When I was in college I was a hot mess, but a FUN hot mess at least. Many of my friends, ex-boyfriends and family can attest to the fact I could care less about the state of my room and apartment. I grossed out most dudes with my sniff test on clothes, have literally woken up on pillows made out of empty pizza boxes and used to have a small pathway carved out in my room so I could make it to my bed each night without stepping on everything I own. College was kind of like my drunken hoarders moment. However, times change and we all eventually mildly grow up. My friend, Annie, jokes she has no clue how I went from being a dirt ball to a semi neat-freak.
What happened is it became annoying to always have to treasure hunt for your keys, clean clothes and routine items. It was not cool to have to do mountains of dishes once a week or spend hours cleaning a bathroom that if cleaned regularly would have only taken like 15 minutes. Saving time in the moment can add LOTS of time in the long run. I decided to start spending time NOW in order to save sanity and free time in the future.
Here are the tips I found to make cleaning more easy, effective and mildly fun:
Make A Schedule
Did you know most cleaning services schedule out their cleaning rotations? They deep clean one or two rooms a visit, in addition to the general cleaning. Essentially they will “spring clean” your house over the course of 4-6 visits. Take a tip from the pros and schedule your deep cleaning one bite at a time. Do smaller, routine chores daily/weekly (dishes, vacuum, etc.) but save bigger chores for bi-weekly/monthly (bathroom shower tiles, purging cupboards and closets, etc.). Slowly your house will constantly be in a state of spring cleaning. Scouts honor!
Minimize!
Have you ever glanced at a storage room, closet or garage and wondered, “How did I get all this stuff?!?!?” Whether it’s purchased or gifted, “stuff” tends to follow us wherever we go. Minimizing what comes in, or stays in, your home can have positive effects on your stress level, time management and how much you have to clean overall. Check out this article on the “Zen Family Benefits” to living with less stuff for more details. I purge a room or two monthly so I’m constantly donating my “come-ups” to a thrift shop.
Clean For Your Health
Fewer allergens, increased concentration, exercise and anger management are just some of the health benefits of keeping your home clean. If you clean with natural products you also reduce the level of toxins being introduced into your home which is great for your family, pets and those with allergies. You can even make your own cleaning products with some basic household items and make them smell fancy with your favorite essential oil blends.
Great advice and proof that there is hope for messy teenagers/young adults everywhere! I always toy with the idea of making my own cleaning products but end up going the quicker route (adding the item to my shopping cart). Maybe now is the time!