How to Clean Without Wanting to Kill Yourself


This weekend I cleaned.  Yep, that’s pretty much it.  But I actually feel accomplished and did not want to shoot myself in the foot for even one minute!  How is that possible, you ask?  Relaxed efficiency and strategizing. 

1.  Clear out your schedule.  Seriously, don’t make any plans on days (or weekends in my case) when you just want to get stuff done.  As a serious FOMO sufferer, this is tough to do, but cleaning knowing that I don’t have anywhere else to be that day allows me to focus on the task at hand and devote all of my energy to it.  Otherwise I’m distracted--mentally choosing outfits, watching the clock, and perhaps feeling exhausted before I even go out to play.  I find that I am much more effective when I can zone in on what I’m doing and not how long it is taking.

2.  Make a list of things you want to accomplish, and then mentally set a plan.  This weekend my list was just about everything one might do to clean a house, so I like to make my mental list in 3’s.  First, second, third, and then reevaluate.  

3.  Never walk out with a single item.  I mean, when you’re cleaning multiple rooms and floors, it’s best to survey the big picture and try to accomplish as much as possible in one foul swoop.  Like when I found the pile of Christmas cards that I wanted to store downstairs, I didn’t just take them there right away.  I looked around for other things that needed to go with it.  Is there jewelry that can go in the jewelry case on the way?  Are there glasses that need to be dropped off in the kitchen?  Can I carry the bathroom cleaning supplies downstairs simultaneously?  Make your trips count.  

4.  Set goals and reward yourself.  On Saturday, it was when I finish x, y, z, I will enjoy wine on the patio with my fiance.  On Sunday I set another goal so that I could walk to the neighborhood flower festival.  Little “prizes” that you do not need to get dressed and ready for are a great way to keep at it. 


So when it was all said and done, I didn’t wear any cute outfits or partake in any Cinco de Mayo festivities.  Lame, I know.  But I do have a great little house that is now simply love-filled and not clutter-filled.  (Don’t get me wrong, I still have plenty of strategically placed “junk piles” but at least I know where they are ;))  Spring cleaning success!  Now bring on Summer! 




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6 comments

  1. YES! Good for you!

    I am much the same! I try to bring everything I need to do the cleaning with me.
    If I have to leave the area to grab another cleaning item.. the couch might distract me with it's comfy-ness!

    And the rewarding yourself for a goal! EXCELLENT!

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    1. Thank you! It actually surprised me how quickly I was able to fix stuff up!

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  2. There is nothing more satisfying than a clean house! Yay for summer! :-)

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    1. True story. Now I'm ready to have a party and mess it all up ;)

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  3. Great tips! I also need to clear out my schedule for the whole weekend so I'm mentally prepared to do nothing but clean until it's all done, then reward with a PPV movie or something if I accomplish everything.

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    1. Yea I feel like if I don't clear my schedule for it, the cleaning never gets done. Not the best activity but so refreshing when it's done!

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