June 09, 2023
When life gets busy, cleaning your home can sometimes seem like a low priority. But not only will a thorough cleaning make your living space more comfortable, it can also have positive effects on your mental and physical health.
Ridding your home of common allergens — such dirt, dust, mildew, and mold — can help you breathe easier, literally. It also can provide a workout. Tasks such as vacuuming, ironing, and gardening can burn from 150 to 300 calories an hour!
Decluttering can make your home safer by reducing the number of things you can bump into and trip over. It can also reduce stress, give you a sense of accomplishment, make finding things easier, and provide an ideal environment to work productively and relax comfortably.
Cleaning may seem like daunting task. But with some planning and a few helpful tips, you can make the process manageable, and even enjoyable! From decluttering to checking expiration dates, here’s some practical advice for tackling this chore.
A good way to start your cleaning is to formulate a plan that works for you. If seeing a big change immediately will give you the most satisfaction, begin by tackling a big area. If the idea of cleaning your entire home seems overwhelming, break it down into manageable steps, even if they’re small.
Do what you can to make the work easier. If playing music will energize you, create a playlist to listen to while you work. If having pre-scheduled breaks will help you, be sure to include them in your schedule throughout the day.
Once you have a plan, make sure you have everything you need for what you want to do. If you’re starting with a bedroom or your living room, for example, you should have a vacuum cleaner and whatever tools and cleaners you use for dusting surfaces and cleaning furniture ready to go. If you’re starting with a bathroom or your kitchen, you’ll need whatever you use for scrubbing.
Check the cleaning products you plan to use to make sure they don’t contain anything that you or whoever you share your home with is allergic to. Be sure to read their instructions to make sure you know how to use them safely.
While you're at it, you might want to check your packaged food and medicines to see if any are past their expiration dates.
Giving your home a thorough cleaning can make keeping it clean easier. Just figure out a schedule and try to stick to that, rather than letting dirt and clutter build up again. For instance, you can do some cleaning chores daily, others weekly, and the remaining ones as needed.
If you're having trouble motivating yourself to start cleaning your home, visualize how terrific it will look afterwards. Imagine how proud you'll feel. Promise yourself a treat at the end. Whatever it takes.
Because when you're done, you'll feel renewed mentally and physically, and your home will be a more inviting and enjoyable place for everyone who comes through your door.
