Sustainable Cleaning Sessions

When attempting to declutter, organize, or clean for long periods of time (especially for several days in a row), it is easy to tire out or feel overwhelmed. Procrastination follows, then low self-esteem. There is a variety of ways to make work sessions more sustainable, without burnout.

1. Being healthy. Low blood-sugar or tiredness can make a person feel miserable very quickly. Not only is it time-consuming to regain one's strength, but one remembers the feeling of misery, and that memory is de-motivating. Therefore, eating and sleeping well (and drinking a lot of water) are necessary for sustainable work sessions. And remember, more food and sleep are needed when doing physical labor or making decisions. Being healthy could also include taking breaks, keeping windows open, going out for fresh air, and even meeting social or spiritual needs.

2. Abstaining from overplanning. Many people require themselves to complete more tasks than possible in a day. Even if all of the tasks could be done, they usually won't be. Simplify! One way is to forgo To Do lists, focusing instead on two or three areas one wishes to prioritize on. If To Do lists are used, make a weekly list instead of a daily one. Weekly lists are a lot more motivating, especially near the end of each day.

3. Viewing work as pleasure. Viewing cleaning as a duty can be de-motivating. Viewing it as a pleasure can be fun. For instance, are you cleaning house because you don't want your visitors to criticize you (negative thinking = de-motivation), or because you want them to enjoy their visit (positive thinking = motivation)? One woman accomplishes a great deal while preparing for guests without burning out because she makes her home feel like a hotel or bed-and-breakfast, all the way down to buying flowers, and putting candies on the pillows.

4. Taking baby steps. Looking at a giant pile as a giant pile can be de-motivating, especially while organizing a desk or paper tiger. Ignore the pile. What helped me was looking for easy tasks to do: for example, obvious trash I can throw away, or objects that are easy to organize. After completing one easy task, I did another, then another, until the pile became small and manageable.

5. Improving methods. Improving one's methods means, in this case, learning how to complete each task more quickly, rather than doing it slowly as a result of procrastination or perfectionism. Some people have found books of tips helpful, such as Speed Cleaning by Jeff Campbell. An alternative approach is to lower one's standards: By doing rapid, un-thorough cleaning, one can accomplish more, and the home will look almost as good as if thorough cleaning had been applied. However, for the most part, improving one's methods is a result of experience, which can't be rushed.

6. Allowing closure. When a task is finished, it's finished. That means that objects are put away as you go or immediately at the end of each task. Otherwise, one mess is simply replaced by another. Also, when you are done, do something else, preferably in another room. Don't loiter and be a perfectionist.

7. Being accountable or finding support. Many people are overwhelmed or even depressed as they look at the amount of work ahead of them. One thing that helps is having a kind and understanding confidante to communicate with before, during, or after the work session. If such a person is not available, join a support group. The advantage of a clutter or SHE support group is that the group's members usually understand or feel compassion regarding your circumstances. Sometimes it's enough simply to lurk (read or listen to what other members say). Otherwise, one could announce one's self-challenge to the group or confidante in order to be accountable for one's goals. Many people find this accountability motivating; others don't.

8. Having fun. Taking breaks, playing fun music, using a timer, dancing, having someone help you or chat with you as you work, and being creative can make work sessions a lot more fun.

Sustainable cleaning sessions means that one feels good after the session is complete, and can go back for more. After all, one session is rarely enough.