As someone who’s been through the struggle of keeping a tidy home, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to tackle deep cleaning when there’s clutter everywhere. It’s like trying to mop the floor while there’s a pile of toys and clothes scattered around – it just doesn’t work!
That’s why I’m a firm believer in decluttering before diving into a deep clean. It’s the key to making the whole process so much more efficient and satisfying. Trust me, I’ve been there – when my place got out of control due to a bout of illness, I had to call in the professionals to help me reset. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
The Decluttering Dilemma
I remember feeling so stuck and defeated when my apartment was in disarray. The clutter had slowly crept in, and before I knew it, I was drowning in “stuff.” I’d look around and think, “Where do I even start?” The idea of deep cleaning felt impossible when there was just so much stuff everywhere.
Does this sound familiar? If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with this vicious cycle of clutter and cleaning. We think, “I’ll clean once I’ve decluttered,” but then the decluttering feels so overwhelming that we never get around to the actual cleaning.
It’s a real catch-22, isn’t it? But I’m here to tell you that there is a way out. By making decluttering your first step, you can set yourself up for a truly thorough and satisfying deep clean.
Decluttering 101
Okay, let’s dive in. The key to successful decluttering is to tackle it room by room. Don’t try to do your whole house at once – that’s a surefire way to get discouraged and give up.
Start with the room that’s causing you the most stress or that you use the most. For me, it was my bedroom. I couldn’t stand how cluttered and messy it had become, and I knew it had to be my top priority.
Once you’ve picked your starting point, set aside a dedicated block of time to really focus on that space. This isn’t something you can do in 20 minutes – you need to carve out at least a few hours, if not a whole day.
As one Redditor shared, it’s important to break the process down into manageable steps. Start by picking up all the trash, then put away any clean clothes, and finally, sort everything that doesn’t belong in that room into piles for the spaces where it does belong.
This may sound simple, but trust me, it’s so effective. It helps you make tangible progress without getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
Decluttering with Purpose
Now, the tricky part is actually deciding what to keep and what to let go. This is where the KonMari method can be really helpful. The idea is to only keep the things that “spark joy” for you.
But I know that for some of us, the KonMari method is a bit too minimalist. As one Redditor mentioned, they couldn’t get on board with her super-minimalist approach.
That’s totally fine! The key is to find a decluttering method that resonates with you. Maybe it’s the “Unfuck Your Habitat” approach, or maybe it’s coming up with your own system. The important thing is that you make decisions about what to keep based on your personal values and needs, not someone else’s.
Bringing in the Pros
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what if I’m just way too overwhelmed to even start decluttering?” Trust me, I’ve been there. When my place got out of hand due to my long COVID recovery, I had to call in some reinforcements.
That’s when I decided to hire professional organizers and cleaners to help me get my home back in order. And let me tell you, it was such a game-changer. They were able to provide that much-needed outside perspective and expertise to help me tackle the clutter and deep clean my space.
As one Redditor shared, they were struggling with a similar situation – their place had gotten out of hand due to illness, and they needed help to “reset” their home. Bringing in the professionals was the perfect solution.
Now, you might be wondering, “Should I hire the cleaners or the organizers first?” It’s a great question, and the answer really depends on your specific situation. According to the experts at Better Homes & Gardens, it’s generally a good idea to start with decluttering and organization first, before diving into the deep cleaning.
That way, the cleaners can focus on the surfaces and spaces, without having to work around piles of stuff. It just makes the whole process so much more efficient.
Maintaining the Momentum
Okay, so you’ve decluttered, you’ve deep cleaned, and your home is looking amazing. Now, the real challenge begins – maintaining that level of cleanliness and organization.
It’s easy to feel like you’ve reached the finish line, but the truth is, keeping a tidy home is an ongoing battle. Clutter and dirt have a sneaky way of creeping back in, no matter how hard we try to keep them at bay.
That’s why it’s so important to establish a regular cleaning routine. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, make sure to schedule time for both maintenance cleaning and deep cleaning.
And don’t forget to enlist the help of your family members (if you have them). Cleaning shouldn’t fall solely on your shoulders – get everyone involved and make it a household effort.
Regular professional cleaning services can also be a game-changer. They can help you stay on top of the deep cleaning without having to do it all yourself.
The key is to find a system that works for you and your household. Whether it’s DIY, professional help, or a combination of both, the important thing is that you keep up the momentum and don’t let your hard work go to waste.
Embracing the Journey
Decluttering and deep cleaning your home can feel like a never-ending battle, but I promise, it’s so worth it in the end. The sense of calm and control you’ll feel in a tidy, organized space is truly unbeatable.
And remember, this isn’t just about having a clean house – it’s about creating a sanctuary where you can truly relax and recharge. When your home is in order, it frees up your mind to focus on the things that really matter.
So, embrace the journey, my friend. Take it one room at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With a little bit of elbow grease and a lot of determination, you can turn your home into the oasis you deserve.
