How can I get motivated to clean?

Question

Ok, so I'm not the neatest person in the world... and I HATE to clean. I have a 3 bedroom 2 bath home, and it is always a wreck. It's not filthy, just messy. Like clothes piled everywhere and things like that. I can't stand it messy, and I am so much more relaxed when it is clean. I just dread it.... I don't even know why I dread it, it isn't that bad. I need help getting motivated to clean, and to keep it clean. Also, I work a full-time job 6 days a week, 8-6. So that dosen't leave me much time in the afternoon. Just my fiance' and I live there. How do you ladies keep your homes spotless all the times? How do you get motivated to do it?

I'm not lazy, either... just when it comes to cleaning

Answer 1

check out www.flylady.net

she is mostly aimed at busy moms, but her philosophies about cleaning can help pretty much anyone with housekeeping issues. she'll help you get motivated and divide your big messes into smaller, easier to tackle ones.

once you get yourself organized, you just need to make sure it stays that way (she'll help you with that too). i don't ever get anything out anymore without putting it away when i'm done.

here are some of her tips:
never go to bed with dishes in the sink.
get dressed and ready to go before you do anything else.
take care of clutter bugs (hot spots) first.
don't try to be a perfectionist.

i'm a stay at home mom, but before my baby was born my husband and i were both busy all the time too. remember though, you said it yourself, a clean house just makes you feel lots better and you don't want to end up like the people on "clean sweep" or "clean house" if you have any specific questions (like how to get on a cleaning sched), email me. i'd be glad to help :)

Answer 2

It's hard to get motivated to clean....I know the feeling. Try some of these tips:

-Turn on some up-beat music

-Have someone clean with you- it's much more fun to clean when there's someone to talk to, and it feels like you're accomplishing more.

-Take small steps towards a cleaner house-Don't try to do it all in one day...it won't happen!!! One day, you can begin by collecting all your dirty laundry and dusting the house. The next day you can begin doing the laundry...ect. Just don't overload yourself with chores or you won't want to start.

-Make a list- I feel so much better when I can check things off a list. That little mark that says you've completed a needed task feels so good!!!!!

- Have someone else clean it and then it's much much easier to keep up on. Sometimes the overwhelming feeling is present when there is SO much to do and then you don't even want to do it. Have someone come in for a single-time cleaning job, and then make yourself a schedule to keep up on the everyday-tasks.

-If you really don't feel motivated, hire help. Go to a cleaning business and hire them or Find someone (like a teenager in need of some extra cash) in your neighborhood. I am one of these teens...=) I have a cleaning business and I don't charge very much because I am not 'professional.' This is not like a business ad, or anything, I am just saying that I know there's someone out there who'd be willing to do it!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Spend only 20 minutes on one task each day. I have worked FT with kids for the last 25 years and that is how I survive. I focus on one task - say folding & putting away laundry or cleaning the shower - and do that for 20 minutes. If I am sick of it, I stop, or I keep doing it. I do this every day. Some days I feel like doing more, some days I don't & I stop.

It is also very important to involve your fiance in this - he lives there too. I do the laundry & fold - my husband puts his own laundry away. He vacuums, I wash the floor. He cleans the toilets, I clean the kitchen. Men seem to respond better to a specific task - vacuum the livingroom as opposed to clean the house. You each can do a job for 20 minutes a day - and your house will be clean in no time.

I agree with listening to music while cleaning, also

Answer 4

Well this is the best way I know to get your house in order, Ready? Okay , Set your alarm clock to go off in 15 min´s time. Let´s start with your bedroom. All dirty clothes in a pile next to the door, you can take them to the laundry later. Also anything else that does not belong, you put them back in their rightful places when you have finished All clean clothes to the closet, jean´s top´s jumper´s all folded or hang them up. Shoes in the right place STOP. If you think you have had enough for the day then stop, If you think you would rather carry on and do some more, then set the clock for another 15 min´s. 15, min´s here & their makes a big difference, just remember , when ever you have finished any job you do ,sit down & have a rest, even if it´s just for a cup of coffee, sit with your feet up ,always reward yourself. It makes you feel good & you even find that your ready to a little more work. So try for yourself, It work´s for me

Answer 5

I have to tell you, I TOTALLY understand how you feel- I'm very similar. I'm not lazy, I just HATE cleaning- I sometimes wish I was one of those people that just love to clean- or at least married one. HA HA

I can't think of anything to really motivate you. I just make it a priority- set aside time for it and it's what I have to do. I also clean when I talk on the phone. I'll pick up the phone to call a friend who loves to gab and most of my housework is done!

Answer 6

well hello to the sister I never meet... ha ha excuse my happiness. I have the same problem. I hate laundry and dishes. I have three kids and I am expecting in oct. The way I finally get my self modivated to keep it clean, is I make friday nights my cleaning top to bottom nights, after kids are in bed. I put on my fav tones and start in the kitchen. Also sometimes me and my best friend do swao days... One day I will go to her house and then te next day mine. It always fun and easier with a gal pal, makes time go by faster. Also my hubby complaining helps too....Good Luck

Answer 7

Get some fun music or something with a good beat and
consider it exercise so your benefiting from cleaning.
Start with the clothing (is it clean? hang it or fold it and
put it away. is it dirty? Laundry time, get a load going
while you are cleaning. Make sure that they get put
up in the correct place and not just piled somewhere.
Also while you are cleaning are there any clothes that
you don't wear anymore get rid of them (and thats one
less thing to clean up after).

Answer 8

Just do what my wife does. Throw on a MP3 or turn on a radio and listen to music as you clean. Kinda keep yourself from listening to music when you are not doing anything and it will be like a treat for working. The old whistle while you work theory.

Answer 9

I listen to upbeat music like Grease and Footloose soundtracks. Also I have cleaning charts of what I will clean each day of hte week. I check off as I go and it is motivating to see how far I get on my list.

Answer 10

I turn on the radio to some dance music that gets me pumped to clean!Good Luck!