Cleaning and organizing are among the most common New Year's resolutions, but, like most resolutions, they are also quickly abandoned. This is why it is important to be thoughtful during the planning process. By envisioning new routines and preparing for challenges, you can transform your lifestyle into one that embraces cleanliness and organization more sustainably.
The right equipment, a solid schedule, and time-optimizing solutions can make a significant difference. The goal is to make the cleaning process both intuitive and easy so that minimal effort is needed to keep new routines going strong throughout the year.
Cleaning resolutions for the new year are worth making, but the best strategies, tools, and accessories should accompany them. Check out these helpful cleaning hacks for the new year, including a new year cleaning checklist and underutilized organizing tips for the new year.
Identify Where Clutter Typically Accumulates
In most homes, clutter, dirt, and debris accumulate in a few specific spots rather than evenly dispersed throughout every room. It is crucial to identify these areas early on, as they can only be tackled if the root cause of the mess is understood.
As the new year arrives, take time to observe messes as they develop. Which areas consistently get the grimiest, and which consistently attract the most clutter? Collaborating with other household members to determine what areas they struggle to keep clean will give you insights you might have, otherwise, missed. Together, these details can form the basis of a helpful cleaning checklist for the new year.
Set Specific Cleaning Goals
A general resolution of improving household cleanliness provides basic guidance for the new year, but more specific goals are needed to ensure success. Experts make it clear that the most effective goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Simple, quantifiable goals like vacuuming the living room rug twice a week are the best solution for consistently removing dust and debris for someone who falls behind on vacuuming.
Develop Proactive Plans for Keeping Clutter & Dirt Away
Emphasizing proactive mess prevention will ensure your ambitious cleaning and organizing goals for the new year are accomplished. Without proactive measures, it is unlikely that your goal will be reached in the long run.
A simple and effective option for ditching dirt is to require everyone — guests and residents alike — to remove their shoes upon entering the home. Offer a simple space where guests can take off their shoes, store them, and if desired, swap for a comfy pair of slippers.
Create an Easy-to-Follow Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning is much easier and more enjoyable if divided into small, daily tasks or sessions rather than allowing the mess to accumulate and feel overwhelming. While some people can naturally pick up after themselves throughout the day, many require dedicated schedules to keep them on track.
Choose a time to dedicate 10 to 20 minutes to cleaning up every day. Phone alarms and cleaning apps can make this even easier by providing helpful notifications. Cleaning schedules should also encompass equipment maintenance essentials such as filter bag replacements.
Invest in High-End Cleaning Solutions
Even the most proactive, mess-conscious household eventually calls for a deep clean. The deep cleaning process will feel a lot less burdensome when quality tools are employed to expedite vacuuming, carpet shampooing, and other essentials./Lifestyle%20Photos%20(Sized%20to%20Amazon)/Kirby_Avalir2_LS_1.jpg?width=315&height=315&name=Kirby_Avalir2_LS_1.jpg)
Think of these tools as a long-term investment: the opportunity to streamline the cleaning processes and deliver a squeaky-clean household in record time. The Kirby Avalir 2, for example, can make it simple to achieve target cleaning goals, while extra accessories can provide a boost when targeting specific areas of the home.
Stay Motivated by Rewarding Yourself
While the prospect of a sparkly, clean home should be a great reward in and of itself, more is needed to keep some people on track. There's nothing wrong with sweetening the deal by offering extra rewards. Use a blend of small, daily treats and more prominent, significant rewards. For many, a strategic blend of routines and rewards proves the most exciting and impactful for producing long-term improvements in cleanliness.
Seek Support From Loved Ones
Busy households need full participation for cleaning initiatives to be successful. While changes made by a single person are helpful, the full effect of a sparkling clean home will not be realized until other residents agree to lend some support.
It might not be feasible to convince these individuals to commit to their own cleaning resolutions, but they can agree to do their part. For example, if all household members consistently uphold rules about avoiding outside shoes in the home, the improvements in high-traffic areas will be swift and apparent.
Re-Assess After a Few Months
New Year's resolutions are often forgotten by the time February arrives. The mark of an effective resolution, however, is not how well it's carried out during January, but rather, its sustained impact. For this to occur, it is necessary to adjust the resolution or its related goals over time to ensure continued success.
For example: if it eventually becomes evident that it is not feasible to vacuum a certain number of times per week, this goal could be adjusted slightly to reflect something a bit more realistic. It is also never too late to create more ambitious goals if early initiatives have failed to produce the desired improvements in cleanliness. Monitor results after adjusting cleaning plans, as these insights could play into future New Year cleaning checklists.
Commit to a Clean Home for the New Year
A new year is a blank slate and a chance to start fresh with a cleaner and more hospitable home environment. With the right cleaning supplies, the new year ought to shine. Take advantage of this opportunity to progress toward a meaningful goal and score the benefits of a beautiful home along the way.