With the start of a New Year, many of us reflect on our lives and aim to make positive changes. Among the most popular resolutions are those focused on cleaning and organisation. A clean space leads to a clearer mind and a more productive lifestyle, making it an excellent goal to pursue.

So, this year, why not make some New Year’s cleaning resolutions that will transform your home into a sanctuary?

Our SonicScrubber guide to New Year cleaning resolutions will help you to clean your act up in no time.

 

Declutter Your Space

First, consider decluttering your space. Over time, we accumulate items we no longer need, which can create a chaotic environment. Set aside time each week to sort through your belongings. Create three categories: keep, donate, and discard. This not only frees up space but also provides an opportunity to give back to your community by donating items in good condition.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can transform your home and mind. Here are some effective tips to help you tackle clutter:

1. Start Small: Begin with a single drawer, cupboard, or area to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Completing smaller tasks can motivate you to keep going.

2. Set a Timer: Dedicate a specific amount of time, such as 15 or 30 minutes, to decluttering. This makes the task manageable and encourages focused work.

3. The One-Year Rule: If you haven't used an item in the past year, consider whether you really need it. This rule helps in making tough decisions about keeping or letting go of items.

4. Create Categories: Sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Label boxes or bags to make the process easier and clearer.

5. Be Honest with Yourself: Assess the sentimental value of items realistically. If an item doesn’t spark joy or serve a purpose, it might be time to let it go.

6. Establish a “Maybe” Box: If you're unsure about certain items, place them in a “maybe” box. If you don’t retrieve them in six months, reconsider whether to keep them.

7. Involve Others: If you’re struggling to declutter alone, ask a friend or family member for support. They can provide a fresh perspective and help you stay motivated.

8. Maintain a Decluttering Habit: Make decluttering a regular practice by setting aside time each month to reassess your belongings. This prevents clutter from accumulating again.

Remember, decluttering is a journey, not a race, so take your time and enjoy the process.

 

Deep Cleaning

Next, focus on deep cleaning. While regular cleaning is essential, a thorough deep clean can significantly enhance your living environment. Schedule a month-by-month plan, dedicating each week to a different area of your home. From scrubbing carpets and upholstery to cleaning windows and dusting hard-to-reach places, deep cleaning will refresh your home and improve air quality.

1. Create a Checklist: Outline all the areas and tasks you want to cover. Break down the cleaning process into manageable steps, ensuring you don’t overlook any corners of your home.

2. Gather Supplies: Before you start, collect all necessary cleaning supplies, such as different cleaning solutions, sponges, brushes, mops, and vacuum cleaners and of course your SonicScrubber. Having everything on-hand saves time and keeps you focused.

3. Work Room by Room: Focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Begin in the least-used areas or the rooms that require the most attention, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Use the Right Techniques: Different surfaces require different cleaning methods. For example, use a gentle cleaner on upholstered surfaces, and ensure you use appropriate products for surfaces that are easy to scratch, such as glass and tiles. SonicScrubber Household System comes with 4 different brush heads for a range of tasks and our SonicScrubbies range includes heavy duty, medium, non scratch and magic eraser pads for removing scuffs and light staining from walls and worktops.

5. Don't Forget the Details: Pay attention to often-neglected areas such as baseboards, light fixtures, behind appliances, and inside cabinets. These areas can accumulate dust and grime over time.

6. Ventilation is Key: Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate while you clean. This helps to reduce chemical fumes from cleaning products and can improve airflow throughout your home.

7. Set a Schedule: Consider deep cleaning your home seasonally or biannually to maintain cleanliness. Setting reminders can help you keep up with this essential task.

8. Involve Family Members: If possible, enlist the help of family members. Assign specific tasks to each person to make the process quicker and more enjoyable. If they've been involved in getting the house clean they'll have. greater incentive to keep it clean.

Create A Routine

Another resolution could be to establish a regular cleaning routine. Consistency is key to maintaining a clean home. Create a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklist to streamline the process. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and cleaning will become a habit rather than a chore.

You can consider a family roster so the burden doesn't fall all on one person. Incentivising kids with pocket money can be a great way to introduce the concept of earning money for work.

 

Get The Right Tools For The Job

Putting together the right cloths, chess and tools to form for a household cleaning kit doesn't need to be expensive. A carry basket can make it easy to keep them together, saving time that can easily be wasted looking for the right bits and bobs and making it easier to transport your tools to the room you're working on.

One of the main reasons people put off cleaning is that they think it will steal time from other things they'd far rather be doing. 

This is where tools like SonicScrubber come in. SonicScrubber cleaning heads oscillate around 10,000 times a minute, to quickly lift dirt and grime from hard-to-reach areas. Gadgets can make cleaning both faster and more enjoyable, powering through chores for more time that's yours!

 

Organise Your Space

Lastly, set a goal to organise your spaces better. Invest in storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelving units.

A well-organised home not only looks appealing but also saves time when searching for items.

Consider using labels to make it easy for everyone in the household to know where things belong.

Look for clever ways to make the most of the space you have available. For example shoe storage that can slide under a bed or vacuum bags for packing away summer clothes until the weather gets a bit better.

You can even get a base stand for storing your SonicScrubber and keeping the brush heads neat and tidy :) 

 

Clean Home, Calm Mind

Experts have suggested a strong correlation between a clean home and improved mental health. 

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Clutter can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. A clean and organised space fosters a sense of control, which can alleviate these negative feelings. Research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that cluttered environments can overwhelm individuals and contribute to feelings of anxiety.

2. Enhanced Focus and Productivity: A tidy environment can enhance concentration and productivity, particularly if you work from home. When your space is clean, it is easier to focus on tasks without distractions. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles, highlighted that individuals working in cluttered spaces tend to feel more distracted and are less efficient in completing tasks.

3. Promotes Healthy Habits: A clean home often reflects a lifestyle that prioritises organisation and wellness. When your surroundings are clean, you are more likely to maintain other healthy habits, such as cooking nutritious meals and exercising. This holistic approach to health can significantly improve overall well-being.

4. Boosts Mood and Motivation: A clean environment can increase feelings of happiness and motivation. When spaces are organised and inviting, people are more likely to engage in positive activities, such as socialising and pursuing hobbies. A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology showed that individuals who viewed clean spaces experienced a boost in mood compared to those in cluttered environments.

5. Improved Sleep Quality: A tidy bedroom can lead to better sleep quality. Clutter can create a chaotic atmosphere that interferes with relaxation. Research indicates that individuals who maintain a clean sleeping environment often report improved sleep quality and overall mood.

 

In summary, this New Year, embrace the opportunity to refresh your living space with cleaning resolutions. By decluttering, deep cleaning, establishing routines, and organising, you’ll create a joyful and serene environment that supports your well-being.

SonicScrubber not only helps you tackle those New Year's cleaning resolutions faster, but makes keeping your house clean easier too. Powering through chores for more time that's yours: to spend with friends, family or enjoying the great outdoors.

For more ideas and advice, why not check out our top ten spring cleaning tips?

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