How to motivate yourself to clean 🧽-
Introduction 👋
We all know that cleaning can be a bit of a drag, but having a clean space really does wonders for your mood, focus, and peace of mind. 🧘♀️
Sometimes, though, the motivation just isn’t there. 🤷♀️
If you’re staring down a pile of laundry or a cluttered room, don’t worry—there are some simple tricks to get yourself moving and make cleaning feel a bit less like a chore. 🪄
1. Break it down into small steps 👣
Looking at a whole task can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into bite-sized steps makes it a lot easier. ✅
Try setting small goals, like “I’ll clear this one table,” or “I’ll pick up all the clothes off the floor.”
One little task at a time is far less intimidating than the whole house! 🏡
2. Set a reward for when you’re done 🏆
Knowing there’s a treat at the end can be a great motivator to get yourself cleaning. 🍪
Decide on a reward—maybe a snack, a favourite show, or even a little online shopping session.
Having something to look forward to makes cleaning less of a “have to” and more of a “get to.” ✨
Tip: The reward doesn’t have to be big – sometimes, a cup of tea or snack in your clean space is the best treat!
3. Create a cleaning playlist 🎧
Nothing sets the mood quite like music.
Put together a playlist of your favourite upbeat songs, or look up cleaning playlists online. 🎵
Music can make time fly and take your mind off the work. ⌚
If you’re not into music, try an audiobook or a podcast—you’ll get lost in the story and clean without even noticing it! 👂
Tip: Choose music that makes you want to move. Fast, upbeat tracks are great for tidying, while slower, calming music might be better for tasks like organising paperwork.
4. Use the “5-Second Rule” to start ⏲️
The hardest part of cleaning is often just getting started.
The “5-Second Rule” is simple: when you think about doing something, count down from five and then do it. ⌛
This tiny mental trick helps you to override hesitation, and before you know it, you’re already picking things up!
Tip: Try starting with something easy, like fluffing pillows or wiping down a surface. That quick start often gives you the momentum to keep going.
5. Turn it into a game 🎮
Turning cleaning into a game can help to make it more fun. 🤹♂️
To make cleaning a game, you could try things like:
- Racing against the clock ⌚
- Finding things in a certain colour to put away 🔴
- Making it a points-based game where you “win” for each area you tackle. 🎯
This playful approach can make cleaning more enjoyable and less like a chore.
Tip: If you live with others, you could even get everyone involved for a quick cleaning competition. See who can tidy their space the fastest!
6. Imagine how great it’ll feel to have a clean space 🧘♀️
Visualising the end result can be a big motivator. 🖼️
Picture yourself relaxing in a tidy, organised room—no clutter, no mess, just peace. Imagine how good it’ll feel to be able to find things easily and enjoy a clutter-free space.
Focusing on the “after” can help make the “during” seem worth it. ✨
Tip: Sometimes, taking a “before” photo and thinking about your “after” shot can be a fun way to see your progress!
7. Use cleaning products you enjoy 🧼
Cleaning can be surprisingly satisfying if you have tools you like to use. 🧽
Invest in a cleaning spray that smells great, a nice scrubber, or even a set of colourful cleaning cloths.
If you’re using products that work well and feel pleasant to use, it can make the whole process more enjoyable. ✨
Tip: Scented products are especially motivating. A citrus or lavender-scented cleaner makes everything smell fresh and inviting!
8. Set a routine 📆
Instead of letting things build up, try setting small routines that make cleaning part of your day. 🔁
Maybe that means spending 10 minutes tidying up before bed or clearing surfaces after each meal.
Routine cleaning makes the whole job feel lighter and less overwhelming. ✅
Tip: A daily or weekly cleaning schedule can help make it a habit. Little, regular clean-ups mean you’ll have less to tackle all at once.
9. Focus on one area at a time 🗺️
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the little things that need doing, so just pick one area—like your desk or one corner of the living room—and start there. 🛋️
Focusing on one spot lets you see progress fast, which can keep you motivated to keep going. 🏃♀️
Tip: Once that spot is done, take a second to appreciate it! Seeing the clean space can be motivating to tackle the next one.
10. Remind yourself that cleaning is self-care 🛀
It’s easy to think of cleaning as a chore, but really, it’s a way of looking after yourself and your space.
A tidy environment reduces stress, helps you focus, and just feels nicer to live in. ✨
When you see it as an act of self-care, it can feel less like work and more like doing something kind for yourself.
Tip: Use cleaning as a reset for your mind and space. Put on comfy clothes, take a deep breath, and enjoy the process of refreshing your home.
Conclusion 👍
So that’s it!
To feel more motivated to clean, you can:
- Break it down into small steps 👣
- Set a reward for when you’re done 🏆
- Create a cleaning playlist 🎧
- Use the “5-Second Rule” to start ⏲️
- Turn it into a game 🎮
- Imagine how great it’ll feel to have a clean space 🧘♀️
- Use cleaning products you enjoy 🧼
- Set a routine 📆
- Focus on one area at a time 🗺️
- Remind yourself that cleaning is self-care 🛀
Getting motivated to clean doesn’t have to be hard – by using these tricks, you can make the process easier, and maybe even enjoyable. ✨
So grab that sponge, put on your favourite playlist, and remember that a cleaner space is just a few small steps away.
Happy cleaning! 🧽
Hopefully this article has helped you to understand different ways that you can help motivate yourself to clean.
If you know any friends or family members who would benefit from learning how to motivate themselves to clean, share this post with them!
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