Having a place to yourself is pretty neat, but not literally — not always. Being left to your own devices can lead to a lot of bad habits taking over, and not cleaning up after yourself is one of them. With a busy work schedule, a long Netflix watch list, and catching up with your friends, it can be hard to find the time — and motivation — to clean your digs.
It takes time, effort, and some investments to keep your home presentable, but we’re here to tell you that there are ways to make it easier for you.
Get a laundry basket — and use it
Don’t let dirty laundry pile up on your floors. It’s not difficult at all to put your dirty clothes in one place. In doing this, you’ll instantly have a neater place.
Add the pros to your contact list
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes you’ll have to and it’ll be better that way. Professionals are trained to be able to handle things that you can’t. Certain repairs and maintenance measures are too hazardous for amateurs to attempt. Here’s a list of some services you’ll need on call just in case:
- rooter service or a plumber
- HVAC technician
- electrician
- gas technician
Stock up on the essentials
To keep your place clean, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper materials in stock. See to it that you have enough trash bags, paper towels, and sponges. For the cleaning agents, you’ll need dish soap, glass cleaner, and an all-purpose disinfectant. There are also ingredients in the kitchen such as baking soda, lemon or lime juice, and vinegar that you can use to concoct a homemade cleaner.
Make sure you have a usable mop and broom somewhere. For quick cleanups, invest in a vacuum cleaner.
Decide against carpeted flooring
If you’re still looking for a place to live or you’re living in a space that’s your own to modify to your liking, don’t opt for carpeted flooring. Something else such as hardwood is easier to clean and isn’t prone to smell.
Update your lighting fixtures
Lighting is something you don’t want to have to worry about. Save yourself some trouble — and some extra cash down the line — and switch to LED lights if you haven’t yet. They last longer and are more energy-efficient.
Here’s a pro tip: if you’re on the hunt for a new place to live, opt for spaces that have recessed lighting fixtures. They’re cool, modern, neutral, and low maintenance. The dusting that’s required for recessed lighting compared to drop lighting fixtures is slim to none.
Scented candles
These aren’t just for getting rid of any bad odors, though that’s a bonus. Aromatherapy candles contain essential oils. Some examples are lavender and ilang-ilang, which are known to reduce stress levels, negative emotions, as well as boost your mood in other ways.
Buy a couple of these for your pad. Have one for the kitchen, one for the living area, and for the bedroom too. Save one or two more for the bathroom, maybe one on the counter and one by the bathtub. Just be careful not to let them burn unattended. Having scented candles around will also impress girls, especially moms.
Invest in storage space
Of course, you’ll need somewhere to put your stuff, and sometimes cabinets and drawers won’t be enough. Invest in some transparent storage boxes. These allow you to organize your belongings and make them easier to find. You’ll be able to see inside the box from the outside so that you’re less likely to dig through the box and make a mess.
Storage spaces can also be stylish. Bookshelves, for instance, make any home and its owner appear classier and smarter. You can also decorate them with photo frames and decorative bookends. A good-looking bookshelf is an ultimate background to have for all your Zoom meetings.
Make a cleaning schedule you can stick to
This is the best advice we can ever give you for regularly keeping your place clean. Don’t save all your chores for one day so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Distribute them evenly throughout the week.
Set aside a day for laundry (or for sorting things for the dry cleaners), and a day for cleaning the bathroom. Set a day for changing the beddings and towels. Have a different day for cleaning the windows and kitchen appliances. Kitchen countertops should be cleaned after every use, same with the dining table. Take out the trash when it’s piled up.
You’ll also have to clean as needed, but hopefully, your schedule will suffice for the most part. If you stick to it, soon enough it’ll become part of your routine that going a day without cleaning anything will feel wrong.
One of the hardest parts about living alone is not having anyone to split the chores with. Stick to a cleaning routine that works for you and take the time to put everything in its proper place. Doing this will ensure a tidy living space that will impress both your guests and yourself.
