What is the Home Cleaning Plan for Procrastinators?

Ask for help to increase motivation and hold yourself accountable.

Procrastination proves stressful in many daily situations, and house cleaning is no exception. Create a home cleaning plan to manage your time, get your home organized and end procrastination.

Effects

Procrastinators tend to see a task as one big job to be completed, become overwhelmed and then fail to start. Work around this tendency by breaking down your home cleaning into small, manageable tasks. Aim to complete cleaning activities that make you comfortable -- for example, start with just one task each day.

Time Frame

Schedule your house cleaning just as you would plan for work or family commitments. Set aside a few minutes in the morning or before going to bed at night and plan to complete one or two tasks. Alternatively, schedule a whole house-cleaning session on the weekend and set aside at least four hours to complete the job.

Prevention/Solution

Put your plan in writing by listing the cleaning tasks you need completed in the next day or week. Cross each one off as it is done for ongoing motivation. Promise yourself a reward when you finish cleaning the house. Watching a favorite television show, enjoying an evening out or even taking a simple bubble bath are sample rewards to work toward.

Considerations

Some people procrastinate as a form of perfectionism. A home is a constantly-changing place, sometimes with several people living together under one roof. It is rare that your home will look perfect, but do not let this stop you from beginning a house-cleaning routine. Accept help from other household members as well, even if they do not seem to clean to your standards.

References

• Oberlin College: Procrastination
• University of Virginia Health System: Time Management

Resources

• University of Nebraska Extension: Cleaning for House Guests