To feel so much better when the house is tidy

[alwaystired7]

I’ve somehow managed to fit in a proper clean and tidy of my house, to the point where every room is practically spotless (except the bathroom, which is still manky - it’s the one room I haven’t got round to yet).

Since this has happened, my mind feels so much clearer, calmer and more positive. I love feeling organised and like I know where everything is. I also love being surrounded by calm and orderly spaces, as opposed to clutter, crumbs and dust everywhere like it was before.

Does anyone else feel similar and also, how can I make sure I maintain it this time? I don’t want to let it slide again.

Exactly.
Sadly I’m living mired in mess and copious amounts of stuff.

Absolutely agree!

I grew up in a dirty, messy house and it was awful. From the day I moved out I’ve kept my house clean and tidy. Even with two young children, depression and fibromyalgia I kept on top of the housework.

The feeling of relaxation in the evening when the dishes are done, a candle is lit, and I can sit in the clean tidy room is luxurious to me.

I think everyone surely likes to live in a tidy home!
I love my house looking as it should. As someone else upthread said, the money I spend on my cleaner is the best investment in my mental health. The fact that she’s coming to clean means everything needs to be tidy first, and this eliminates very quickly any hot spots of clutter, nothing really gets the chance to build up.
I love my house, it feels like a real sanctuary. Not to say it doesn’t get messed up, it’s a busy house, always people calling round and the dc have friends in and out as do dh and I. But generally it’s pretty nice and tidy.

It's not really hard to achieve? It's very hard to achieve when you have 3 small children, for (my) example. It's achievable if you push yourself to the limits and have literally no time to yourself, which most women with families tend to do!

Agree! Also my theory is that if the house is tidy you don’t have to do so much actual cleaning, you can wipe down surfaces, hoover etc quickly and just stay on top of it.

Same here 💐

I'm a woman with a family, I had my own business for 15 years, and I never felt that I "pushed myself to the limit." We all have our own experience and we all have different priorities.

These threads always divide people into “It’s not hard to keep a tidy home; I did it with three under five, work and part time university🤨“ and “I feel so guilty and useless that I can’t seem to find the energy or mental capacity to even keep my home tidy”.

I’m hoping if I do little and often I’ll be able to stay on top of it this time. I just need the will power to keep it up. I also need to tackle the bathroom but am putting it off - it’s my least favourite job. I have one toddler but I imagine it must be nigh on impossible if you have three!

Exactly. When I said how do you find the time, I meant it! I don't have 45 minutes spare, do I? When??!

Yep.

I said this at work once, and one bloke laughed his head off because my desk was the messiest who in the office. He thought I was joking, but I pointed out that just because I preferred it, didn't mean I had the time to do it!

My home was lovely and tidy, but that was all I could manage at the time. Now I wfh, and have a nice coordinated office space.

I can’t relax if my house is untidy, weekends are always stressful as everyone is home and the house just gets so disorganised!

I'm the same. I feel frustrated and bad tempered and stressed when the house is a tip.

I don't consider myself an anxious person but I suppose I am. I can't sit and relax at home if there is something that needs cleaning or putting away.
Also, if I watch any cleaning video on TV or YouTube, that in itself makes me want to get up and clean and de clutter.
Years ago when 'how clean is your house?' Was on the TV, I was the same then! After I'd finished watching, I'd be up and looking around for something to sort out.
I think I have a problem. 😂

This! How do you go to work all day, cook meals etc AND do all that?

And i should have added, also have a life? See friends, study, hobbies whatever

I'm the same. It took a long time for me to realise that tidy house = tidy mind. So
Much so that I work a little extra to fund a cleaner. (My hourly rate is higher, and she's much quicker than me) and the difference it has made to my well being is amazing.

Me too OP! Everyone is out, baby is sleeping in pram on balcony so I can get everything sorted out. Feeling better already!

I don’t have any of those things and often spend the evenings giving the place a quick tidy/clean and use a broom/carpet brush once the kids are in bed and then I a full tidy/clean inc hoover and dust in the morning on weekends.

I agree OP, but I do find it a struggle to maintain things even halfway there 😩

I do think WFH has helped with this. On the one hand you’re home more so create more mess, but on the other it frees up time to clean and tidy. I managed to get 20 minutes in when my toddler was napping today for example. It was mostly spent clearing up the chaos of the morning - dirty cups in the lounge, toys and crumbs scattered about, stuff in the wrong place. I also wiped down the coffee table and hoovered downstairs.

20 minutes was all that was needed for downstairs to look almost spotless too - very satisfying!

I cleaned my staircase to within an inch of its life today and straight away, as soon as he got in, partner dumped a pile of his dirty work clothes on the stairs. And he has the cheek to complain that the house is messy. 😡

I think this is key and answers your original question.

minimilise as much as possible, less stuff makes keeping on top of things so much easier

A clean house does help to clean your mind yes, however it shouldn't be at the expense of doing things you enjoy. That's far better for your MH in my opinion.
You'd be far better lowering your standards doing what you can in as little time as possible, being happy with that and spending the rest relaxing.