60 min battery

• Especially great for pets, kids, and mixed flooring

Dyson V15 on Amazon

You don’t have to be someone who loves cleaning to have a beautiful, functional home. These tools do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to—making it easier to keep things tidy and calm, even in the busiest seasons of life.