It’s time to make the most of your Camden apartment space! Being in a messy area can feel draining and negative. I have noticed a clean home helps me feel at peace, organized, clear-headed, and productive. I have gathered some tips to help you (and me!) accomplish and maintain summer cleaning goals.

1. Create a Checklist

Set a routine and schedule it! Visualize how you would like each room of your home to look and set your intention. Walking into a room without a plan can be overwhelming. Tackle each room separately and with a goal in mind.

Create a to-do list for that room. I like to begin by decluttering one area of each room at a time. For example, I take any unnecessary items from my closet out, organize it, and then clean it. Then I can move on to the drawers or vanity. This first step will help with any uncertainty and delay procrastination.

Picture by Stocksnap.io

2. Have your Cleaning Products Ready

It is easy to get distracted and off track. Having to leave the room to find a cleaning product can be an easy excuse to put off the task for later. Make a list of the items that you need for that specific space and take them with you.  

3. Declutter

Cut the clutter. It is easy to let items take over your space. Sometimes we can put a lot of value into objects that we don’t need. We let that one junk drawer start to overflow because “we will clean it out later.”

Be mindful of what items you allow in your space. Ask yourself what you already have, what you need, and what will help you have the home that you want to spend time in. Donate or sell items that you wore/used once and are likely not to need again.

Don’t stop there! Could you keep it going and create new habits? Keep the same three things in mind before bringing new things into your home.

4. Background Tasks

A good tip for productivity is multitasking. Reduce the work you need to do by having longer, passive chores going on in the background. This can be putting dishes in the dishwasher, placing bedding and linens in the washing machine, or spraying your shower with a cleaning product that needs to sit.

These passive tasks will help you accomplish everything you want to at the same time and stop your list from becoming never-ending.

photo courtesy of Camden Downtown

5. Keep It Going

Stay on top of your cleaning. It is easy to leave little things for later, such as drips of toothpaste on the bathroom sink or items in the wrong room. Don’t leave anything that can be done now for later. A messy space tends to invite more mess. Little things can help you keep that clean and organized vision.

A good tip to keep things where they belong is walking around with a laundry basket. Gather items that do not belong in one room, and as you walk around the apartment, you can drop them off and pick up new things.

6. Adjust your Expectations

Give yourself time. New habits take time to build. Don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect. Break down the workload to fit your schedule. It does not have to get done in one day.

Be reasonable and share the responsibility with your roommates or family. It might not be perfectly done, but it shortens the time you spend on that task.

7. Treat Yourself!

Most importantly, treat yourself! Take in that good accomplishment feeling. In a clean, uncluttered apartment home, you can finally light a candle, enjoy your favorite snack, turn on your favorite show, or relax with a good book.

photo courtesy of Camden Highland Village