Social media has allowed us to tour other people’s homes from the comfort of our phones. And once you venture into the world of #CleanTok and ‘Clean with Me’ videos, it is easy to feel like everyone is on top of their cleaning game. After all, not only are most of these homes so clean and well organised, but their owners make the whole process of cleaning look effortless. And if you are not feeling at par with what is being showcased, it is only natural to feel overwhelmed with what you have to do to get there. But here is the thing. No matter how far behind you are on your cleaning, you can make a few changes that transform your house into a clean, tidy space. Let us look at what you can do.
Simple Cleaning Hacks That Work Every Time
Many people struggle with cleaning because they do not see the essence in it. After all, why keep going over the surfaces in your home each week if they will get dirty again in no time? Well, think of it as protection, and to illustrate this, let us use airplane engine stands as our example. Since these machines are sturdy, airlines can choose to simply leave them out when they are not in use. But instead, they choose to use protection, such as Magnetic Enginestands covers, to ensure that these machines are not exposed to the elements. This decision ensures that these stands last longer and thus continue to offer value to the airlines.
Now, let us consider our homes in the same context. By cleaning your home, you not only protect your health but also your investment. Your floors, carpets, appliances, and other household items remain free of dirt, grime, and other substances that can damage them, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Of course, cleaning is easier said than done. So, how can you get it done while battling overwhelm?
Start With What You Can See
If your house feels and looks messy, it is easy to get stuck deciding where to start because most areas will demand your attention. But rather than focusing on the entire house, start with the surfaces, as follows:
- Clear the counters and tables;
- Clear and clean the sinks.
While this may not look like much work in the grand scheme of things, keeping these surfaces clean creates a sense of order because it has an immediate visual effect. And once you see this progress, your sense of overwhelm reduces, allowing you to focus on what else you can do.
Aim for 10 Minutes
The average person spends between 6 and 7 hours a week cleaning their home. Of course, the time required to clean smaller homes is much shorter and can be as little as 1 to 2 hours a week. But regardless of the number of hours, we can all agree that when we are feeling overwhelmed, even 30 minutes of cleaning feels like a stretch. That is why we advise you to focus on getting 10 minutes of cleaning done every day, as part of your daily reset ritual.
With a clear time target, you can choose an activity you can accomplish within that window, such as sweeping the floor. This way, you can conserve your energy while still clearing up the mess in the home. If your energy allows and you feel like continuing past the 10-minute mark, go for it.
Declutter in Small Steps
A big reason why many decluttering projects fail is that people take on too much too soon. Instead of aiming for a complete overhaul, focus on removing five items a day from your home. For example, if your pantry is full of expired foods, focus on throwing away five items a day. Or if your wardrobe is full of clothes you want to give away, just choose five a day. These small goals lighten your load and allow you to make daily progress without spending hours.
