The art of decluttering

Cleaning can often feel like a daunting task, especially when we have busy schedules and little motivation to get started. However, it’s important to maintain a clean and tidy living space, as it not only creates a more pleasant environment but can also have positive effects on our mental health and productivity.

If you’re struggling to find the motivation to clean, start by setting small goals and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks of time. Here is a list of cleaning jobs that can be done in 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, and even just 2 minutes, to help you get started. 

Maintaining a clean and organized living space can have a significant impact on our mental health and overall well-being. Studies have shown that clutter and disorganization can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, while a clean and organized environment can promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

In addition to the mental health benefits, a clean and organized living space can also improve productivity and focus. When our living space is cluttered and disorganized, it can be difficult to focus on tasks and get things done. By maintaining a clean and tidy environment, we can create a space that is conducive to productivity and success.

It’s important to remember that cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By breaking down cleaning tasks into smaller chunks of time and creating a cleaning routine, we can make cleaning a habit and keep our living space consistently clean and organized.

Let’s start by choosing how motivated you are today.  How much time can you give? 20mins of your time or 2 mins of your time? 

20 Minute Cleaning Jobs

Clean the bathroom: Wipe down the counters, sink, and toilet. Sweep or vacuum the floor, and give the toilet bowl a quick scrub.
Vacuum the living room: Focus on high-traffic areas and under furniture.
Dust surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from surfaces such as tables, shelves, and picture frames.
Tidy up the kitchen: Load dishes in the dishwasher or wash by hand, wipe down counters and stovetop, and sweep or vacuum the floor.
Organize a closet: Choose a small closet and quickly organize clothes and accessories. Donate items you no longer wear or use.

10 Minute Cleaning Jobs

Clean the microwave: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a splash of vinegar. Microwave on high for a few minutes, then wipe down the inside with a cloth or sponge or use a microwave cleaning mama.

Wipe down appliances: Quickly wipe down the exterior of appliances such as the fridge, oven, and dishwasher. I find soapy water in a spray bottle works perfect for this, leave a spray bottle on the counter that is water and dish soap. Spray as needed, leave it out, so grabbing it is always easy.  You can spray the tough stuff and comeback later too. 

Clean mirrors: Use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to quickly clean mirrors and glass surfaces or ready-made Glass wipes.

Tidy up a bedroom: Make the bed, put away clothes, and quickly declutter surfaces. Sweep or vacuum a room: Focus on one room and quickly sweep or vacuum the floor. Have a basket for dirty clothes and a basket for wear again, to be hung later. 

5 Minute Cleaning Jobs

Wipe down the bathroom sink: Use a cloth and all-purpose cleaner to quickly wipe down the sink or better still, just use your hand, spray the cleaner, and swish it all around with your hand. This is especially easy to do if you do it regularly. 

Spot-clean floors: Quickly clean up spills or messes on floors with a damp cloth or paper towel, or before you throw your towel to the wash, use a mild cleaner such as water and dish soap in a squirt bottle, spray the floor and use the towel to wipe it up. 

Clean a single shelf: Choose a shelf and quickly dust and organize it.

Tidy up a desk: Quickly declutter a desk by putting away pens, papers, and other items. throw out any pens that only work occasionally, or that pencil that keeps breaking.  The less stuff you have the less you need to clean. 

Clean a single appliance: Choose an appliance such as the toaster or blender and give it a quick wipe down, use the soapy spray we mentioned above. 

2 Minute Cleaning Jobs

Put away a single item: Quickly put away one item that’s out of place or the 5 things game, choose things to put away, if you are feeling extra motivated add another 5 things as you go. It is also great to try and get into the routine of “5 things” before bed too. 

Make the bed: Straighten the sheets and fluff the pillows.
Wipe down a surface: Use a damp cloth or paper towel to quickly wipe down a surface such as a countertop or table.
Hang up a towel: Quickly hang up a damp towel to prevent mildew.
Empty a small trash can: Choose a small trash can such as one in the bathroom and quickly empty it.

By breaking down cleaning tasks into smaller chunks of time, it becomes much more manageable and less daunting. It’s also helpful to set a timer for each task to keep yourself on track and avoid getting sidetracked. Additionally, creating a cleaning routine can help make cleaning a habit and keep your living space consistently clean and tidy.

Using DIY cleaners can be an easy and cost-effective way to keep your home clean while also avoiding harsh chemicals. Here are two easy DIY cleaner recipes that you can make at home with just a few ingredients.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:

Combine water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Add 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil (such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil) for a pleasant scent and added cleaning power.
Shake well to mix the ingredients.
Use the spray to clean surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and toilets.
This all-purpose cleaner is effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces in your home.

Vinegar has natural antimicrobial properties and can help disinfect surfaces, while essential oils provide a pleasant scent and can enhance the cleaning power of the solution.

My Favorite All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 cap of good-quality dishwashing liquid
10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:

Combine water and soap in a spray bottle. Add 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil (such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil) for a pleasant scent and added cleaning power.
Shake well to mix the ingredients.

Use the spray to clean surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and toilets.
This all-purpose cleaner is effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces in your home. 

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