Why We Don’t Clean As Often As We Should
Believe it or not, there is a science behind why most of us don’t have the motivation to start cleaning. Reasons like long work hours and having children are very common factors, but there are two theories that seem to explain clearly why we put off tidying up:
The Theory of Ego Depletion
This theory claims that our willpower depletes during the day so going to work, driving home, cooking and doing other activities exhausts this source and leaves little for cleaning. You can read more about it here.
Goal-Based Failure
Another theory that is worth looking into is how we view goals. This states that we decide not to do a task because it is too hard to do (piles of laundry, bathroom needs scrubbing, dishes in the sink, and so on) or we attempt to do it but because we have failed a smaller, more attainable goal like sweeping the floor, we decide not to do the entire task altogether (which is to clean your home).
Getting Organised: Is It Worth It?
There are studies who have backed up claims that getting organised can help with your overall well-being. For example, people who habitually make their beds are more likely to have a good night’s sleep. They are also likely to wake up and wind down around the same time. Organisation, whether in terms of lifestyle or otherwise, can make an impact in your day to day life.
Try telling this to people who thrive on clutter. There is another study that tells us that some people are more productive and creative when their work space is all a mess. Why is this so?
Some say that chronically disorganised people can focus on smaller, simpler tasks when they are surrounded by clutter . But just because you enjoy clutter doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean. There should be a fine line between being creatively messy and unhygienic. There is always some time to aside to clean mindfully.
Myths About Cleaning
Getting organised doesn’t sound as easy as it seems, and here are prevalent thoughts that could be affecting your effort at getting your house clean and in tiptop shape:
- You need to get organised: Forcing yourself to rearrange and organise your things might cause you to stress out. If you are surrounded, take a step back and see what you can get rid off. If it isn’t there, there’s nothing to organise.
- Super-organised is in your goal: If you are stuck on color-coordinating socks and alphabetizing your herbs and spice rack, then do yourself a favour and stop. There is nothing wrong with having “a place for everything” but don’t beat yourself up with it. You’re wasting your time on a useless task when you should be tackling bigger cleaning chores like deep cleaning the bathroom.
- You need cute storage containers: No, you don’t, and even if it is your preference to buy those pastel-colored bins (you were inspired by Pinterest), make sure to let go of stuff first. You will avoid overbuying and save money.
- You intend to give some stuff away: Don’t let this good-natured intention fool you. You will be stuck with a pile of junk if you keep promising yourself to give stuff away to friends or loved ones. If the item is still in your possession after a fortnight, donate it to charity.
- Keeping things that need fixing: “It just needs a quick repair,” you tell yourself six months ago. If an item is broken and hasn’t been used in the last few months, off it goes.
- Keeping clothes that aren’t your size anymore: Whether you have gained weight or not, keeping clothes that are at least two size bigger or smaller than your current one should be given away.
- Mementos: Be wise about keeping precious objects. You want to keep those that take up the least amount of space.
- Thinking you might need something in the future: If an item hasn’t been used in the last 12 months or so, loan it to a friend if you aren’t ready to let it go yet. You can opt to “borrow” it when the time arises but for the meantime, off the item goes to its new home.
Why Decluttering and Cleaning Will Make You Happier
Stress and clutter are related because we can visually see what needs to be done. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is elevated when we are constantly reminded of chores. Lessening clutter can lessen stress significantly.
When you grasp on the concept that your home is a reflection of your inner self, then you’d understand how a clean and tidy space can help you focus on just about anything. When there is just too much going on around you, when you are visually stimulated and you can’t seem to zero in on tasks, this causes a lot of stress, frustration, and disappointment.
Want to lose weight? Get rid of clutter! A study claims that a disorganised home can cause obesity and overeating. It all goes back to stress: some people see the mess, stress over it, head to the kitchen to grab and snack and eat.
With so many reasons why clutter should be out of your home (and life) for good, should there be any reason why shouldn’t declutter?
Creative and Fun Ways to Declutter
- Start small, like 5 minutes a day. There’s no need to pressure yourself and turn it into a marathon.
- Make it a point to let go of one item each day. When it becomes too easy, increase it to two items a day. By the end of the year, you would have gotten rid of at least 700 things you don’t need!
- Grab a trash bag and fill it with as much stuff as you can with things you don’t use anymore. When it’s full, donate to charity.
- Try this 12-12-12 challenge: get 12 things you want to throw away, 12 things to donate, and 12 things that need to be returned to its proper owner.
- Take before-and-after photos of a space to keep you motivated.
- Try decluttering with a friend. Go through items to give away or throw out. If you want to keep an item, your friend has to agree with your reason to do so. If not, it’s out.
A Final Word
We think you deserve better, and this is why we are offering $20 off your first booking with us. Our professional cleaners can help you get your home back on track and let you and your family enjoy the finer things in life. Contact us now!
