In 2020, I uploaded a video to my YouTube channel revealing the sorry state of my home. The clutter and disorganization were overwhelming, and it was clear that my house had become a reflection of my inner turmoil. The pandemic had taken a toll on my mental health, causing me to experience depression, fear, and worry that left me feeling paralyzed and unable to take care of myself or my home.

Despite the embarrassment of sharing such a vulnerable moment with the world, I knew that I couldn’t be the only one struggling in this way. So, I shared my story in the hopes of reaching others who were also feeling overwhelmed and offering them a message of hope.

To my surprise, the video went viral, garnering attention from people all over the world. Many resonated with my struggle, particularly those who were also single parents trying to manage everything on their own. But what struck a chord with most viewers was my decision to stop letting fear control me and start taking action to clean up my life.

Watch The Video by clicking below!

If you find yourself in a similar situation, with a complete disaster on your hands, it’s essential to recognize that you’re not alone. Many people struggle with maintaining a clean and organized home when life gets overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel like a failure when you fall behind. However, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to turn things around.

In this post, I want to offer some practical tips and a step-by-step guide to help you clean up your home when it feels like a complete disaster. These tips are based on my own experience and what worked for me, but everyone’s situation is different, so feel free to adapt them to your needs. The most important thing is to take that first step towards a cleaner and more organized home and to be kind to yourself throughout the process.

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Tips for Cleaning A Messy Home

1. Understand the Cause of the Mess

Begin by exploring the root of the clutter and disarray. Reflect on how you found yourself in this situation. Is it a lack of a consistent cleaning routine? Overwhelming responsibilities? Or perhaps external factors have caused a temporary setback?

Understanding the underlying reasons is crucial not only for dealing with the current mess but also for preventing it from recurring in the future. Without this insight, you might find yourself back in the same situation.

2. Strategize and Plan

Cleaning an overwhelming mess starts with a well-thought-out plan. Take time to strategize before diving in. Identify which areas of your home need immediate attention and prioritize them. Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once; breaking the process into manageable tasks is key. You may need to spread the cleaning over several days, so plan which areas require urgent attention and start there.

3. Equip Yourself Properly

Having the right cleaning tools can be a game-changer when confronting a messy house. Ensure you have essential tools like a reliable vacuum cleaner, a mop, and cleaning products suitable for various surfaces. These tools will make your cleaning journey much smoother.

4. Focus on High-Priority Areas

Identify the most essential spaces within your home that need immediate attention. Concentrate your initial efforts on these areas. For instance, start with the kitchen or the room where you spend the most time. This targeted approach creates a functional and more comfortable living environment quickly.

5. Break Tasks into Smaller, Achievable Steps

Rather than facing overwhelming rooms, divide cleaning tasks into smaller, more achievable steps. Instead of thinking “clean the entire kitchen,” start with something like “wipe down the kitchen counter.” Breaking tasks down makes them feel less daunting and more manageable.

6. Set Realistic and Minimal Daily Goals

Set daily cleaning goals that are exceedingly realistic and minimal. These goals should be so small that they don’t overwhelm you. For instance, aim to wash a single dish or tidy up a small cluttered area. Gradually increasing your daily goals as you regain your cleaning momentum can also be beneficial.

7. Take Well-Deserved Breaks

Cleaning a chaotic house can be physically and mentally taxing. Don’t forget to take breaks when needed. Short breaks can help you recharge, refresh your mindset, and prepare you to tackle the next task with renewed energy.

8. Practice Self-Compassion

Above all, be kind to yourself. Understand that it’s entirely okay to have a messy house during challenging times. Life’s demands can become overwhelming, and cleaning may temporarily take a backseat. Avoid self-criticism and perfectionism. Instead, focus on making progress, step by step. You’re doing your best, and that’s what truly matters.

Step By Step Guide To Cleaning A Complete Disaster

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before diving in, ensure you have all your cleaning supplies ready. This includes:

• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Trash bags
• Microfiber cloths or paper towels
• Scrubbing brushes
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Step 2: Set a Timer

To maintain focus and pace, set a timer for each task. We’re aiming for 15-20 minutes per task, so it feels manageable.

Step 3: Declutter as You Go

As you move through your home, keep a box or a bag handy for items that don’t belong in a room. Decluttering as you clean will prevent future messes.

Step 4: The Speed Cleaning Routine

Now, let’s break down the cleaning process room by room. Remember the goal isn’t to deep clean, its to get your place back to a livable condition.

Kitchen (20 minutes)

• Clear off all countertops and put items away.
• Load dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
• Hand wash any dishes that can’t go in the dishwasher.
• Wipe down countertops, appliances, and the sink.
• Sweep the floor quickly.

Living Room (15 minutes)

• Pickup items from the floor
• Tidy up, putting away any misplaced items.
• Dust all surfaces.
• Wipe down electronics and remote controls.
• Vacuum the floor.

Bedrooms (15 minutes each)

• Change bed linens (if needed).
• Declutter by putting away clothes and personal items.
• Dust all surfaces.
• Wipe down any visible stains or marks.
• Vacuum the floor.

Bathrooms (15 minutes each)

• Spray the shower/tub with a cleaning solution and let it sit.
• Wipe down countertops, sinks, and faucets.
• Scrub the toilet, and don’t forget the seat and base.
• Clean the mirror.
• Finish by cleaning the shower/tub.
• Mop the floor.

Hallways and Entryway (15 minutes)

• Remove any clutter.
• Dust surfaces.
• Vacuum or sweep the floor.

Step 5: Floors (20 minutes)

Now that you’ve cleaned all the rooms, let’s tackle the floors.

• Vacuum all carpeted areas.
• Mop hard floors, starting from the farthest corner and working your way towards the exit.

Step 6: Final Touches (10 minutes)

• Empty trash cans in every room.
• Replace any trash bags that are full.
• Walk through your home for a quick spot check – tidy up any remaining clutter.

Step 7: Relax and Enjoy

Congratulations, you’ve triumphed over the mess! Take a moment to revel in the satisfaction of your clean and organized haven.

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Wrapping Up…

Take a deep breath and savor the transformation. Your home, once tangled in chaos, now exudes tranquility. This accomplishment is a testament to your determination to have a clean home.

Life can hurl challenges our way, and our homes often bear the brunt. Yet, you’ve demonstrated that with a clear plan, manageable steps, and self-compassion, even the most daunting messes can be conquered.

Your home isn’t just a place; it’s where memories are born and laughter resonates. By nurturing it, you’re creating a space where you and your loved ones can flourish.

As a busy mom, you juggle many roles. Being the queen of your castle is one of them. Embrace progress, not perfection, and prioritize self-care. You’ve not only reclaimed your space but also found peace and control.

So, cheers to you—for fearlessly tackled the mess. Your strength and resilience shine, and your clean home is a testament to your unwavering spirit.

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