What to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Cleaning: Tips from the Experts
Let’s face it—there are days when the last thing you want to do is clean. Whether it’s the overwhelming amount of clutter or simply a lack of energy, we’ve all been there. But neglecting those cleaning tasks can quickly lead to more stress and a messier home. So, what can you do when you just don’t feel like cleaning? As a professional cleaning service, we’ve compiled some tips to help you get motivated and tackle those tasks (even when you really don’t want to)!
1. Break It Down Into Small Tasks
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
One of the reasons cleaning can feel overwhelming is thinking you need to do everything at once. Instead of looking at your entire house as one giant chore, break it down into small, manageable tasks. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and focus on just one area—like wiping down countertops, doing a quick sweep of the floor, or organizing one shelf. Small wins can help build momentum, and you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in short bursts.
Pro Tip: Use a checklist to keep track of what needs to be done. Crossing off tasks, no matter how small, can feel super rewarding!
2. Set a Timer and Just Start
Sometimes, the hardest part is getting started. If you’re not feeling motivated, set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and commit to cleaning until the timer goes off. Often, once you start, you'll get into the rhythm and might even want to continue. If not, at least you’ve done something, which is better than nothing!
You don't need to dedicate hours to cleaning. The 10-minute tidy is a great way to keep your home looking presentable without feeling overwhelmed. Set a timer for 10 minutes each day, pick up any clutter, and do a quick surface clean. This habit prevents messes from piling up and helps maintain a cleaner home over time.
3. Incorporate Music or a Podcast
Turn cleaning into a more enjoyable activity by adding some entertainment to the mix. Put on your favorite music, listen to a podcast, or queue up an audiobook. Not only will the time pass quicker, but you might even find yourself cleaning longer than planned because you're so engaged in what you're listening to.
Bonus: Fast-paced music can energize you, making it easier to get moving and power through your tasks.
4. Reward Yourself After
Give yourself something to look forward to when the cleaning is done! Whether it’s enjoying a snack, binge-watching your favorite show, or spending time outdoors, having a reward planned can be a great motivator. Knowing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel can make the process seem less daunting.
5. Focus on High-Impact Areas
When you’re really not in the mood to clean, focus on areas that will have the biggest impact. These are often high-traffic zones like the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. Simply tidying up these spaces—wiping counters, putting away dishes, or vacuuming the floor—can make your entire home feel cleaner without much effort.
6. Get the Whole Family Involved
If you’re not in the mood to clean, why not make it a group effort? Enlist your family members or roommates to help out. Divide tasks so that everyone is responsible for cleaning one area or performing one specific task. Cleaning as a team not only makes the process faster but also helps ensure that everyone shares the workload.
Tip for Parents: Turn cleaning into a game for kids. Set a timer and challenge them to clean their rooms before the time runs out. Adding a reward, like extra screen time or a treat, can also boost their motivation.
7. Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
When you truly don’t have the time, energy, or motivation to clean, it might be time to call in the pros. Hiring a professional cleaning service can be a lifesaver, especially during busy times or when your home needs a deep clean. Not only will it save you time, but it also ensures that your home is thoroughly cleaned by experts who know how to tackle even the toughest messes.
Why Hire Us? We offer flexible cleaning packages tailored to your needs—whether it’s a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance. Let us do the dirty work while you relax and enjoy your clean home!
8. Declutter First, Then Clean
If your home feels cluttered, cleaning can feel like an insurmountable task. Start by decluttering—put away items that don’t belong in certain spaces, throw away trash, and organize small areas. Once the clutter is gone, the actual cleaning (like wiping surfaces or vacuuming) will feel much easier and faster.
9. Practice Self-Compassion
It’s important to remember that everyone has off days. If you’re feeling unmotivated to clean, don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, life gets busy, and cleaning can fall by the wayside. Give yourself permission to take a break, and when you're ready, ease back into it with some of the tips above.
Cleaning Doesn't Have to Be a Chore We all have days when cleaning feels like the last thing we want to do. By breaking tasks into smaller steps, incorporating entertainment, and focusing on high-impact areas, you can make cleaning feel more manageable. And when all else fails, you can always rely on a professional cleaning service like ours to keep your home sparkling, even when you don’t feel like tackling the mess yourself.
Need a break from cleaning? Contact us today and let us take care of the heavy lifting while you enjoy more free time!