I don’t know about you, but cleaning isn’t my favourite hobby. Nope, it is not one of my favourite things to do, not even close to the top! But hey, I could be wrong, and you may be one of those who starts your day with a strong desire to wipe, dust, sweep, mop etc. But for many, including me, it is tough to even get started. So how do I up my motivation level enough for me to pick up that broom or duster or vacuum or rag….

  • They say it’s good to strike while it’s hot! So, start first thing in the morning! Like exercising or going to the gym (unless you’re a health buff), cleaning can be that one task of the day that you feel overwhelmed by. But then it has to be done, right? So, why not do it first thing in the morning and get it out of the way? Doing all that cleaning early on will not only lessen the anxiety that builds up whenever you walk past that dried spilled milk on the benchtop. But doing so will also give you a feeling of accomplishment once it is completed! Then you can go about the rest of the day with the same determination and can-do-it attitude.
  • List it and stick to it! Planning just might be the trick you need! If you create a plan for your day and include a set cleaning schedule (remember you need to write it down), chances are greater that you will do it. Grab a paper and pen, make a list, insert it in your calendar, stick it under your numerous fridge magnets or instruct Siri or Google to remind you. Just make sure it is wherever you will see it or hear it said to prompt you to complete your to-do list! Then, give yourself a friendly pat on the back for every single task you check off, no matter how easy or difficult it is.
  • Just like what every single motivational speaker says, you need to establish a routine!If your timetable permits it, schedule your cleaning tasks in small sections on different days of the week. Your Monday can be a kitchen day, Tuesday is dusting and wiping day, Wednesday is reserved for toilets and bath, Thursday can be for vacuuming, Friday is laundry day, and the weekends for lawns and gardens. As the week progresses, tick them off one by one! Make it work for everyone in the family; remember, even a little bit every day goes a long way!
  • As always, distractions are the enemy! Put down that mobile phone, iPad, laptop and tv remote. Tune out of Netflix, Stan, Disney Channel or Kayo! When it’s time for cleaning, tune out of the world! Why? Because every call, text, game app, Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok etc., takes time (even if it is just a minute or so…they add up eventually, you know!) and makes your cleaning take forever! Instead, set your Spotify/Youtube music etc., to whatever music playlist you currently have and get to work!
  • Superheroes are comic book characters; they are not you! So, don’t do it on your own, get help! Share the load with the entire family (since they live in the same house anyway!) and have them help you clean. Two, three or four pairs of hands are always better than one! Work becomes faster when you have the entire team helping. Tasks can be assigned so that they are age-appropriate, all the while allowing the children to learn responsibility and feel a sense of achievement when the cleaning is done.
  • Finally, make sure to reward yourself! This can be a grand celebration (probably after spring cleaning) or just a nice cup of coffee or a cold glass of juice or soda after the task is completed. Celebrate small wins like a well-swept floor or a clean sink by rewarding a job well done. This will motivate everyone to help again if a pasta and chicken meal is waiting with a nice warm plate of pudding after all the work is finished!