It is incredible to me how many of these homes are simply disgusting in their approach to cleanliness. Granted, many of them are filled with renters that have no interest in the sale of the property, but never has the difference between well-cared for and neglected been so clear to me when it comes to property and property value. Basically, clean houses just cost more. Interesting thought, especially when I have a messy home and a closet full of cleaning products.
However much your home is worth, it is worth more when it is clean.
However much you are paying in rent, you are receiving more for your money if it is clean.
However often you have friends over, you and your friends will be healthier and more comfortable if your place is clean.
Don't get me wrong. It is far more important to enjoy life without stressing over the neccessity of having a spotless or magazine-quality home. We are, after all, real people, not home decorators or professional organizers. But so many times we will pay top dollar for a larger house, fancier apartment, or newer carpet simply because we are sold on the cleanliness. And cleanliness, while not next to godliness, is something we pay mightily for but actually can come pretty cheap.
Try it. Right now. Take five minutes and go clean a bathroom counter or take out one trash can.
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For those of us who are naturally disorganized, maintaining a clean environment seems like an uphill battle. Over the years, I've interviewed quite a few friends who are natual neatnicks, and they have always offered me the same basic advice:
- Picture your house how you like it. Then remove anything that interferes with that plan.
- Anything that belongs in your house has a place where it belongs. If it is out of this spot, make a habit of returning it to that spot. Items that have no spot do not belong. (this is harder than it sounds! and sooooo helpful)
- When things come into your home (such as junk mail), get them sorted out, either to the trash or their place-of-belonging as soon as possible.
I've noticed that people who are not accumulators have a natural tendency to maintain the stuff-where-it-belongs rule, whereas people who are natural accumulators have difficulty because items accumulate at a rate faster than available space, and stuff gets jumbled up quickly.
Cleanliness and organization are related, of course. And organizing and uncluttering are related as well. Here are some basic definitions:
- Cleaning: the actual removal of dirt and grime from surfaces.
- Straightening: the placement of items where they belong.
- Organizing: the creation or adherence to systems in which items have places where they belong
- Uncluttering: the removal of stuff in your home. In some ways, this is the most difficult as well as the most important.
You can always ask your friends to help. A lot of times it is a great deal easier to tidy another's mess because one is not personally attached to it. And you can offer to help clean their home in return.
Share any tips you'd like in the comments.
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