How to Become Neater (For Messy People)
Are you one of those people who can’t seem to keep a house tidy? Do you take your clothes off before bed and throw them on the floor instead of putting them back in the drawer?
If you’re a naturally messy person, trying to become neat might seem like crazy talk.
Being messy is something that you may just have embraced as you’ve got older. Studies have shown that the most creative people are usually the most untidy.
However, there can come a time in every proud mess-monster’s life when they realise that they have to embrace their inner neat-freak. Whether it’s because you’re moving in with a partner or your kids are embarrassed to have their friends over or you’re just simply sick and tired of not being able to find things when you’re looking for them, I’ve put together a few tips that are simple and easy to follow to get your home looking guest-ready in no time at all.
Put Things Away
If you’re a messy person, the chances are that you throw things into a pile or simply just leave them where they fall and hope to find them again when the time comes.
The clean washing pile has merged with the dirty laundry pile and you can’t remember where you left your watch. Or your keys. Or your sunglasses. The list is endless.
However, if you practice getting into the habit of putting things back where they belong, you’ll instantly be tidier and also will be able to find things when you need them, which will make your life a lot easier in the long run. Invest in a storage bin or chest of drawers if you need extra storage to keep the place looking neat.
Set Cleaning Goals
Being tidier will take some getting used to at first. So that it doesn’t become overwhelming, set yourself small, achievable goals daily.
Keep a note in your journal or on your phone with the tasks you would like to achieve that day. Set a reminder if you have to. Whether it is wiping down the kitchen counters, making your bed or mopping the floor before you leave for work.
These small tasks add up and once you see the difference it makes you’ll be spurred on. It’s also a great idea to keep your kitchen tidy as it’s a great form of pest control.
Re-set A Room Once You Leave It
Resetting a room is a great way to see you on your path to neatness. The idea is simple – when you’re leaving a room, take a look around and take care of anything that isn’t where its meant to be. Load any discarded cups into the dishwasher, re-plump pillows, take a discarded piece of clothing and put it away. By tidying as you go along you’ll have a lot less to worry and not dread going back into a messy room.
Overall, don’t be too hard on yourself. Being tidy, if it doesn’t come naturally, can be a challenge at first. But take small but definitive steps towards your self-improvement goals and you’ll see that you’ll become a domestic god or goddess in no time at all.
