Every so often I fall into a cleaning slump. Moving and planning how to make this house feel like our home for “someday” recently disrupted my usual rhythms. At first I barely noticed, then I found myself postponing small housekeeping tasks. Even though I know better, I kept telling myself I’d return to daily routines when I was less busy or when a room was “finished.”
Soon I realized what that avoidance cost me. I neglected a few plants (my poor fern on the shelf is slowly recovering), and I started excusing skipping basic chores. Trying to buy time by delaying small tasks only robbed me of the quiet daily pleasures of caring for my home. Instead of feeling less burdened, I actually felt more overwhelmed.
It’s easy to think I’ll be more motivated to clean when I have a shiny new farmhouse sink, but that belief can make the current sink feel less worthy of attention. I’m grateful to have a sink at all, but I sometimes need to remind myself that a clean sink—new or old—matters. A sparkling sink elevates the whole kitchen, and while an older sink may not gleam the same way, keeping it tidy beats letting dishes pile up.
I know keeping a house tidy is a challenge. Even with older kids, our home still gets messy. In our house, Jack the Goldendoodle imagines the living room as his personal playground—tossing pillows, shredding toys, and scattering stuffing everywhere. He’s as effective at creating chaos as a toddler, though less demanding in other ways. He brings joy, and kids do, too, but they also mean more maintenance.
Cultivating a love for a “clean enough” house takes practice and intention, but the payoff is worth it. Whether you’re in a home-slump after a move, battling fatigue, or stuck in negative thinking, gently reviving your nesting instincts can restore sanity and joy. These instincts can be nurtured and retrained, and often a slump is temporary if you adopt small habits that make homekeeping feel doable and even enjoyable.
I’m also excited to bring back a favorite seasonal habit: fall nesting. After a year of moving and writing, I’m ready to restart this tradition. I look forward to reconnecting and sharing simple ways to make home feel cozy as the seasons change. If you’ve joined in before, I hope you’ll come along again.
Below are five practical ways I use to break out of a cleaning slump and get the house back on track.
SOURCES >> Leather Couch / Rug / Striped Pillows / Macrame Pillow (similar)
How to get your house clean
Here are five tips that help inspire me:
- Stick to the non-negotiables. Small excuses lead to a downward spiral. Build a handful of daily, non-negotiable tasks—dishes, a quick tidy, or wiping counters—and treat them as anchors for your day. Consistency beats perfection.
- Tune into the tunes. Music transforms chores into something lighter. A good playlist can shift your mindset, making it easier to move from reluctance to action.
- Savor the scents. Pleasant aromas make homekeeping more inviting. Using natural, plant-based cleaners, fresh sheets, and a few favorite scents can make the effort feel rewarding and encourage you to maintain cleanliness.
- Reward your efforts. Celebrate small wins. Give yourself a simple reward after completing a task—light a candle, hang a fresh towel, or sit with a cup of tea. Tangible small rewards reinforce the habit.
- Remember, pretty is as pretty does. Cleaning isn’t only about appearances; it affects how you feel. A polished sink, folded laundry, or cleared countertops can lift your mood and make daily life more pleasant.
Happy Wednesday, friends.
Get my favorite plant-based household cleaner and the essential oils I use for scenting and wellness when you’re ready to try healthier products for home care.
Related Posts:
How to Clean a White Sink (3 Secrets, Without Harsh Chemicals)
How Do You Keep a Clean House with Dogs?
Room sources >> Leather Couch / Rug / Rattan Day Bed / Coffee Table / Striped Pillows / Macrame Pillow (similar)
