Clean your home.

Rob Ottoman
Mar 16, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Sep 28

Feeling less stress is just a broom sweep away

On top of work, bills, kids, relationships, and everything that's going on in the world, one of the reasons for your stress, and maybe even your unhappiness, could be your messy home.

The good news is, it's one of the easiest things to fix. You just need to get your mind right and schedule a regular time to dig down and clean up.

Here's what your messy home creates

Less Focus: When too much visual stimuli, (and by visual stimuli, we mean clutter ) competes for our attention, it's harder to concentrate. Lack of concentration leads to less accomplishment. Less accomplishment leads to low self esteem. And, well, you get the idea.
More Stress: Your home should be the one place in the world where you feel the most relaxed. It's your sanctuary and refuge from the world outside. When it's messy and unclean, all it does is create higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. And stress is not what you should be getting from your home.

Uncluttered space. Uncluttered mind.

There's a growing body of research that suggests a strong link between our physical environment and our mental state. Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago weighed in on the impact that clutter has on emotional well-being in a New York Times article from 2019:

“Clutter is an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaotic and disorderly living spaces,” said Ferrari. He was part of a study that questioned adults about clutter and their level of happiness in life. Not surprisingly, a clean and organized space can contribute to a clearer mind and a more relaxed mood.

"Getting rid of clutter can help you regain a sense of control and create a more peaceful environment."

Gretchen Rubin, author of "The Happiness Project"

Feeling overwhelmed?

That's normal. Especially if you haven't cleaned in a while. Here's how to ease into it. Pick a manageable area like a drawer, shelf, or closet. Empty it completely and sort ruthlessly. Keep items you use regularly. Donate, sell, or toss the rest. While sorting, wipe down the emptied surfaces. Place everything back in an organized way. Use boxes and racks, if possible, to create some structure. That's it. Now, pat yourself on the back. You've cleaned one space.

If you're ready to tackle more, let's do this starting with the four messiest rooms in the house..

The Kitchen It's one of the most used rooms in your home so it's going to have more dirt and clutter than anywhere else. Start by clearing your countertops daily, putting away appliances and food items. Wipe down surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Sweep the floor after every meal. Mop at least once a week. Wipe the fridge door, stove and dishwasher with vinegar or enviro-friendly cleaner. Clean out the inside if your fridge once a week. Scrub your stove top to remove any grease or food particles. Pull the stove away from the wall once a month and vacuum/mop behind it - you'll be surprised at all the things you'll find. If you have a self-cleaning oven, use it at least once every 2 months. Clean the inside of your sink with a mixture of dish soap and baking soda to bring back its original shine. Wash windows and your backsplash once a month.
The Bedroom Make your bed every day. Seriously. It'll make a huge difference in how you feel. Do it in the morning and start every day with a sense of accomplishment. Designate a laundry hamper (or two) for your dirty clothes. Put away clean clothes instead of letting them pile on chairs. Declutter your closet using the "one-year rule": If you haven't worn it in a year, donate it to the local Goodwill or Value Village and let someone else enjoy it. Bank some karma points in the process. Vacuum under your bed and wash your bedding once a week. Wash throw pillows, blankets, and curtains regularly according to care instructions. This removes dust, allergens, and pet hair. Mop floors once a month. Invest in a diffuser and use it at night to scent the air with your favourite essential oil. This is your sanctuary and it should feel like a warm hug every time you step into it.
The Living Room Vacuum carpets and rugs at least once a week, twice for high-traffic areas. Use the appropriate attachments for upholstery, corners and crevices in the baseboards. Put away any clutter. Invest in furniture (if possible) with places you can store books, remote controls, etc. At the change of every season, rent a rug cleaner or have a professional do it for you. It will prolong the life of your rugs and get rid of dirt - especiallly if you have pets. Wash your windows and wipe down the walls and baseboards with a damp rag to remove dust.

The Bathroom It's the smallest room in the house, but it gets dirty fast (for obvious reasons). That's why it needs your regular attention.Wipe down the toilet seat and sink on the daily. Disinfect toilets, sinks, and bathtubs with an environmentally-friendly bathroom cleaner (vinegar and baking soda work wonders). Squeegee shower doors after every use to prevent water spots and mildew growth. Mop the floor once a week. Remove everything from the medicine cabinet and wipe down the inside once every 2 months. Clean your towels using baking soda and vinegar with your detergent for an added boost of fresh.

You're getting more than just a clean home

By combining these decluttering and cleaning tips, you can transform your home into an organized, and sparkling space that will ultimately lead to:

A Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a cleaning task will make you feel like you have achieved something, boosting your mood and self-esteem.
Control Over Your Environment: Cleaning gives you a sense of control over your surroundings, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing stress or anxiety.
Improved Relaxation: A clean and organized space promotes a more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, leading to better sleep and overall well-being.