Feeling Overwhelmed by Cleaning? 5 Tips to Get Started Cleaning!
We’ve all been there—standing in the middle of a messy house, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of cleaning that needs to be done. It’s easy to feel paralyzed when faced with a mountain of chores and tidying that needs to be done. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some easy tips to help you tackle your cleaning when it feels like too much. Let’s dive in!
1. Break It Down into Small Tasks
When the mess feels like way too much, start by breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of trying to clean your entire house at once, focus on one room or one specific task. For example, start with just clearing the kitchen counter or dusting the living room shelves. By focusing on smaller tasks, you’ll make the process feel less overwhelming and get a sense of accomplishment with each completed task. As silly and simple as it sounds. Make a list for each room so you can check off your tasks as you go. That instant gratification will help give you momentum.
2. Set a Timer
The thought of cleaning for hours can be daunting. To make it more manageable, set a timer for short, focused intervals—try 15 or 30 minutes. During this time, clean as much as you can, then take a break when the timer goes off. This technique, often called the Pomodoro Technique, helps you stay motivated and prevents you from burning out. It also makes cleaning feel like a series of sprints rather than a marathon. This totally works for other tasks too. Hello, exercise? Start with small bite size amounts of time and you'll be able to build up from there! On a related note, we love the book Atomic Habits if you’re interested in more of this type of philosophy!
3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas for biggest impact
One huge pro tip is to start your cleaning efforts with the areas that see the most action, like the kitchen and living room. I’d argue the bathrooms as well. These high-traffic areas will most definitely have the biggest impact on how clean your home feels. By focusing on these spaces first, you’ll notice a significant difference, which can help boost your motivation and give you a sense of control over the messy situation. Also, few things provide as much relief and relaxation than going into a clean bathroom for your evening routine!
4. Use a Cleaning Caddy
Take it from a professional cleaning team, make your cleaning process more efficient by using a cleaning caddy. Gather all your essential cleaning supplies—such as sprays, cloths, and sponges—in a portable caddy. This way, you won’t have to waste time searching for supplies or running back and forth to different rooms. Having everything in one place speeds up the cleaning process and keeps you organized. Nothing will tire you out faster than running back to the cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink throughout the cleaning session. Take your tools with you throughout the house.
5. Grab a Helper
If you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Obviously you can call in the pros (like us, if you live in PDX, SATX or ATX) But maybe you just ring up a family member, a friends, or even bribe your teenager into helping, getting a little extra support can make a huge difference. Sometimes, just having someone to share the load with can turn an overwhelming task into something much more manageable.
Cleaning when you’re overwhelmed doesn’t have to be a herculean task. By breaking it down into smaller steps, using timers, prioritizing key areas, organizing your supplies, and enlisting help, you can make the process more manageable and less stressful. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. You've got this!