We’ve all been there. The week blazes past in a whirlwind of work, family life, kids building castles out of LEGOs (and leaving the bricks for your bare feet to discover), cooking, meetings, running businesses, studying, and maybe, just maybe, trying to squeeze in some “me time.” Then comes the weekend. You envision relaxation, but instead, you see it – the kingdom of chaos. Your home looks like a tornado attended a party and forgot to clean up.
So, what’s the secret to bringing this chaos back into balance – at least visually? A system. Let’s break it down step by step, with a sprinkle of light-heartedness to keep you motivated.
Step 1: Round Up the Laundry
Start with all those rogue clothes lying around. Check the chairs, beds, and even that one random spot in the hallway. Toss everything into the laundry basket – it doesn’t need folding or sorting right now, just get it out of sight. You’ll thank yourself later when your house starts to look less like a laundromat on strike.
Step 2: Tidy the Toys
Whether it’s dolls, action figures, or the latest building blocks, toys have a way of taking over. Gather them up and pop them into their storage boxes or bins. Even if it’s not perfectly organised, at least they’re contained. Plus, it’ll save you from stepping on something pointy when you’re least expecting it.
Step 3: Hunt Down the Dishes
Dishes somehow migrate to every corner of the house – bedside tables, under the couch, maybe even the bathroom (no judgment). Gather them all up and bring them to the sink or dishwasher. Don’t stop to wash them yet; just reclaim your surfaces for now.
Step 4: Restore Order to Papers and Books
Papers and books are sneaky clutter-makers. Grab the books and put them back on the shelves. Gather documents into one neat pile to sort later. Even if it’s just a temporary fix, having them in one place makes it easier to tackle the clutter when you have more time.
Step 5: Deal with the Odd Stuff (Later)
You’ll inevitably come across items you don’t know what to do with – chargers, lone socks, or that random gift from a distant relative. Place them in a box and set them aside for a dedicated decluttering session. Sometimes it’s okay to say, “Not today.”
Step 6: Clear Surfaces and Get Ready to Clean
With most of the clutter gone, your house already looks 50% better. Now it’s time to clean. Surfaces like benchtops, desks, and floors are easier to tackle when they’re free of obstacles.
The Cleaning Process: Room by Room
- Kitchen: Start with the benchtops, clean any visible messes, and polish off with a quick sink scrub.
- Bathrooms: Wipe down surfaces, clean the mirrors, and tackle the tiles. It doesn’t have to be a deep clean every time, just enough to feel fresh.
- Living Areas and Bedrooms: Dust surfaces, tidy cushions and blankets, and vacuum or sweep.
- Floors: Finish up with a sweep and mop. It’s the final touch that brings everything together.
Why This Method Works
Breaking tasks into stages – tidying first, then cleaning – saves time and energy. Trying to do both at once feels overwhelming and often takes longer. Instead, work methodically, and focus on one step at a time.
This system doesn’t promise perfection, but it does help create a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Give it a try next time your house feels more like a battleground than a home – you might just find it’s easier (and more satisfying) than you expected.
The Ultimate Tip
Ok, if you feel overwhelmed just by reading this, here’s the ultimate hack: go to www.greenmagic.com.au and give yourself permission to stop thinking about cleaning altogether. Sometimes, the best solution is to let the professionals handle it while you enjoy the weekend you’ve earned!
