Drowning in Dust Bunnies? You’re Not Alone
I know the feeling. I honestly do. I know what it’s like to look around at your messy house, and even your life, and say the word “impossible.” I know what it’s feels like to think there is too much to do and not enough time…or energy…or arms. I know the discouragement of waking up full of ambition to finally tackle the out-of-control toys and the stacks of dishes, only to have your plans derailed by a fussy baby or a disobedient child.
I know. I’ve been there. Many days, I’m still there in some shape or form. Sure, if you were to stop by my house this afternoon, you might think it’s lovely and clean, but I can see the piles all over the desk that seem to grow faster than a four-year-old. And I can’t forget the mess that hides behind a certain bedroom door where there’s barely a path to get from the bed to the closet.
I know the shelves I promised myself I’d straighten up months ago, last season’s clothes I never put away, the sticky spot that’s been on the kitchen floor for at least a week. Sometimes it seems like everyone in the world must have their lives put together. And color coded. And stacked in cute little bins. Everyone except for you and me, that is.
No, we feel just plain overwhelmed by homemaking. We really want our houses clean and our stacks of mail sorted and filed away, but it’s just out of our grasp. We have every good intention of getting things done, but then we’re so weary and overwhelmed by clutter and mess that we make the choice to eat chocolate today and attack the work tomorrow instead.
And we spend one more day feeling like a homemaking failure. See? I told you I know.
Taking the First Step
At some point, we have to decide that enough is enough. We must stop making excuses and then guilting ourselves into inaction. We have to quit the dramatic swings between comparing ourselves to others one moment and being satisfied with our own laziness the next.
We don’t have to live like this. We really, truly don’t.
One of the best “first steps” you can take is to challenge yourself to turn off the phone, the computer, the iPad, and the television for one hour each day. This one hour challenge will sting a little, kind of like ripping off a band-aid, but it’s amazing what can be accomplished when you aren’t checking Facebook or replying to email. I double-dog dare you to give it a try.
Also, you need to keep in mind that what someone else’s home looks like does not matter. Your husband will not be more or less blessed because of how clean Suzy Homemaker’s kitchen counters look in those pics on her blog. And your children will not feel neglected because their toys aren’t organized just like that magazine article described.
Everyone lives with different situations, limitations, and starting points. Don’t let all those perfect images bully you into thinking it’s hopeless. That’s just a lie.
Turning Clutter into Clarity
Still, even with the best attitude and resolve, the mountain of work in front of you can be daunting. Catching up is always harder than keeping up. This means the path to getting your homes into the proper condition won’t be easy, but maintaining that level of clean will be much, much easier. Trust me on this one!
The company my husband works for has this motto: “Better today than we were yesterday; better tomorrow than we are today.” You don’t have to feel continually overwhelmed by the clutter and mess in your home. Keep working to make it just a little better today than it was yesterday and better tomorrow than it is today. You can do it!
One simple way to make your home more low-maintenance is to create a homemade dust-repellent spray. This can be made with just a few common household ingredients like white vinegar, water, and essential oils. Spray this on furniture, shelves, and other surfaces to prevent dust from sticking around.
Another helpful tip is to utilize your smartphone to stay organized. Use reminders, to-do lists, and calendar apps to keep track of tasks and chores. Your phone can be a powerful tool in the battle against household chaos.
Overcoming Your Cleaning Fears
Even though you really want a clean house, there might be reasons you’re afraid to start clearing out clutter. Here are some common objections to decluttering and how to fight them:
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Sentimental Attachment: It’s hard to let go of items that hold emotional significance. Try to focus on the memories, not the physical objects.
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Guilt: You may feel guilty about wasting money on things you never used. Remind yourself that clutter isn’t an investment – it’s a burden.
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Indecision: Making choices about what to keep and what to get rid of can be paralyzing. Start small and work your way up.
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Perfectionism: Your home doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread. Aim for “good enough” rather than magazine-worthy.
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Procrastination: It’s easy to put off tackling clutter. But remember, a little progress is better than none at all.
Overcoming these mental roadblocks is key to creating the uncluttered home you deserve. Don’t let fear stand in the way of your cleaning goals.
Finding Balance in Simplicity
Living a simple lifestyle isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s possible to simplify your home and your life in a way that works for your unique family, without having to become a minimalist.
My husband and I used to live a simple life. A very, very simple life. Our entire collection of furniture consisted of one green striped sofa, a hand-me-down coffee table, and a couple of cheap bookcases. We owned only the bare necessities and pared down our possessions to the absolute minimum.
While that level of minimalism worked for us at the time, it’s not the right fit for everyone. As our family grew and our needs changed, we realized that a more balanced approach to simplicity was better suited to our lifestyle.
Now, we have a few more pieces of furniture, a bit more decor, and a collection of toys and books that brings joy to our children. But we’re still intentional about what we bring into our home. We ask ourselves questions like:
- Do we truly need this item?
- Will it add value to our lives?
- Do we have the space and means to care for it properly?
By applying these principles, we’ve found a way to simplify without sacrificing the comforts and conveniences that make our house a home.
Putting It All Together
Creating a clean, uncluttered home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, never-ending chore. With the right mindset and a step-by-step plan, you can get your space in order and keep it that way without driving yourself crazy.
Start by carving out that precious hour each day to focus on decluttering and tidying. Use your phone to stay organized and on track. Overcome any mental blocks that are holding you back from letting go of unnecessary items. And remember, simple living looks different for everyone – find a balance that works for your family.
Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a home that’s clean, comfortable, and (most importantly) low-maintenance. No more dust bunnies or stacks of dishes threatening to topple over. Just the peaceful, uncluttered oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
And if you ever need a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at ABC Home. We’re here to provide the guidance and support you need to create the stress-free, refreshing home environment you deserve.
