1. BREAK CLEANING DOWN INTO SECTIONS
When trying to declutter your home when you feel overwhelmed, breaking your house down into sections, either into rooms or even smaller by breaking it down into sections such as organizing a dresser or organizing a kitchen counter, can help to make tasks more manageable.
2. PUT PLANS IN PLACE WHEN YOU FEEL MOTIVATED TO MAKE CLEANING EASIER
Motivation ebbs and flows from day to day. It may be that you have a load of motivation just before you head to bed and none in the morning, or a burst of energy mid-afternoon but are tired out when you get home that evening.
3. WORK ON A TIMER
There are plenty of cleaning challenges that use timers to help break cleaning tasks down into short bursts, such as the five-minute cleaning challenge. These can help to give you small boosts of serotonin by completing areas quickly and inspiring you to carry on by seeing your progress.
4. ASK FOR HELP FROM FRIENDS OR PROFESSIONALS
Cleaning your home doesn't have to be an isolating task. In fact, getting friends or family members involved to help – or even asking a professional – can help you to tackle the hardest of areas while making it a fun social activity (even if you have to set some stricter family house rules to keep a tidy house throughout the week)
5. FIND CLEANING VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE TO WORK ALONG TO
Cleaning influencers have become a godsend for finding cleaning motivation in a pinch. Whether you turn to Instagram or YouTube, cleaning along with cleaning videos can help to inspire you to get your home in order.
6. REWARD YOURSELF AFTER THE TASK IS COMPLETE
‘Whether it’s treating yourself with ice cream after finishing mopping all the floors or watching an episode of your favorite show after putting away all of the laundry from last week – rewarding yourself is one way of keeping motivated while doing mundane activities like cleaning!’ says Phi Dang of SidePost.
7. SET WRITTEN GOALS TO HELP VISUALIZE YOUR TASKS – THEN TICK THEM OFF FOR SATISFACTION
Setting a plan before you start cleaning can help you to visualize what it is you have to do and prevent you from getting sidetracked.
8. PUT ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYLIST
One of the most motivating decluttering tips experts have in common is to work to music to make the task less tedious. ‘Music has been proven time and again as an effective way of motivating us into taking action; why not use it while cleaning? Put together a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and put it on blast while going about your chores – this will keep you energized throughout!’ suggests Phi Dang, director of SidePost.
9. SET A WEEKLY SCHEDULE
A common misconception that can leave us lacking in cleaning motivation is the idea that you have to conquer your spring cleaning checklist in one go. However, breaking up the tasks and setting a weekly schedule can spread the chores out and make your cleaning routine sustainable.
10. TRY TO VISUALIZE THE END RESULT
Sometimes, the only motivation you need is your imagination, explains Charlie Victor, designer and DIY specialist. ‘When you're feeling unmotivated, try visualizing how clean and organized your home will look once you're done. This can help you stay focused on the end goal and give you a sense of accomplishment once you've completed your cleaning tasks.’
11. APPEAL TO YOUR SENSES WITH NICE-SMELLING CLEANING PRODUCTS
Using nice smelling products can help to motivate you to clean your home by helping to relax you as you work. ‘Incorporate scents or aromatherapy while cleaning to make it a more pleasant experience,’ suggests Charlie Victor, DIY expert. ‘You can use essential oils, candles, or air fresheners to create a soothing atmosphere while you clean.’