A Clean Home, More Than a Resolution

Resolving to invest time (and physical energy, as well) in some new and novel way - compacting with yourSelf in order to bring about positive results in this life is kind of a big deal. First, there's that word "time" - a precious and fleeting commodity. The type of time we deem as "extra" or "free" can seem in short supply, and most of us choose to use it for super satisfying personal enjoyment; cleaning often does not make that joy list. Then, there is that idea of "resolving". Simply put, when we resolve, we find a solution or decide firmly on a course of action. We have to take stock of the current status with open and clear eyes, and then we have to make a change given the truths we discover - even if the truths hurt. The results of that self-study can help you alter the treasured time you have on this earth for a better, and cleaner, existence.

A change in the direction of clean is typically one of the resolutions made around January 1st that is hardest to implement and chisel into real change. Despite this fact, we believe it is one worth entertaining as you glide into 2023 with a heart open to bettering your life and that of your family. We have culled together 6 quick and random tips to give a boost to your efforts should you resolve to take on one of the toughest challenges - making (and keeping) a cleaner home:

1. "Time" Yourself and Do It Habitually

Speaking of time, a stellar start to making a clean home a reality is to set a doggone timer. Simply put - folks can do most anything if assured that it is only for a short span. If you commit to any length of reasonable time once per day or several days per week and give those minutes to robust tidying and cleaning, you will see big results - and quickly. Entreat the family, divide the work, make it fun and stick to that timer. Whether it's fifteen minutes or an hour, this "cleaning time" provides structure and will ensure that it gets done with regularity. What a human exhilaration to say, "AHHHHHH, saved by the bell...." and even better, to express it in cleaner, healthier surroundings!

2. Start With the Most Dreaded Job

Make yourself a list of cleaning projects you want to see completed and jump on the toughest one out the gate. If a bathroom gives you the heeb jeebs, pounce on that bad boy first. If the fridge needs an overhaul and a scourin', declare war on that behemoth. Yes, there is certain power in taking small steps with small victories - we know, but imagine if you slay the dragons that breathe the hottest fire first - well, friend - that means you chose to meet your cleaning resolution head to head and the instant boost that comes from tackling unhealthy and set-in problems like dirt, grime, messes and clutter is incalculable. The big guns will be out of the way and you can focus on forming cleaning habits in the smaller and more day-to-day ways.

3. Ditch the Extras

Decluttering should be one of the very first priorities for a clean, tidy home space. With our professional cleaning service, we see beaucoup clutter in homes regularly (and we have some clutter to contend with in our own home). We get it fully. Often we can't even properly get to the real cleaning for all the mountains of stuff. To live is to seemingly amass "things" of every sort. Even a trip through the drive through for kids'meals adds a little toy to the pile of "things" that mar our home spaces with unneeded items. First, come up with your personal definition of the word "clutter". Write it down, make it thoughtful, take it seriously, and adopt it as definitive. Then, take a room per day (even spread this out over a month - maybe once per week to make it manageable) and look over the room with a ferociously scrutinizing eye. Separate out ALL of what you define, by your OWN definition, as clutter. Be deliberate. and consider every decision with as little emotion and attachment as possible. Remember, you are resolved, and decluttering is key. Trash, repurpose, and donate according to your self-adopted clutter. You will not be sorry at the thrust this gives to the clean life.

4. Prioritize (And Guard) Your Favorite Room

In our years of cleaning and living, we have found that most humans have a trusted and revered space. Often, the bedroom is that shelter from the storm, but for others it could be the kitchen, the living room, or the home office that offers the safe haven. Regardless, take it as a serious vow to whip this ONE room into a brilliant and lasting clean. Visualize how it could look. Imagine the comfy vibe in this place that deserves to be free from chaos and clutter given all the solace it brings to you. Give yourself the gift of dedicating time daily to tidying and cleaning this one room - and you will always have a healthy and beautified place to find some chill. Once in the habit, guard the clean of this room. Again, you will not lament the spending of these minutes cleaning, as the payment will come in peace-of-mind currency - a joy, indeed.

5. Invest in Quality Supplies

Wowzers....there is a plethora of products to help you get the clean you want and need. From the tools to the chemicals, heavy is the task of choosing what is right and best, and expensive to boot. We suggest researching, and we do not suggest skimping. We are budget-minded, no doubt, but we also know that subpar supplies give subpar clean. You must often use more (which is counter to the budget as more will have to be re-upped sooner) and you have to often use more physical effort and time with tools that are not designed and/or manufactured well. Most cheap products are so for a reason, so look into what you truly need to get the jobs done right. As innovations evolve, we are seeing more plant-based and natural cleaning products that truly do a fantastic job without the harshness of other cleaners. Many of them are concentrated, so you can become a mixologist and whip up a small amount each time you clean. The natural aromatics can be amazing and the chemicals are safe. With some personal research and an initial investment, you can acquire an aresenal of products that will last right along with your resolution.

6. Resolve to Rotate

We like to nudge our friends and readers to do their own cleaning in a rotation. A full day of cleaning is a tough day of work - some of the most brutal and intense body motion is involved in keeping a whole home up to snuff and shining. We are whupped after a full day of it, so we like to make a little rotation plan for our own. Monday could be bathrooms; Wednesday - laundry; Friday - on to floors...this is YOUR life and YOUR home, so YOU get to choose exactly how you make it work, but work yourself a plan of rotation (don't forget your timer if it helps you!) and go forth in small increments. Writing your rotation down is always apropos and a great accountabiliy piece to the puzzle of keeping it all done. Hopefully, you will not be alone in this battle, so delegation and rotation can become the keys to the kingdom of clean.

Outro

A new year is here, guys. An opportunity, in fact MANY opportunities, for growth and improved living. Forming some habits in the name of clean and in pursuit of health is not going to be a waste of your precious (and speeding) time. If you adopt a New Year's Resolution to keep a tidier, cleaner home, you are actually investing in your investment - and your life. We are resolved to help you! If you like what you see here, subscribe to our blog - and contact The Gleam Team Cleaning Company for any help you may need to keep your resolutions alive!