I had the pleasure of chatting with Tyler Moore, also known as The Tidy Dad, on the latest episode of our podcast.
Tyler is the creator of the hugely popular @Tidy Dad Instagram and website. A public school teacher in New York City, husband, and father of three young daughters, he has been featured on Good Morning America and in the Washington Post, New York Times, New York Post, and numerous other national outlets.
If you're a dual-career couple, you'll appreciate Tyler’s practical advice on how to balance the demands of work, family, and home life while keeping things in order, which I summarized in this post.
Living in a 750-square-foot apartment in New York City with his wife and three kids, Tyler knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate the challenges of limited space, demanding schedules, and the never-ending quest for balance. But for Tyler, tidying isn't just about physical organization; it’s also about mental clarity and creating space—both literally and figuratively—for what truly matters.
Here are five key takeaways and practical ideas for dual-career couples based on my conversation with Tyler:
1. Define and Align Your Family Values
Tyler emphasized the importance of identifying and living by core values. He and his family regularly revisit what matters most to them—family time, adventure, and teamwork.
A simple exercise is to list your top eight values as a couple, rank how well you're currently living them, and then adjust your routines to better align with those priorities. For Tyler, this approach helps guide decisions, whether it's simplifying their home life or planning weekend adventures.
2. Involve Everyone in Household Tasks
In Tyler’s household, everyone plays a role in keeping things running smoothly. His three daughters sort laundry, clear the dinner table, and tidy up together.
His advice? Don’t assign chores based solely on ownership. Instead, work together as a team. For example, after dinner, everyone clears the table—regardless of whose plate or utensils are involved. This collective approach fosters responsibility and cooperation.
3. Simplify to Reduce Stress
Tyler's capsule wardrobe is a shining example of his mantra: “Less is more.” By sticking to a small number of versatile clothing items in just four colors, he’s eliminated decision fatigue and freed up physical and mental space.
Couples can apply this principle to their shared spaces by decluttering and organizing for efficiency. For instance, streamline your kitchen by storing frequently used gadgets within easy reach and letting go of items you rarely use.
4. Create Systems That Work for Your Family
One of Tyler’s most creative solutions is a triple bunk bed and wardrobe system for his daughters, designed to maximize space in their shared bedroom.
Whether you’re in a small city apartment or a sprawling suburban home, think about how to optimize your living space with systems that meet your family’s needs. It could be as simple as using labeled bins for toys or as transformative as reorganizing a closet to better fit your lifestyle.
5. Communicate and Compromise with Your Partner
Maintaining a harmonious home life starts with open communication. Tyler and his wife discuss their stressors, strengths, and boundaries regularly. They acknowledge that balance isn’t about splitting everything 50/50 but rather about supporting each other through different seasons of life. If one partner is overloaded at work, the other steps up at home, and vice versa. Make time for these conversations to ensure you’re on the same page.
Tyler’s philosophy boils down to this: Tidying up isn’t just about keeping your home clean; it’s about creating an environment that supports your values, strengthens your relationships, and makes room for joy. As Tyler puts it,
“When you can find the things you want, there’s a sense of peace and comfort that allows you to focus on what truly matters.”
For more of Tyler’s practical advice, check out his book, Tidy Up Your Life, where he dives deeper into the mental and physical aspects of decluttering and shares detailed cleaning strategies for every room in your home. You can also connect with him on Instagram @TidyDad or visit his website, thetidydad.com, for personalized tips and ideas.
Embedded Modern Husbands Podcast Episode with Tidy Dad
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Show Notes
00:00 Introduction
01:42 Tell us a little bit about your family and your current work life balance?
08:52 How has fatherhood shaped your approach to tidying and managing your home?
11:36 Most of our listeners work full time, have kids, and you do their fair share around the house. Some might even have side hustles like you. How do you balance the roles of being a dad, a husband, and a tidy household advocate?
14:38 What advice do you have for dads trying to involve their kids in maintaining a tidy home?
19:30 How do you and your spouse divide household responsibilities? What lessons have you learned along the way?
23:36 Can you give us a sneak peek into your new book? What are some key takeaways readers can expect?
26:20 Are there specific tidying techniques or philosophies in your book that resonate particularly well with dads?
29:07 What message do you hope your readers and followers take away about the connection between tidiness, fatherhood, and personal growth?
32:39 What is one simple and actionable piece of advice you want to leave our listeners with?
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