Introduction
Cleaning and tidying can feel like a chore. As much as we know it’s important to keep our homes clean, it’s not always easy to find the motivation. The good news is there are some simple tips and tricks that can make cleaning easier and more enjoyable. Here are my top tips for finding cleaning motivation and getting through chores quickly.
Make a Manageable Routine
Trying to clean your entire home top to bottom in one day can feel daunting. The key is to break chores down into smaller, manageable tasks. Here are some tips for creating a cleaning routine:
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Focus on one room per day. Tackle the kitchen on Monday, bathroom on Tuesday, etc.
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Alternate heavy and light duty tasks. Do the bathrooms one day and just vacuum the next.
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Timeblock cleaning sessions. Commit to cleaning for 30 mins each evening or morning. Set a timer to stay focused.
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Tackle quick daily tasks. Wiping counters, doing dishes, and making the bed daily keeps mess under control.
Having a routine where you do a little each day prevents messes from getting out of hand. It also means you never have to spend an entire weekend deep cleaning.
Make It Fun
Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a bore. Find ways to make chores more enjoyable:
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Play upbeat music to keep your energy and spirits high while you clean. Create a dedicated “cleaning playlist.”
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Watch TV or listen to podcasts while doing mindless tasks like folding laundry or washing dishes. It makes the time pass quicker.
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Have cleaning parties where you invite friends over to help tidy up. Order pizza as a reward when you’re done.
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Use cleaning as a mini workout. Speed clean to upbeat music, doing squats while emptying the dishwasher or lunges while vacuuming.
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Get the whole family involved. Give each person one task to complete. Make it a race to finish first.
Adding a sense of play makes cleaning feel less like drudgery.
Set Mini Goals
Staring at an overflowing closet or cluttered room can feel demotivating. The solution is to break big cleaning jobs down into mini goals. For example:
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Sort laundry into piles of lights, darks, delicates, etc.
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Fill one trash bag with things to donate.
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Wipe down all kitchen counters and appliances.
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Organize one drawer or shelf.
Crossing small tasks off your list gives you a sense of progress. Seeing incremental results keeps you motivated to tackle the next mini goal.
Make It Easy
The more convenient you make cleaning, the more likely you’ll stick with it. Here are tips for eliminating excuses:
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Keep cleaning supplies stocked – Never run out of paper towels, disinfectant wipes, etc.
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Have bins and baskets – Proper storage helps keep clutter contained.
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Install organizers – Lazy susans, hooks, and shelves make putting things away simpler.
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Delegate – If you hate a certain chore, outsource it. Hire a cleaning service or ask for help.
The easier you make cleaning, the less you’ll be tempted to procrastinate. Proper tools and systems remove obstacles to tidying up regularly.
Reward Yourself
Everyone needs a little motivation! Give yourself rewards for achieving cleaning milestones:
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After a big tidy up, enjoy a relaxing bubble bath or favorite dessert.
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Schedule a movie night when the whole house is clean.
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Meet a friend for coffee after tackling an organizational project.
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For every 5 small tasks, put $5 towards a bigger reward like a massage.
Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good cleaning habits. Even small treats keep you motivated to maintain tidy spaces.
Cleaning with motivation is so much easier than cleaning without it. Try out some of these tips to make chores feel more manageable and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find strategies that work for your lifestyle. Maintaining tidier spaces will feel less like a chore when you make it fun and rewarding.
