Why do I always procrastinate on end-of-year cleaning?
Many people probably make a resolution every December, saying, "This year, I'll start cleaning early!" but then realize it's almost the end of the year and have to rush through it.
For those of us with busy lives, spending an entire weekend cleaning the whole house can be a huge burden, both in terms of time and physical effort. As a result, motivation for cleaning can dwindle, and it's common to end up with untouched areas.
A New Approach: "Mini-Deep Cleaning"
That's why we'd like to propose a method called "mini-deep cleaning."
Mini-deep cleaning is a planned approach where you focus on intensively cleaning specific areas in small, set timeframes, such as around 30 minutes a day, or on a weekly basis. With this method, you can continue cleaning without overexertion, even with a busy schedule, and tidy up your entire house without having to think about it at the end of the year.
In this article, we'll introduce efficient ways to proceed with mini-deep cleaning successfully and provide a concrete cleaning list that can be completed in 30 minutes a day.
[Planning is Key to Success] 3 Steps to Successful Mini-Deep Cleaning
The most important aspect of mini-deep cleaning is "planning." To avoid giving up at the end of the year, let's start creating a schedule little by little now.
Step 1: Visualize cleaning areas and create a list
First, let's consider all the areas in your home that need a deep clean.
Examples
- Kitchen stovetop area
- Range hood
- Windows and window frames
- Balcony
- Bathroom
- Washroom
- Entrance
The key is to break down areas as finely and specifically as possible.
Next, categorize the identified areas as follows:
- High-priority areas: Areas with visible dirt or that are likely to take a long time to clean.
- Low-priority areas: Areas that can be cleaned relatively quickly.
This categorization will allow you to allocate your limited time effectively.
Step 2: Decide on a "30-minute" work time per location and the implementation date
For each listed area, allocate time with "30 minutes per day" as the basic unit.
Example: For a very dirty range hood, think of it as a larger task, such as "30 minutes x 4 days = total 2 hours."
Then, write down the specific date and cleaning area in your planner or smartphone calendar app.
Example Schedule
- November 20th: Cleaning the bathroom mirror
- November 21st: Cleaning the entrance floor
- November 22nd: Kitchen stovetop area
By clearly deciding "when and where to clean," you won't waste time wondering "what should I do today," reducing preparation effort and allowing you to work more efficiently.
Step 3: Dedicate a "Concentrated Reset Day" on the weekend
While you'll steadily progress with mini-deep cleaning for 30 minutes a day on weekdays, it's recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours on weekends as a "Concentrated Reset Day" when you have a bit more time.
On these days, it's effective to tackle the following tasks:
- Areas with visible dirt or that take a long time (e.g., range hood, behind the refrigerator)
- Tasks that are more efficient to do together (e.g., washing machine tub cleaning, curtain washing)
By creating a flexible schedule, it becomes easier to stick with it.
30Minutes a Day! Location-Specific Mini-Deep Cleaning List
Setting a time limit of "30 minutes a day" offers significant benefits.
Refer to the list below, set a timer, and get started.
Example Weekly Cleaning Schedule
|
Day of the Week (Example) |
Cleaning Area |
What to Do in 30 Minutes (Task) |
|
Monday |
Kitchen |
Remove oil stains around the gas stove, attach trivets and prepare for soaking. |
|
Tuesday |
Wet areas |
Clean the mirror and faucet of the washbasin (using citric acid packs for water scale), and clean the drain. |
|
Wednesday |
Windows/Sashes |
Remove dust from the living room window frames (sashes) and wipe the rails. |
|
Thursday |
Entrance |
Wet-wipe the entrance floor, and wipe clean the shoe rack shelves. |
|
Friday |
Living Room |
Vacuum the air conditioner filters, dust the light fixtures. |
In this way, with mini-cleaning, by carefully considering the place and time, you can see a clear goal of "just doing this much today is OK", which greatly reduces psychological burden.
Tips for efficient work
Utilizing multiple 30-minute sets allows you to focus and work efficiently, rather than dragging out tasks.
Prepare cleaning tools in advanceGathering all necessary tools before starting work prevents wasted time.
Listen to music or podcasts while you workMaking the cleaning process enjoyable helps alleviate the chore.
Let's organize things along with cleaning
It is also important to organize unnecessary items while cleaning.
According to a survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, approximately 3-5%of household waste is food waste and related used paper, which also requires "tidying up."
Tips for organizing
As you clean, sort items according to the following criteria:
- Necessary items: Items used daily.
- Items to keep: Items being stored (put into a temporary storage box).
- Unnecessary items: Items not used for over 1 year.
To make garbage disposal smooth after a big clean, try to differentiate between "necessary" and "unnecessary" items from the mini-cleaning stage.
Summary: The beginning of "neatness" starting today
Year-end cleaning, unfortunately, doesn't have to be something you absolutely must do at the end of the year.
Just by starting a 30-minute mini-cleaning session each day, following the steps we've introduced, you'll be freed from the年末 rush and gain peace of mind.
What you can do now
- List the areas that need cleaning
- Write cleaning schedule on the calendar
- Start 30 minutes a day from tomorrow
The accumulation of small steps leads to great results.
This year-end, let's efficiently tidy up our homes with a mini-cleaning and welcome a good year!
