I absolutely adore a tidy home, but getting it that way is a whole different story. It often feels like everyone else in the house is working against my efforts, as if I’m sculpting a sandcastle only to have the tide sweep it away. I glance around at the dirty dishes piled up where they shouldn’t be, stray socks and shoes scattered across the floor, and pet hair clinging to the corners I just cleaned. The towering stack of junk mail on the kitchen counter makes me feel utterly defeated. Sometimes, it feels easier to just throw in the towel and accept that my living space resembles an episode of a hoarding show.
However, being surrounded by grime and clutter sends my anxiety levels soaring, which is a far worse experience than the actual act of cleaning. So, regardless of how much I’d prefer to binge-watch my favorite series instead, I often find myself tidying up. When I’m particularly unmotivated, I lean on a few tried-and-true strategies:
Letting in Some Light
While some prefer to keep their curtains drawn, I thrive on bright, natural sunlight streaming through the windows. There’s something about it that inspires me to make the rest of my house shine — perhaps the way sunbeams highlight every speck of dust. On overcast days, I simply flip on all the lights for an instant energy boost.
Setting the Mood with Music
Everything feels better with a good soundtrack. Cleaning becomes a lot more enjoyable when I have tunes playing. Who doesn’t find it easier to scrub the floor to a catchy beat?
Exploring Pinterest for Inspiration
Pinterest is a treasure trove of cleaning tips that almost make the task seem exciting. I type “cleaning hacks” into the search bar, read through clever suggestions, and select a few to try out, while saving others for a later date that I’ll probably never revisit.
Limiting Time
I often use a psychological trick to motivate myself: I promise to clean for just ten minutes. Just ten! Once I start, I usually find I’ve gotten into a rhythm and want to keep going. The hardest part is always getting started, but once I do, momentum takes over. And if I still feel like stopping after my ten minutes, at least my home is cleaner than before.
Tackling the Big Stuff First
One reason I dread cleaning is the overwhelming chore I avoid. If I tackle that daunting task first, I feel accomplished, and everything else seems much more manageable. However, depending on my mood, I sometimes go the other direction by…
Practicing Avoidance
When faced with a task I loathe, like cleaning the cat’s litter box (yuck), I find myself doing everything else first. I might pass by the laundry and think, “Oh, I should put this in the washer,” or get distracted by the dirty dishes that need attention. By the time I finally face the litter box, I’ve already accomplished several other chores.
Trying New Cleaning Products
There’s something thrilling about using a new cleaning product—like when you can’t wait to try that new conditioner. Whether it’s a fresh scent of cleaner or a new sponge, spending a few bucks for a little motivation can be worth it.
Rewarding Myself
I like to entice myself with a little reward for finishing the cleaning. Whether it’s catching up on my favorite show or treating myself to a new candle, having something to look forward to makes the task feel more worthwhile.
Inviting Friends Over
Every time I decide to embark on a cleaning spree, my kids inevitably ask, “Who’s coming over?” They know there’s no stronger motivator than the thought of someone judging our messy home. By inviting friends, I hold myself accountable to tidy up beforehand.
Documenting the Results
After I finish cleaning, I snap a quick photo of my spotless sink or gleaming floor to remind myself of how great it feels to have a clean space.
Let’s be honest: cleaning will never top anyone’s list of favorite activities (if it did, you probably wouldn’t be reading this!). Yet, it’s a necessary task, so why not make it a little easier on ourselves?
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Summary:
Cleaning is an essential chore that many dislike, but there are strategies to make the process easier and more enjoyable. Techniques such as letting in natural light, playing music, setting time limits, and rewarding yourself can help motivate you to tackle cleaning tasks. Whether you’re deep-cleaning or simply tidying up, finding ways to make cleaning less burdensome can help you maintain a cleaner, more organized home.
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