If you dread coming home to a messy house, you’re not alone. It’s easy to let housework overwhelm us, but it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few simple tips, you can learn to relax about your house and put housework in its rightful place.
Untidy Doesn’t Mean Dirty
Messiness and uncleanliness may appear to be the same problem, but there is actually a significant difference between them. Approaching this challenge in a stepwise manner by first assessing what type of issue it is will help you conquer it more easily. Rather than trying to take on the mountain of chaos all at once, break it down into two smaller hills – messiness and uncleanliness – and address these individually.
Get Over Perfection
We all want the best for ourselves and our lives, striving to reach perfect standards. But often, by doing this, we set impossible standards which leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed by housework.
In reality, others’ opinions are not as important as our own.
Life involves ebbs and flows that affect even the most perfect of routines; perfectionism is not flexible, which is why it so easily becomes a struggle when faced with an unpredictable lifestyle. Instead, focus on creating a healthy home environment that you are comfortable in – there’s no right or wrong when keeping your house clean; it only needs to meet the level deemed acceptable by you and your family.
Know Your Priorities
It is important to know how to choose which battles to take on. Focusing your energy on the few most important tasks can significantly reduce mounting stress and lead to a more successful outcome. Cleaning one room at a time, for example, is a great way to set achievable goals that produce quick and tangible results; this can help to nurture motivation, productivity, and clarity of purpose. Furthermore, splitting work into small doable chunks makes it easier to handle larger projects without feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by their intimidating size. Taking the time to prioritize tasks will ultimately increase efficiency and success in getting them done.
Have a Fast and Effective Routine
Keeping your house tidy and clean requires some effort, but having the right equipment is half the battle. Setting yourself up with these must-haves for reducing mess will make it easier to achieve spotless results every week. A long-handled feather duster, handheld vacuum cleaner, and all-purpose spray cleaner are essential for getting rid of dust and dirt quickly. When it comes to stubborn stains, a foam spot cleaner always comes in handy. For floors, the classic Swiffer mop with dry and moist cloths will help you get them sparkling in no time. Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself with a luxurious room fragrance that will make your home smell delightful.
Keep the Kitchen in Perspective
The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, and being creative and having a kitchen that is conducive to creative cooking can be so much fun. But it also needs to be realistic – dinner isn’t made and eaten in pristine environments. Kitchens, by nature, are work rooms as well as spaces for gathering and enjoying a meal with family or friends. That said, it’s important to embrace the aromas, noise, and fun that come along with preparing meals with the people you love. Don’t worry about impressing everyone each and every night- just revel in the fact that you’re able to provide a delicious dinner for your family, and don’t forget to ask for help with the cleanup!
Relax a Little
When it comes to domestic responsibilities, keeping up with a regular schedule can provide a sense of balance. Letting go of perfectionist tendencies can be particularly beneficial in feeling like you don’t have to do it all – focusing on the kitchen area alone may be enough to make your home feel sparklingly clean!
With a combination of common-sense rules, having realistic goals, and understanding that everyone’s needs vary, taking remembering simple tips like these will help you manage your housework stress effectively and much more easily.