Alright, we all know that tidying up can sometimes be a real chore. The thought of cleaning can make us want to curl up on the couch and watch Netflix instead. But what if we could make tidying up fun? Yes, you heard it – fun! Imagine a world where you actually look forward to cleaning your space. Well, it’s entirely possible!
Here are 18 unique ways to make tidying up a joyful experience.
1. Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook
Turning on your favorite podcast or an audiobook can make tidying up a breeze. You’ll be so engrossed in the story or conversation that you won’t notice the time passing. Choose something that is engaging and exciting to keep your mind busy while your hands are at work.
For instance, if you love mysteries, you could listen to a thrilling detective novel. If you’re interested in personal development, you could pick a self-help book. The key is to select something that you truly enjoy. So next time you are planning to tidy up, grab your headphones and press play!
2. Set a Timer
Setting a timer can make tidying up a fun and exciting challenge. You’ll be racing against the clock, trying to finish your tasks before the timer goes off. This method, also known as the “Pomodoro Technique,” is proven to increase productivity and focus.
Start by setting a timer for 25 minutes and dedicate this time solely to cleaning. Once the timer goes off, give yourself a five-minute break. Repeat this cycle until you’ve finished your cleaning tasks. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time when you’re focused!
3. Create a Cleaning Playlist
Music has an amazing ability to make everything more enjoyable, including tidying up. A good playlist can turn your cleaning session into a dance party! So, why don’t you make a cleaning playlist filled with your favorite upbeat songs?
Choose songs that make you want to move and sing along. This way, cleaning becomes a fun activity rather than a chore. Plus, dancing around the house while cleaning is a great way to get some exercise. It’s a win-win!
4. Make it a Game
Turn your cleaning tasks into a game to make them more enjoyable. You can create your own rules and rewards, making the game as fun and challenging as you like. For example, you could challenge yourself to throw away 10 items you no longer need within 10 minutes.
Games can be especially effective if you have kids. You can make a game out of who can pick up the most toys in a certain amount of time. The winner gets a reward, like choosing the next movie for movie night. This way, you’ll have a cleaner house and your kids will have fun.
5. Use Fun Cleaning Supplies
Believe it or not, having fun and colorful cleaning supplies can make tidying up more enjoyable. There’s something about using a bright pink mop or a duster with a fun pattern that makes cleaning less of a chore.
There are plenty of stores that sell cleaning supplies with creative designs and bright colors. You could also DIY your cleaning supplies to make them more personalized. For example, you could decorate your broom handle with colorful washi tape. It’s a simple way to bring some joy into your cleaning routine!
6. Invite a Friend
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solitary task – why not invite a friend over to help? You can chat and catch up while you tidy up, making the task feel less like work.
You could even make it a regular event, where you help each other clean your houses alternately. After the cleaning is done, you could reward yourselves with a nice meal or a movie night. Not only will your house be clean, but you’ll also have spent quality time with a friend.
7. Use Essential Oils
Using essential oils can make your cleaning experience more enjoyable and relaxing. You can add a few drops to your cleaning solutions, diffuser, or even dab a bit on your wrist and neck. Essential oils not only make your home smell wonderful, but can also boost your mood.
For instance, lavender oil is known for its calming properties, while citrus oils like lemon or orange are uplifting and energizing. Experiment with different scents to find what you enjoy the most. It’s a simple and natural way to make your cleaning routine more enjoyable.
8. Clean in Stages
Cleaning your entire house in one go can be overwhelming. Instead, try cleaning in stages or rooms. This breaks down the task into manageable chunks and makes it feel less daunting.
For example, you could set a goal to clean the kitchen today and the living room tomorrow. This way, you won’t tire yourself out by trying to clean everything at once. Plus, seeing one room sparkling clean will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to clean the rest of the house.
9. Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself after cleaning is a great way to make tidying up more enjoyable. It gives you something to look forward to and motivates you to finish your tasks.
Your reward can be anything you like – a cup of your favorite coffee, an episode of your favorite show, or even a relaxing bubble bath. The key is to choose something that you really enjoy, so that cleaning feels more like a path to a reward rather than a chore.
10. Try a New Cleaning Method
If cleaning feels like a bore, it might be because you’re stuck in a routine. Trying a new cleaning method can break the monotony and make tidying up more interesting.
You could try the popular KonMari Method, which encourages you to only keep items that spark joy. Or, you could try the FlyLady cleaning method, which involves cleaning your house in zones and includes daily and weekly routines. These methods not only make cleaning more interesting, but can also make it more effective.
11. Use Cleaning as a Mindfulness Practice
Cleaning can be a great opportunity to practice mindfulness. Paying attention to the task at hand can help you stay present and focused, turning cleaning into a meditative activity.
Try to focus on the physical sensations – the scent of the cleaning products, the feel of the cloth in your hand, the sound of the vacuum. Even though it may seem unusual, many people find cleaning to be a relaxing and grounding activity when done mindfully.
12. Make a Cleaning Schedule
Having a cleaning schedule can make tidying up less stressful. Knowing exactly what needs to be done and when can make the task feel more manageable.
You could plan your cleaning tasks for the week or month, and break them down into daily tasks. This way, you’ll only have to spend a small amount of time each day cleaning, instead of having to dedicate a whole day to it. Plus, a schedule will help ensure that no tasks are forgotten.
13. Declutter Regularly
Regularly decluttering your home can make cleaning easier and more enjoyable. Having less stuff means less to clean and organize. Plus, a clutter-free home is more relaxing and pleasing to the eye.
You could set a regular decluttering schedule, such as once a month or season. Go through each room and decide what items you no longer need or use and donate, recycle, or throw them away. It’s a great way to keep your home tidy and make your cleaning tasks easier.
14. Teach Your Kids to Help
If you have children, teaching them to help with cleaning can make the task more fun and less work for you. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them responsibility and the value of a clean home.
You could assign them age-appropriate tasks, such as picking up toys, making their bed, or dusting. To make it more fun, you could turn the tasks into a game or offer rewards. Not only will your home be cleaner, but your kids will also be learning valuable life skills.
15. Do a Little Each Day
Doing a little cleaning each day can make the task less daunting and more manageable. Instead of spending a whole day cleaning, you can spend a few minutes each day keeping your home tidy.
For instance, you could make it a habit to tidy up the kitchen after dinner, or to make your bed every morning. These small tasks will keep your home clean and reduce the amount of work you need to do later.
16. Designate a Place for Everything
Having a designated place for everything in your home can make tidying up easier and more enjoyable. You won’t have to spend time figuring out where to put things, and your home will be more organized.
Take some time to decide where each item in your home should go, and always put it back in its place after using it. This way, you’ll always know where to find things and your home will be less cluttered.
17. Make Cleaning a Workout
Did you know that cleaning can be a great way to get some exercise? Tasks like vacuuming, mopping, or scrubbing can burn a lot of calories and strengthen your muscles.
To make cleaning more of a workout, try doing some lunges while vacuuming, or doing some squats while picking up toys. Not only will you be keeping your home clean, but you’ll also be keeping yourself fit.
18. Reflect on the Benefits
Finally, reflecting on the benefits of a clean home can make tidying up more enjoyable. A clean and organized home can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve your quality of life.
Whenever you’re feeling unmotivated to clean, think about how good you’ll feel when your home is clean and tidy. This can give you the push you need to start cleaning. Remember, cleaning isn’t just about having a clean home, but also about creating a relaxing and comfortable space for you and your family.
