If you hate cleaning, you probably put it off.
But youre just making things worse.
The longer you wait to tidy up, the harder it is to start.
You buy a copy ofMarie Kondos book, and you add it to your stack of unread books.
Your clutter solution is now clutter.
Because tidying isnt always about life-changing magic.
You dont have to become a whole new person.
You just have to pick up one thing.
And then, a little while later, one more thing.
To tidy up, first stop leaving things out.
When you get home, put your coat where the coats go.
You dont have to go crazy.
You dont have to be one of those monk-like ascetics who washes the dishes immediately after dinner.
Now you never have to pick it up again.
Dont Step Over It
My mom kept a five-person household clean with this rule.
It worked so well that I occasionally throw out other peoples litter on the street or the subway.
You dont have to be the worlds garbageman and carry around a little bottle of Purell like I do.
Just refuse to trip over your own shit.
Pick it up instead.
Feel bad for yourself.
Dothe whole Paul Rudd dramatic routine.
Really explore the space.
Seriously, itll feel great.
Dont Leave a Room Without Bringing Something
It feels schoolmarmish to write these out!
But have you ever seen a schoolmarm who doesnt have her shit together?
Anyway, whenever you go from one room to another, bring something to put away.
This is an exceptionally good way to clean up your car.
Just shove it in a big ol box or drawer or closet.
Your junk drawer wont be a fun place.
But at least its just one place (or two or three), and not your bedroom floor.
Maybe someday you could clean out your junk drawer, but if you dont, who cares?
Have Company Over
If you do want to shock-treat your home, give yourself a reason.
Invite some people over, with a few days notice.
People youre likely to tidy up for.
Either way, this gives you both a deadline and a reward.
If that wont get you moving, have a friend overforthe cleaning.
Let them sit there while you pick everything up.
Complain to them the entire time.
Then go buy them dinner.
Accept that Tidying Sucks
No one likes cleaning up.
Thats why the people who do like it become millionaire gurus.
As Deadspins Albert Burneko pointed out in his pep talkClean Up Now,cleaning will always be drudgery.
See, being tidy doesnt meanenjoyingto clean.
It just means breaking the work into tiny steps so it cant overwhelm you.
And as they say, cheaters always win.
