I appreciate a tidy living space, but the process of achieving it often feels like an uphill battle. It’s as if everyone sharing my home is working against me, making my efforts seem futile. Picture me constructing a sandcastle at the shoreline, only to have a wave come crashing in to wash it away. I glance around at the unwashed dishes scattered about, socks and shoes cluttering the floor, pet hair accumulating in corners I just cleaned, and a towering pile of junk mail on the kitchen counter. It’s disheartening, and I sometimes contemplate surrendering to the chaos, trying not to let it resemble a scene from Hoarders.
However, living in a messy environment sends my anxiety skyrocketing, which is an even bigger burden than the act of cleaning itself. Thus, regardless of my desire to do absolutely anything else, I find myself picking up a few items. When my motivation wanes, I employ several strategies to help me get moving, such as:
Letting in Some Light
While some prefer to keep their curtains drawn, I thrive on bright, natural light. Sunlight streaming through the windows invigorates me to tackle the mess—perhaps it’s the way it highlights all the dust particles floating around. On cloudy days, I turn on every light in the house for an instant boost.
Cranking Up the Music
Everything feels more enjoyable with a soundtrack. Cleaning becomes less of a chore when I can groove to some tunes. After all, Marvin Gaye didn’t pen “Let’s Get It On” for nothing.
Exploring Pinterest for Inspiration
Pinterest is overflowing with cleaning hacks that almost make the task seem fun. I type “cleaning tips” into the search bar and spend a few moments absorbing clever ideas, selecting a few to try out myself (and saving others for later that I probably won’t attempt).
Setting a Timer
This psychological tactic works wonders for me. I tell myself I’ll clean for just ten minutes. Once I get started, I often find myself in a rhythm and continue beyond the initial time limit. The hardest part is often just getting going; once I do, it’s easy to keep the momentum.
Confronting the Worst Tasks First
Cleaning becomes more manageable when I tackle the dreaded chores right away. Completing that particularly unpleasant task first gives me a sense of achievement, making the rest feel easier in comparison. Yet, on some days, I find myself doing the opposite.
Delaying the Disliked Tasks
When faced with a task I loathe, I sometimes find myself purposefully stalling by doing anything else first. For instance, I really dislike deep-cleaning my cats’ litter box. On my way to it, I might get “distracted” by laundry or dishes. By the time I finally face the litter box, I’ve already accomplished several other tasks.
Trying New Cleaning Products
There’s an undeniable thrill in using a new cleaning product. The anticipation can motivate me to clean more. A simple new scent of all-purpose cleaner or a fancy sponge can make all the difference.
Rewarding Myself
I don’t mean literally dangling a carrot—unless it’s baked into a cake. Instead, I like to promise myself a treat after I clean, such as catching up on my favorite shows or indulging in a new candle.
Inviting Guests Over
Whenever I dive into a cleaning spree, my kids often inquire about visitors. They know a surefire motivator is the thought of someone judging our somewhat chaotic home. By inviting others over, I commit to cleaning beforehand.
Documenting the Clean Space
After finishing my cleaning, I take a photo of my spotless floors or gleaming sink. This visual reminder serves to motivate me in the future, showing how satisfying a clean home can be.
Let’s be honest: cleaning will never top anyone’s list of favorite activities. But since it’s a necessary task, we might as well find ways to make it more bearable.
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In summary, while cleaning may never be enjoyable, employing a few tricks can make the process significantly easier.