Get Motivated To Clean Your House With Just One Click Of A Button

Cleaning and decluttering can be hard work; the most difficult part is usually getting started. Whether you're so used to your mess that you don't even notice it anymore or are well aware of the problem but just feel too overwhelmed to get started, figuring out how and where to start cleaning can be a challenge. One useful trick to help yourself begin the process is to take a picture of the area you want to clean.

There have been a lot of studies on how people look different in photographs as opposed to in reality, and many of the same factors apply to how we perceive our rooms and spaces. Our brains have a tendency to ignore details that we don't view as important, editing what we see to conform with what we expect to see. As amazing as this ability is, it can seriously get in the way of cleaning and decluttering. By taking a picture of a space instead of just looking at it, you can sidestep your brain's editorial impulse and get a clearer picture of what really needs to be cleaned.

While there are a lot of strategies for decluttering your home, starting with a photograph can be an invaluable first step since it lets you see how your space really looks. If you're still struggling to see what needs to be done in the picture, try flipping the image or taking a picture from an angle you don't usually see the room. This should prevent your brain from ignoring any unpleasant details. You can then use your image to start creating your to-do list on how best to tackle the mess.

If you are well aware of all the decluttering and cleaning your house needs, a picture can still be helpful. It can be hard to get started if you find it overwhelming to deal with your clutter, so instead of taking a snapshot of your whole room, instead try taking a picture of just one shelf or counter. By using the image to help you focus on just one task at a time, you can prevent yourself from becoming stressed and overwhelmed. An image of just one little area in need of cleaning and decluttering can help you give yourself permission to start small.

Before you start cleaning isn't the only time you should take a photo. By snapping pictures regularly as you work on cleaning your space, you can help motivate yourself and remind yourself how much progress you're making. You can even use TikTok's clever organization advice of setting your phone to take time-lapse photos as you work. This can serve as a visual record of both how far you've already come and what still needs to be done.

Of course, when you're finally finished decluttering and organizing, you should take some pictures to celebrate as well. There are few things more satisfying than comparing before-and-after photos. Not only will the pictures let you see just how far you've come, but if your mess starts to build up again, you can use the picture of how great your space is capable of looking as motivation to help you get things back on track.