It's already the end of the year in the blink of an eye. The big cleaning season is upon us, but once you start cleaning and tidying up, there's no end to it.

Hello. I'm Totonori, a tidying advisor and interior coordinator.

Actually, cleaning and tidying are similar but slightly different. If you're not good at cleaning, you're probably not good at tidying either. So, I recommend first deciding on the overall picture, the big framework, then deciding on the area to clean each day and executing it.

Many people probably think, "That's too much trouble, I'll just start."

However, creating a schedule for your big cleaning will clarify what needs to be done and allow you to prioritize, eliminating unnecessary movements.

You won't end up constantly making a mess and giving up halfway with a "that's good enough." And when you complete the mission, be sure to experience the exhilarating sense of accomplishment!

We have prepared an easy-to-plan template for everyone, which we will introduce later.

First, decide on the overall scope of the big cleaning

As a tip for big cleaning, first do these two things in order.

① Reduce items first

② Clean after discarding items

This is the order.

Various items are overflowing in the kitchen, on tables, and even on the floor before you know it.

If you clean by moving things around without reducing the number of items in the room, it somehow never feels clean.

Unnecessary items that you haven't used even once in a year, or old items, if you boldly discard them at this opportunity, it's as good as half finished.

We recommend tackling the big cleaning once your room feels lighter.

Tips for creating a big cleaning checklist

When creating a checklist, first have a clear image of what your big cleaning will look like when it's completed.

Actually, for housework and cleaning, if you don't decide "this!" is what you're going to do at the beginning and just start, endless tasks will arise, and you'll get messy and tired.

So, first roughly write down your goals and make a plan.

・Goal to achieve: Finish the big cleaning by ● day!

・Purpose: To complete the big cleaning without hating it and without overexertion. To discard unnecessary items. To make cleaning easier.

・Decide on daily work time: Aim for 3 hours. To avoid accumulating fatigue and complaints.

For example, divide it into 3 days

Day 1: Sorting and organizing closets and storage, decluttering

Day 2: Discarding unnecessary items in toilets and kitchens, cleaning water areas

Day 3: Cleaning entrances, living rooms, windows, etc.

One of the goals is also to clearly define areas you want to handle yourself, and areas you want to ask your husband or children to do.

Start tidying from small spaces

It's better not to start with large areas immediately, for example, start with the toilet or small storage spaces.

・Don't try to tidy up too much at once

・When taking everything out of shelves and storage, do it one spot at a time

・Don't accumulate or move unused items

・Don't look through albums, books, or magazines while tidying up

・To concentrate on the task, avoid touching your phone as much as possible

Recommended! Renkuri's original big cleaning checklist

Creating a checklist is a hassle, isn't it?

Recently, there are many big cleaning checklists available, but when I see a long list of items, I feel like I have to do everything perfectly, which conversely makes me feel stressed and tired.

So, we're giving you Renkuri's original big cleaning checklist as a gift!

Please feel free to download and use it.

Download Renkuri's original big cleaning checklist

I devised this checklist based on feedback from various customers while assisting with tidying and cleaning. This year, I've updated it to be even easier to use.

It's a home where everyone lives, so the key is "don't do it alone, happily involve your family."

It's visualized in an easy-to-understand way for everyone, so you can grasp the work status at a glance. Please make use of it.

It's very easy to use.

・Print the chart Download

・For areas to be professionally handled: Write "P"

・For family members' assignments: Write "Husband," "Son," "Daughter," etc., clearly

・Display it in a place where family members can see it

By displaying the list, you can share the big cleaning mission with your family.

Also, by crossing out tasks that won't be done or have been completed, you'll feel refreshed and achieve a pleasant sense of accomplishment.

Let's finish the big cleaning quickly, neatly, and comfortably!

Circling the completed tasks will make you feel refreshed!

Properly enlist the help of professionals

It's not just for big cleaning, but don't try to do everything by yourself.

There's no need to.

Scrubbing with excessive force or using detergents without careful confirmation can lead to malfunctions, chapped hands, or injuries.

Professional house cleaners have extensive experience from various sites, training, and knowledge of suitable detergents for different types of dirt. They will clean efficiently using specialized tools.

Dividing tasks into what you do yourself and what you entrust to professionals is also a tip for a highly satisfying big cleaning outcome.

Renkuri also offers year-end and New Year big cleaning services, so please consult us.

Click on the link below for more details.