The constant struggle of a being young adult is trying to keep your space(apartment, dorm or house) mom approved, in other words having an “always clean” feeling. You ever notice that even when your mom is not expecting company, if someone unexpectedly shows up, she’s ready? If this isn’t your mom that is more than ok, but for those of us who have seen this it is noteworthy. Mainly because we struggle to keep our rooms ready for the friends who are routinely over. Truth is, your mom just organized and got into a routine of keeping the house neat. The more efficient you are at the small tasks, the less you have to put into major cleaning overhauls. Left over is a home that feels ready for company-or mom. So, here’s what I have tested for you and found to work. Look at the list and do what you don’t already do. These things are simple once you implement, I promise.
- Get rid of crap you don’t use, or things you thing you’ll use someday. Realistically, it will just gather dust and if you aren’t using it, its not major enough to not replace later if needed.
- Have a place for EVERYTHING. This means junk, paper and trash bags.
- Take a couple of extra seconds to place things where they belong. Don’t convince yourself that sitting it down is more convenient, it isn’t.
- Don’t leave dishes overnight! Dishes immediately make your kitchen look dirty. Place them in the dishwasher throughout the day, run it at night or wash smaller loads throughout the day.
- Have a lid on your trashcan and take out the trash before it overflows or gets too full. Just as the dishes, seeing trash makes the room look dirty.
- Have a cleaning day to dust and sweep and other tasks that you find daunting. Doing them at least once a week will keep your space cleaner than doing them less frequently. Also,they won’t be as taxing when you do them. Do the less daunting tasks daily or every other day. If you have some free time do a load of clothes or vacuum.
- Set short timers and challenge yourself to clean up a room in that time, i.e 5 minutes in the bathroom, 7 minutes in the bedroom. You will find that a room really only needs a 2-3 minute pick-up, it just looks worse than it is.
- Either have a clothes basket in your room, hang things up when you take them off, or have a clothing rack that is easily accessible. Do Not place clothes on the floor or in a chair. They make your room look dirty and once you begin putting them down they begin a magnetic attraction to other clothes.
- Once your space is neat, add in cozy elements like candles and throws. Home feeling spaces feel more clean and inviting. When people visit they will think about how your spaces is always clean and cozy. But keep it to a minimum, too much and your space looks cluttered.
- Stop dwelling and overthinking it! We hype cleaning and organizing up in our minds and it becomes a burden. Realize that it only takes a small moment from your day and you’ll be much more efficient at getting things done.