Every once in a while I fall into a cleaning slump. After moving and planning all the ways I wanted to make this house feel like home someday, my daily rhythms slipped for a bit. At first I barely noticed, but I started postponing housekeeping tasks. Even though I know better, I kept telling myself I’d return to routines “when” (insert your own excuse).
Soon I recognized what I was actually doing. I neglected plants until they struggled (see the sparse fern on the shelf that I’m trying to revive), and I justified skipping small daily chores until I had more time or the room felt “finished.”
But skipping these tasks didn’t buy me extra freedom — it deprived me of the quiet pleasure of puttering around my home now. Avoiding the small practical details increased my sense of overwhelm rather than reducing it.
I’ve found myself thinking I’ll be more excited to clean when I get a shiny new farmhouse sink, but that mindset lets the current sink go unkempt. It’s a silly attitude — I’m grateful to have a sink at all — yet I sometimes need to remind myself of the purpose of a clean sink. A polished sink is a lovely finishing touch in the kitchen; while an old sink may not gleam the same way, the alternative — a basin full of dirty dishes — is never attractive.
Keeping a house tidy is not easy. I remember how messy homes can be with small children, and even now my house gets cluttered. Beyond the usual accumulation of belongings, Jack treats this room like his personal playground — tossing pillows, ripping the fur off toys, leaving stuffing everywhere.
Even when I clean, he’s often right there undoing it. He’s a master at making messes like a toddler, though less demanding in other ways. Still, he brings joy, just as children do.
Learning to love a clean-enough home takes practice and intention, but the reward is worth it. Whether you’re in a home slump from moving, fatigue, or just negative thinking, gently reviving your nesting instincts can restore calm and satisfaction. You can nurture those instincts — I do it myself and I suspect you might need to sometimes too.
We won’t always feel like cleaning, but a slump can be brief if we retrain ourselves to enjoy housekeeping again.
Speaking of nesting, I’m bringing back my fall nesting series this year. Last year I was worn out from moving and writing, so I couldn’t carry it on. This year I’m ready to nurture the nest and I hope you’ll join me in the cozy conversations and seasonal habits that make a house feel like home.
Have you ever fallen into that negative thinking cycle I mentioned?
Here are five practical ways I use to break that cycle and get back on track.
How to get your house clean
Here are five tips that inspire me:
- Stick to the non-negotiables. Letting one excuse slide can start a downward spiral. Commit to a few daily essentials so small tasks don’t pile up. Consistent habits keep your home functioning and prevent overwhelm.
- Tune into the tunes. Music changes my mindset. A favorite playlist makes cleaning feel like a rhythm rather than a chore and helps me power through tasks more easily.
- Savor the scents. Pleasant scents make cleaning more rewarding. Using plant-based cleaners, essential oils, and fresh linens gives me a sensory payoff that motivates me to maintain the house.
- Reward your efforts. Small rewards reinforce the habit. After doing the dishes, light a candle or hang a fresh towel. Those little celebrations help keep momentum and make chores feel worthwhile.
- Remember, pretty is as pretty does. Cleaning affects more than appearance — it lifts your mood and sharpens your perspective. Polishing the sink and putting away laundry can change how your whole day feels.
Happy Wednesday, friends.
***I personally use a plant-based household cleaner and essential oils for scent and wellness; those small choices make a big difference in how my home feels.
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)
