Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Nature abhors a vacuum. And so do I. – Anne Gibbons
It’s a rare person among us who looks forward to cleaning the house. I certainly don’t, but a clean house is something I enjoy perhaps too much. I love a clean, uncluttered home, and I’m not afraid to admit it. So how does a person like me – a self-proclaimed clean freak – get the house nice and tidy without too much work? Well, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
You see, I’m always on the lookout for ways to simplify my house-cleaning routine. And after a lot of trial and error, I’ve landed on a guiding principle that works wonders: Simplify, simplify, simplify. The less stuff you have, the less you have to clean and tidy up. It’s as straightforward as that.
The Minimalist’s Guide to Simple Housework sums it up perfectly: “To keep a house clean with minimal effort, the guiding rule is to simplify as much as possible. The less you have, the less you have to keep clean and put away.”
So the first step in my lazy cleaning routine is the hardest: decluttering. I Marie Kondo-ed my way through every nook and cranny, getting rid of anything that didn’t “spark joy.” And let me tell you, it was life-changing. Now, my living room has just the essentials – a couch, a coffee table, and a minimalist entertainment center. No more piles of clutter competing for my attention.
And you know what that means? Cleaning the floors has never been easier. With less stuff to work around, I can simply glide the vacuum over the open spaces, no stress required. It’s like a Zen monk sweeping the floors of a temple – meditative and oh-so-satisfying.
Embrace the Power of Automation
Of course, decluttering is just the first step in my lazy cleaning journey. The next thing I’ve learned is the power of automation. By incorporating cleaning tasks into my everyday routine, I can keep my house tidy without even thinking about it.
For example, I always make sure to wipe down the bathroom sink and countertops after my evening skincare routine. The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Cleaning suggests keeping cleaning supplies in the bathroom so you can just grab and go. It’s a simple habit that takes barely any time, but it keeps that pesky bathroom grime at bay.
And let’s not forget the kitchen – the heart of the home and a notorious magnet for mess. I’ve found that loading the dishwasher right after meals is a game-changer. No more piles of dirty dishes staring me down from the sink. And if I’m feeling extra lazy, I’ll even keep a pack of cleaning wipes nearby to quickly wipe down the counters while I’m waiting for my dinner to cook.
The key is to find opportunities to sneak in little cleaning tasks throughout your day. Whether it’s a quick tidy-up before the delivery person arrives or a speedy sweep of the entryway rug, these bite-sized cleaning sessions add up without feeling like a chore.
Make Cleaning a Reward, Not a Punishment
Let’s be real – cleaning is never going to be anyone’s favorite activity. But what if I told you there’s a way to make it feel a little bit more enjoyable? Enter the world of incentivized cleaning.
The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Cleaning suggests pairing your cleaning tasks with something you actually enjoy, like listening to a true-crime podcast or watching your favorite TV show. The idea is that you only get to indulge in that activity while you’re cleaning, turning it into a reward rather than a punishment.
I’ve found this technique to be incredibly effective. Whenever I have a big cleaning session on the horizon, I’ll make sure to queue up the latest episode of my current true-crime obsession. That way, I’m actually excited to dive in and get the job done, because I know I’ll get to spend some quality time with my favorite serial killer (figuratively speaking, of course).
And let’s not forget the power of positive reinforcement. Sometimes, I’ll even treat myself to a fancy coffee or a delicious snack after a particularly productive cleaning spree. It’s like I’m training my brain to associate cleaning with something enjoyable, rather than dread.
Cleaning Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore
At the end of the day, keeping on top of chores doesn’t have to be a soul-crushing experience. By incorporating a few simple strategies – like decluttering, automating, and incentivizing – I’ve managed to turn cleaning into something that’s (dare I say it?) almost enjoyable.
And the best part? These lazy cleaning hacks have not only made my life easier, but they’ve also helped me maintain a clean and tidy home without sacrificing my precious free time. So if you’re like me and the mere thought of scrubbing toilets or mopping floors fills you with dread, I encourage you to give these tips a try. Your future self will thank you.
