Cleaning your home when you don’t feel like it can seem daunting. But with some planning and self-care, you can get it done efficiently and without too much stress. Here are some tips to make cleaning more manageable when you’re low on motivation.
Make a Manageable List
Creating a list of cleaning tasks helps break an overwhelming job into smaller, more achievable pieces. I focus first on critical areas – like the kitchen, bathroom and high-traffic areas. Leaving detailed cleaning for another time when I have more energy.
- Kitchen – clean counters, sink, appliances
- Bathroom – clean toilet, sink, mirrors
- Living Room – vacuum, tidy clutter
- Bedrooms – make beds, tidy floors
Checking tasks off a list gives a sense of accomplishment. And recognizing that perfect cleaning isn’t the goal – just straightening up high priority areas.
Work in Short Bursts
Cleaning for hours on end can be draining. I work in focused 15-30 minute bursts, then take short breaks to recharge.
- Set a timer to stay on track.
- Switch between sitting and standing tasks.
- Play energizing music.
- Take a 5 minute break after each cleaning burst.
Shorter cleaning sessions feel more manageable. And taking regular breaks helps me sustain effort and be gentler with myself.
Enlist Help from Others
Getting support from others makes cleaning less solitary and tiresome. I ask family members to each tackle one chore or cleaning zone. Or schedule a cleaning session with a friend – working alongside someone makes the time go by faster.
Some ideas for enlisting help:
- Ask kids to straighten their rooms and common living areas.
- Request your partner handles certain routine chores (laundry, vacuuming).
- Hire a cleaning service for deep or heavy duty cleaning.
- Swap chores with a friend – I’ll clean your kitchen if you dust my living room.
Sharing the workload lifts my spirits and helps complete cleaning faster.
Incorporate Self-Care
Cleaning with low motivation often requires extra self-care. I focus on keeping my energy up and making the process as pleasant as possible.
- Play upbeat music – create a positive mood and rhythm for working.
- Drink water and eat healthy snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
- Use my favorite scented candles or cleaning products.
- Take breaks to stretch, breathe deeply or go outside for fresh air.
- Celebrate finished tasks by relaxing or treating myself afterwards.
Being kind to myself through the cleaning process reduces stress and makes chores feel more uplifting.
Adjust Standards and Schedule
When low on energy, I adjust my cleaning standards – prioritizing visible areas and letting go of perfectionism. Surfaces don’t need to shine, just look tidy.
I also forgive myself for leaving some tasks for another day. Pushing myself when already depleted just breeds frustration. I make a list of lower priority chores to do when I’m feeling more motivated.
Resetting expectations helps me clean efficiently when energy is low, without self-criticism. I remember that doing something is better than nothing.
Make It More Fun
Finding ways to make cleaning more fun and lively boosts my energy and mood. When possible, I:
- Listen to or sing along with music – make it a mini dance party.
- Watch a show or online video while folding laundry or doing dishes.
- Use colorful cleaning tools like brightly patterned sponges or gloves.
- Clean with a friend and chat while you work.
- Use naturally scented cleaning products with energizing citrus or mint scents.
- Do a deep clean of a small space – like organizing one drawer or shelf.
Adding an element of fun makes the time pass quicker and keeps my spirits higher.
Schedule Cleaning in Smaller Bits
Rather than marathon cleaning sessions, I break cleaning tasks into smaller chunks throughout the week.
For example:
- Monday: 15 minutes tidying and vacuuming living room
- Wednesday: 30 minutes cleaning bathroom
- Thursday: 45 minutes wiping kitchen surfaces and mopping floor
Quick, regular cleaning sessions prevent buildup and feel less arduous. I’m also less likely to procrastinate small cleaning goals.
This approach helps make cleaning routine when motivation is scarce. I build the habit without exhausting myself.
Be Kind to Yourself
Above all, be patient and caring towards yourself on days when cleaning feels difficult. Recognize that low motivation happens to everyone. Keep your inner voice positive.
- Avoid negative self-talk like “I’m so lazy” or “what’s wrong with me”.
- Focus on what you accomplish, not what’s left undone.
- Do a small cleaning task then take time to rest and reset.
Cleaning is hard for everyone sometimes. With self-compassion, breaks, and revitalizing rituals it can be manageable. Soon your home will sparkle again.
