Since I was a little girl, I’ve always enjoyed the productive and calming effects of cleaning. Can’t relate? Here’s how I do it:
Have a cleaning morning every week.
Notice I used the word “morning” instead of “day.” Part of the great thing about cleaning is enjoying the fruits of your scrubbing after the fact. My most productive times are the afternoons after I’ve cleaned. Everything is in place. You feel energized by the clearing of the clutter that also clears the mind.
Establish an efficient order.
I clean my kitchen first. It gives me great satisfaction to see a clean kitchen for one, and the dishwasher can run while I clean the rest of the house. The key is establishing something you like to do first. This gives you motivation to keep going.
Appreciate cleaning as quiet time.
I enjoy cleaning because it’s one of the few times where I’m both outwardly focused on an activity and inwardly not using much mental energy. My mind can wander into different directions, new ideas can bubble up, and I can be focused on the task at hand that largely isn’t stressful.
I know that the cleaning work will be done in an hour or two and then I can take pride in creating a safe, comfortable environment to live in.
Do you enjoy the rituals of cleaning? How do you get and stay motivated?
I love cleaning too! When I was a toddler my mom would spend the time helping me clean my room after playtime. She taught me how to be organized by having buckets designated for specific items. I use this same technique hoping my girls will adopt the same habits. Loved this post!
@ Courtney – That sounds like a great way to get kids involved! I remember getting paid for chores when I was young, so that might have something to do with me liking them now too… ha :) Thanks for the comment!
i have to say, seeing my cleaning time as quiet time may not work for me since all i seem to do is clean, clean clean. i like the idea…and i def need a new attitude on some days. today, i’m feeling good though…swept and mopped and made beds in like 1 hour. not bad.
@ a thorn among roses – I know the feeling! This weekend I seemed to clean 24/7, but it was worth it – especially if you can do it efficiently like you did today : )
[...] recently committed to doing a quick under ten-minute daily clean-up. Which means by the time the weekend rolls around, I have more time to tackle some of the larger [...]