Here Are Some Clever Ways To Help You Clean And It Will Do So Much For Your Anxiety
Whenever you have to clean, it's pretty easy to wish that someone like Mary Poppins would appear. However, we can't all have magical cleaning powers, so we're stuck doing it ourselves.
Honestly, I wish we could have her around because it would be perfect for keeping my place tidy. It can be difficult enough to dust the countertops, but what if there were different ways to tidy up your life? Here are some tips to help you clean and get rid of all of that clutter.
Make A Plan
All you need to do is set specific cleaning goals. Literally, write them out on a piece of paper and don't lose sight of it. Go room by room or closet by closet.
Whatever your remedy is, stick to it. Then, set deadlines for yourself and start cleaning away. The relief of getting things done is a blessing.
Sleep On It
That's right, sleep on it. Make your bins and piles, then leave them alone for the rest of the day. Go about doing whatever is you need to do and sleep on it!
When you wake up in the morning, you'll know if you made a mistake somewhere.
Clean Closets From The Bottom Up
The closet can be a pretty messy place. When it's time to clean it out, you will be tempted to start from the things hanging on the top.
However, starting from the bottom will clear a ton of stuff out quick, and you'll make good progress in no time!
Don't Worry About Sunk Costs
You can't spend all day worrying about the fact that you already spent your money on something.
Just concentrate on whether or not that thing still brings you joy or if it was a useful purchase. If you decided to buy something online while intoxicated and no longer want it, just throw it out, or better yet donate it!
Don't Fix What's Broken
If something is broken like an umbrella or a vacuum, just get rid of it. If you had cared enough about it, you would have fixed it a while ago.
It's better to replace it with something new or up-to-date. The cost might be great, but you'll thank yourself down the road.
The Bin Method
The three-bin method can certainly help you organize your dirty clothes. For whichever room you're cleaning out, organize your items by anything you want to keep.
Then, organize what you want to get rid of and the things you want to put into storage.
Ask Yourself
When it comes to keeping an object, don't think about where you like it or if you want it. Really, just try to remember the last time you used it.
If you have zero clue about the last time you even remember using it, it's probably best to throw it out.
Use The Opposite Method
If you use something, put it back facing the other way when you're done. That way, when it's the end of the year, you can see what you used and didn't bother using.
This works for books, DVDs, or even sports jerseys you break out on those special occasions.
Then, There's The Bin Method For Clothes
For clothes, it's very helpful to make three different piles. One for the things you want to keep and one for the items you wish to donate.
Also, there's a third pile for the things that just need to be thrown away with the thought of "Why did I even bother buying this?"
Manage Your Cords
Ever heard of a thing called Google? They have so many ways for you to organize your cords. Cable clubs, zip ties, and whatever else you can think of.
When you make the effort to organize all of those messy cords, you will feel so much better and you won't have to do it again for weeks.
Purge Expired Items From Your Kitchen
If it smells like your high school locker, it's time to clean the fridge. All you need to do are two things.
First, reach into the depths of your pantry to throw out things like expired food. Next, make sure you replace the baking soda in your fridge once a month.
Stow Your Clothes Based On Season
It might sound weird, but it's helpful. You may not have worn sweatpants in six months, so it's best to stow your winter clothes in a bin.
You can do the exact same thing when it's the summer too. Just leave the bin in your closet or under your bed, then do the switcheroo when seasons change.
Invest In Storage
Go to Walmart or any dollar store and you'll come across bins, baskets, shelves and drawer organizers. Those folks are going to be your life-long best friends.
It seems odd to buy things for storage when the floor exists. But, I don't think leaving clothes all over the place is the best idea.
Get Rid Of Duplicates
The point here is that if you have two of anything, say two toothbrushes, you likely won't need both.
So, it would be best to get rid of one and the only thing you should have multiple pairs of is socks. That is, unless you have holes in your socks, throw them out and buy new ones.
Keep Flat Surfaces Clear
It's not that hard, really. Anything from desks, tops of dressers or countertops should be organized and neat.
Just be sure to not fill it up with clutter you don't need or else it's a waste of space. Instead, use things like kitchen drawers to keep things out of sight, and out of mind.
Clean A Little Bit Each Day
Yeah, you could let things build up, but one of. the simplest things to do is a little bit of cleaning each day. Honestly, by tidying up a little bit each day, you can make a big difference.
Like the minute you're up and out of bed, just tidy up your clothes that are on the ground, or simply make your bed.
Think Before You Buy
To prevent adding clutter in the first place, here's a simple thing you can do. All you need to do is think a litter harder when you're purchasing items.
When you're grocery shopping and see something that's not on your list but are tempted to buy it, ask yourself if you really need it, or will it end up forgotten after two weeks of buying it.
Speaking About Surfaces...
Categorize, categorize, categorize. That word should be drilled into your head because there's nothing worse than having a disorganized drawer.
One simple trick to remember where everything is is to keep only one type of thing in every bin or drawer. Untensils go in one drawer, cleaning supplies in another. Don't mix and match.
One In, One Out
When it's time to buy something new, try to get rid of something that you don't use anymore.
Say you buy new bath towels, it's probably best to throw out the old towels because they're full of mold. It's an excellent way to make decluttering a habit and you don't feel like a hoarder.
Find A Way To Motivate Yourself
When you commit to cleaning, it can be difficult to actually start. There are many ways to get motivated, from playing your favorite tunes to challenge yourself with a little drinking game.
Once you find the courage to start cleaning, reward yourself afterward with a bath and a glass of wine or beer. You've earned it!
