Your space might be a huge house or a small room, but wherever you spend the majority of your time, start there. With more and more people working from home, a good place to clean is where you work. Start to minimize which physical objects you share the space with and have only those things that you use frequently near you,
Decluttering is a big part of cleaning, and you can read about that here. But it is more than just clearing off surfaces – this is about getting in there and really cleaning things up.
Action – Routine weekly cleaning is important in all areas of your living space, but the thorough cleaning that we like to label as spring or fall cleaning is vital as well. Dust, mold, bacteria, insects, and germs thrive in unclean spaces. It isn’t good for you physically or mentally to live in dirty surroundings.
Let’s face it – no one likes to clean. It is about as fun as going to the dentist. But by staying on top of it and having a weekly schedule where you organize and clean everything, it will never get to the point of no return. The big cleaning jobs will take less effort and be more effective when you stay on top of it.
Steps – Find a way to make a thorough cleaning task less daunting. Put some music on or listen to a podcast. Cleaning is mostly a mindless activity so distracting yourself can be a great way to get it done. Divide a big project into smaller ones so you see progress as you go. Take breaks or set a timer of 25 or 30 minutes and work diligently for the entire time. Take a quick 5-minute break to check your phone or email, then set the timer again and get back to the task.
Moving furniture out of the way and getting in behind and under where they were is important. Wash any windows in the area and consider wiping down the walls. Clear out any spider webs or other areas that attract dust. Carpets should be cleaned and blinds or curtains too. If you are going to do it, do it right.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – A clean space allows you to be more productive and is appealing to the eye. It is good for mental health and actually makes you feel more relaxed. Chaos and clutter are not conducive to a peaceful environment.
Allergens and germs thrive in dirty spaces. This can affect the air quality and your ability to stay healthy. Dust can compromise the lungs and lead to breathing issues. For asthmatics or people who suffer from allergies, a clean living or working space is crucial. For the rest of us, it is still very important.
Example – Use the changing seasons to do a thorough cleaning of your space. It’s a great opportunity to get rid of things that you don’t need and to replace items that aren’t working or are broken. Starting the spring with a space that is free from dust and grime after winter puts you in a positive frame of mind. Repeating the cleaning process in the fall is a great time for reflection and learning to appreciate what you have.
Look around you right now and see what needs to be done. Then do it, because just thinking about it won’t make any difference to your health.