Cleaning your home can often feel like a daunting and never-ending task. With the demands of modern life, it’s easy to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or simply unmotivated to start tidying up. But a clean home does more than just look good — it improves mental clarity, reduces stress, and creates a sense of control over your environment.
If you’ve been struggling to find the drive to get started, here are seven tried-and-true methods to motivate yourself to clean your house, even when you’re not in the mood.
1. Visualise Your Space Clean and Organised
Sometimes, the hardest part of cleaning is the mental hurdle. Visualising your space as clean and organised can provide the boost you need to start. Close your eyes and picture your living room without clutter, your kitchen surfaces shining, and your bedroom feeling calm and serene.
For instance, if your garage is currently a dumping ground for unused items, imagine it as a functional home office. See yourself sitting at a desk, working productively in a clean, airy space. The mental image alone can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the transformation.
How to apply this:
- Walk through each room and mentally plan what it could look like when clean.
- Note the changes you want, such as “clear kitchen counter” or “organise books by genre.”
- Use this vision as a goal when you begin cleaning.
2. Start Small and Break Tasks Into Bite-Sized Chunks
One of the most effective ways to beat procrastination is to break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It’s easier to tackle one kitchen drawer than to clean the entire kitchen in one go.
Start with small wins, like clearing your bedside table or decluttering one kitchen shelf. These small victories create momentum, motivating you to tackle larger tasks.
Ideas for small wins:
- Clear one kitchen counter.
- Declutter one drawer in your dresser.
- Organise the shoes at your front door.
- Wipe down one bathroom mirror.
You’ll feel more motivated to keep going once you’ve ticked off a few small tasks.
3. Play Your Favourite Music or Audiobook
Music has the power to boost your mood and energy levels. Playing upbeat songs while cleaning can make the experience feel more like a mini dance party than a chore. Alternatively, an engaging podcast or audiobook can make the time fly if you’re in a reflective mood.
How to make it fun:
- Create a 30-minute cleaning playlist with your favourite upbeat songs.
- Listen to an audiobook and only allow yourself to continue it while cleaning.
- Use wireless headphones for ease of movement while you work.
Dancing while dusting or singing along to your favourite tunes can turn cleaning into an enjoyable experience.
4. Watch Cleaning Videos or “Clean With Me” Content
If you’re feeling uninspired, watching other people clean can give you the push you need. Platforms like YouTube are filled with “Clean With Me” videos where viewers clean alongside the creator. Seeing someone else tackle clutter can be highly motivating.
How to use this trick:
- Search YouTube for “Clean With Me” videos.
- Watch a video for 10 minutes before you start cleaning.
- If you’re still struggling, keep the video playing as background motivation while cleaning.
Seeing someone else’s before-and-after transformation can ignite your desire to do the same.
5. Use New Cleaning Products and Tools
Sometimes, you only need a new cleaning product or gadget to get excited about cleaning. It could be a trendy new all-purpose spray with a fresh scent or a high-tech vacuum cleaner that makes cleaning feel like fun.
How to get started:
- Buy a cleaning product you’ve never used (like a scented all-purpose spray or a fancy mop).
- Unbox it and test it on a small area.
- You will likely keep going if the product works well or smells great.
When cleaning becomes a chance to test something new, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated.
6. Set a Timer for 10-20 Minutes
Time constraints work wonders for productivity. The “10-minute rule” is simple: set a timer for 10 minutes, clean as much as you can during that time, and stop when it goes off. You’ll be amazed at how much you accomplish in just 10 minutes.
How to do it:
- Set a 10-20 minute timer on your phone or smart device.
- Clean with intensity and focus during that time.
- If you’re motivated to keep going once the timer ends, continue cleaning.
Even if you stop at 10 minutes, you’ll have made progress. And often, the hardest part of cleaning is getting started.
7. Reward Yourself After Cleaning
Rewards can be a powerful motivator. Knowing there’s a reward at the end of a cleaning session can keep you going. The reward doesn’t have to be extravagant — it could be an episode of your favourite TV show or a relaxing bath.
Ideas for rewarding yourself:
- Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Watch a TV show you’ve been looking forward to.
- Treat yourself to a favourite snack or dessert.
To make the reward feel even sweeter, don’t allow yourself to enjoy it until you’ve finished your cleaning task.
Additional Tips to Stay Motivated
- Implement a Regular Cleaning Routine: Cleaning becomes less overwhelming when it becomes part of your daily routine. Dedicate 20 minutes daily to cleaning to prevent chores from piling up.
- Plan to Have Guests Over: Nothing motivates people to clean like the prospect of friends or family visiting. Knowing that others will see your home encourages you to clean and organise.
- Use “If-Then” Planning: Tell yourself, “If it’s Sunday at noon, I’ll vacuum the living room.” Linking specific actions to times increases the likelihood of follow-through.
- Declutter First: Clear surfaces make cleaning easier. Before starting, spend a few minutes removing unnecessary items from counters and tables.
- Ask for Help: If you’re part of a household, divide cleaning responsibilities with family members or roommates. Cleaning together makes it quicker and less stressful.
Final Thoughts
Getting motivated to clean your home might be difficult, but if you follow these easy tips, you’ll be prepared to take on the mess. Start with small wins, set a timer, and remember to reward yourself. Use upbeat music, fresh cleaning products, or cleaning videos as sources of inspiration. By changing your perspective and incorporating these strategies, you’ll create a clean, calming, and stress-free space. With each clean surface, you’re one step closer to the peaceful home you’ve always wanted.
