You don’t feel like cleaning, but it’s time to do it? You’ve come to the right place! For many people, cleaning the house isn’t their favorite activity, even though it keeps the home tidy and the mind clear.
However, those of us who dislike cleaning often lack motivation. Hiring a housekeeping service is one solution, but there are other ways to make cleaning easier.
So, in this article, I’ll give you some time – saving tips to help you deal with daily regular cleaning and tidying in a more positive, faster, and stress – free way. By using these tips, you’ll have more time to enjoy the good things in life.
Background: Why Is It So Hard for Me to Motivate Myself to Clean?
Even though cleaning is beneficial for both physical and mental health, it’s completely normal to find it difficult. There are several logical reasons behind this feeling that I have almost every week, and I’d like to briefly explain them to you here:
The task may seem difficult, especially when you’re already tired, have a busy schedule, and aren’t good at cleaning. Procrastination becomes a habit, and it’s hard to change, especially when you have other interests and feel like you just cleaned not long ago. Cleaning lacks external rewards. You don’t get immediate recognition, even when you’re cleaning up other people’s messes.
Now, let’s use this understanding to come up with some useful tips to make cleaning more enjoyable.
12 Tips: How Can I Motivate Myself to Clean?
- Set a Timer
If you want to save time while cleaning, a timer can be very helpful! Just set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and try to tidy up a certain room or get as much cleaning done as possible within that time. This little “cleaning competition” can drive you and help you focus on the task at hand. - Keep Cleaning Supplies in One Accessible Place
Adopting a bit of minimalism, organize your cleaning supplies cabinet neatly. This way, you’ll save time and energy because all your cleaning supplies are in one place, and you don’t have to search for them for a long time. Whether it’s cleaning cloths, bathroom cleaners, homemade glass cleaners, curd soap, or cleaning brushes – everything is within reach immediately.
- Multitask
When cleaning, there are always small gaps of time that you can use to do other things. This will ultimately get the cleaning done faster. For example, while the shower cleaner or oven cleaner is working, clean the stairs and let the robotic vacuum cleaner work at the same time. - Create a Cleaning Playlist and Turn Up the Volume
Even if you really don’t feel like cleaning: with the right music, you can still have fun! Some music can lift your mood and create an “action – packed” atmosphere, making tidying up and cleaning interesting. - Invite Friends Over
If you don’t want to clean, you need a good reason. For example, having friends visit is a great time to tidy up your apartment. After all, no one wants to welcome guests in a messy place. You’ll find that this positive pressure can make you clean quickly and well. - Use Efficient Equipment
Efficient cleaning equipment such as wireless vacuum cleaners and remote – controlled robotic vacuum cleaners can lighten the workload and save time. Steam cleaners can also quickly remove stubborn stains. Invest in these technological products that can automate or speed up cleaning tasks for easy and stress – free cleaning. - Optimize Areas Prone to Getting Dirty
People who clean regularly will notice that certain areas get dirty especially easily, especially the entrance area. Since people take off their shoes here and bring in dirt like sand and leaves, placing two doormats at the front door for residents and visitors to clean their shoe soles before entering can reduce the number of times you need to vacuum and mop. - Declutter and Reorganize for a Minimalist Home
Tired of cleaning all the time? Then I can only suggest that you do a thorough decluttering of your home and get rid of the excess.
The basic concept of minimalism, “less is more,” can ensure that there are significantly fewer dust – collecting items in your home, and these are usually the things you need to clean. Achieve tidiness easily!
9. Complete Small Tasks Every Day
A cleaning tip for the lazy: Focus on a few small cleaning tasks every day instead of trying to do everything at once. This “5 – minute tidying” method can quickly bring a sense of order and reduce the pressure of having to complete tasks on a specific date.
10. Use a To – Do List and Focus on Key Tasks
A good plan breaks down large cleaning jobs into smaller tasks so that you can complete and check them off one by one more quickly. A simple to – do list also gives you an overview, ensuring that you prioritize important tasks and don’t get distracted by other things.
11. Fold and Put Away Clothes Immediately
Once clothes pile up on a chair, folding them becomes a long – drawn – out task. You feel the same way, right?
Develop the habit of folding and storing clothes immediately, and you’ll be able to keep the growing mess under control and keep your home neater. Experience shows that this can significantly reduce your cleaning time!
12. Reward Yourself After Cleaning
If you don’t want to clean, set an expectation of a reward for yourself. This will motivate you to keep cleaning and eventually complete the cleaning task.
Even a small incentive can work wonders! For example, have a soothing cup of tea, go for a walk, have a meal at a restaurant, buy a new sweater, or even watch a movie relaxedly on the sofa. Your imagination is limitless – the key is that your reward increases your anticipation and desire to act.
Just say to yourself, “If I clean now, I can…”
Motivating and Time – Saving Cleaning Tips!
Cleaning may not become your favorite hobby right away! But I believe these tips will help you awaken the little cleaning demon inside you and minimize the energy spent on tidying up and cleaning.
Don’t think that you have to do everything perfectly. Instead, just make sure to establish a daily routine and form new habits, which are crucial for having a home that’s always neat and clean. Good luck!