Look around your apartment. Is it messy? If not, way to go! But if it is, much like mine, it may just need a little love to get it into shape. Cleaning can be overwhelming, especially during the semester as things pile up and your to-do list seems to have a mind of its own. Thankfully, I have a tried and true method for getting things cleaned up and quickly, so that you don’t have miss happy hour after all!
Step 1: Put on an old t-shirt and leggings or shorts.
Cleaning is messy. There are things to be scrubbed, dust to be moved and things to put away. Wearing clothes you’re not afraid to get dirty will help you focus on the work that needs to be done instead of worrying about ruining your nice clothes.
Step 2: Find a killer playlist.
Throw on a playlist that makes your want to sing and dance. A good playlist will keep your mood up while you clean the day away.
Step 3: Start in the kitchen.
Yes, finally, we are going to get to cleaning, so head on over to the kitchen. Clean out the fridge. If it’s past date, throw it out. Any food you haven’t eaten that’s been sitting there for more than a week? Throw it out. It’s a great chance to start a grocery list, so see if there’s anything you need to pick up at the store.
Once the fridge is done, it’s time to do dishes. I know, dishes are awful, but they’ve got to be done. Pull on those rubber gloves and scrub away. If you’re one of those lucky souls who has a dishwasher, this part is easier for you. This is the part where singing along to the playlist comes in handy. If you really want to be an overachiever, dry the dishes and put them away immediately.
Next up is the counters. Put everything back where it belongs. Wipe them down with a little antibacterial spray—I like the orange Lysol Power Kitchen Cleaner. While you’re at it, it can’t hurt to wipe down the stove, microwave, and other appliances.
Now it’s time to sweep and mop. I don’t own an actual mop, so I use a Swiffer Wet Jet. I recommend cleaning your kitchen floors at least once a week and trying to keep your counters and sink clear every day.
Step 4: Move into the living room.
Depending on how big the place you live in is, you might also have a dining room and entry way, but it’s time to clean up these common spaces. Ideally, your roommate(s) would help with this, but if not, turn up the playlist and power through.
Clear off any tables that seem to be collecting papers and books and everything else that hasn’t been put away. If there are things that aren’t yours, make a neat little pile of everyone’s stuff that they can take care of. Put shoes away and make sure jackets are hung up. Grab some glass cleaner and a paper towel and wipe down any windows. Sweep and Swiffer any hard surfaces and vacuum any carpet.
Step 5: Clear the hallways.
If you have any hallways where things get piled up, move all that stuff to where it belongs. If it’s not yours, add it to the appropriate piles.
Step 6: Brave the bathroom
The bathroom can get messy quickly if you have more than one person living in a space. Put the toilet cleaner in the bowl, spray the Scrubbing Bubbles in the shower and the sink and change the garbage. Wipe down the mirror. Give the toilet a good scrub, wipe down the shower and sink— you’re good to go.
Step 7: Head into your bedroom.
Cleaning my bedroom is my least favorite thing. Every time I clean it, I say to myself, “I will never let it get this messy again.” Yeah, right. First, take all your dirty laundry off your floor. It makes a huge difference. Make your bed. Throw out any wrappers, bring any recyclables downstairs. Put any clean laundry away. Clean your mirror. Take care of all the things that got piled up on your desk. Vacuum. Breathe. You did it.
Step 8: Get a shower and get dressed: it’s time for happy hour!