Congratulations on your new apartment! It’s exciting to move into a new space. And fun to make it your own!
Whether moving to a Chicago apartment from across the country or relocating to a new apartment just down the road, there is a lot to think about when moving. Unpacking and decorating might be your focus and can be time-consuming. But what about taking steps to ensure your new home stays clean?
Developing good habits early and having quality cleaning supplies and equipment will help you keep your place neat. Hiring a cleaning service is always a great idea.And thoughtfully setting up your apartment to stay organized will keep it tidy.If you like getting things done yourself then follow these tips to set yourself up for cleanliness success.
1. Staying Organized Will Help Keep Your Apartment Clean
Make sure everything has a place in your apartment. It will make it easier to put items away if they have a designated home. And it will keep your home from becoming cluttered.
Hang hooks for coats and create storage for keys and phones. Bins and baskets are great options for organizing small items. And use storage solutions to get the most use out of closets and cabinets.
Shop for pieces of furniture that double as storage to save space. Look for a coffee table with a removable top to stash throws. A bench with a hinged top is a perfect space to store shoes. You want to balance function and style when choosing your furniture.
2. Follow a Cleaning Schedule To Keep Your Apartment Clean
Find a cleaning schedule that works for your space and lifestyle. It will help keep you accountable and organized. And will ensure that an area or task isn’t overlooked.
The schedule will help you decide on the frequency of doing certain chores. Some should be done daily, like cleaning the kitchen. While dusting furniture can be done weekly.
Try a few schedules out and find what works best for you. You may find that you prefer vacuuming more frequently. Or that your mirrors stay clean longer than the schedule suggests. Once you get into a routine, you can tweak the schedule to fit your lifestyle.
3. Find Effective Cleaning Supplies You Love and Work For Your Apartment
Take your time to find some cleaning supplies you love. Aim for scents that make you happy and lift your mood. It will make your apartment smell great, and you will enjoy cleaning more.
There are countless cleaning supply brands on the market. So it may take some time to find the best ones for you. Take your time and be patient as you test different products.
A good multi-surface cleaner will be your best friend. It can be used to clean everything from the kitchen to the bathroom. You will also want to look for cleaners you love for specific purposes like toilets, flooring, and glass.
Consider making your own cleaning supplies. You can customize the scents, and it will save you some cash. Solutions can be made from simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oil to clean everything from carpet to stainless steel.
4. Invest in Cleaning Equipment To Keep Your Apt Clean
Take the time to build an arsenal of great cleaning equipment. High-quality cleaning tools are a good investment. They will last longer and get your apartment cleaner.
Shop around to find a vacuum that you love. This will be by far your most important cleaning tool, especially if you have pets. Read reviews for features specific vacuums offer like attachments that can get to hard to reach places. You’ll want to consider the type of flooring in your apartment and how well the vacuum performs on that surface.
You’ll also want to find an awesome duster. It will be useful in cleaning everything from vents to ceiling fans. Look for a duster with a telescopic handle, and that has a removable and washable cover.
If you can afford them, a washer and dryer is a wise investment. Not only will you have the convenience of doing laundry at home, but it will save you laundromat costs in the long run. Ideally, you want to purchase units that are energy efficient to save on energy costs too. Make sure to research brands well, and measure your laundry space.
5. Be Proactive
Take ongoing steps to keep your home cleaner. Have a routine in place that minimizes the dirt that enters your home. And make an effort to clean throughout your day so nothing ever gets too piled up.
Have a no-shoe rule in your home. The amount of dirt tracked in on shoes is enormous, especially if you have guests. Have a designated space near your main entry to store shoes.
Make a habit of putting away items as you go. Hang up your coat when you come in the door. Put shoes away when you take them off and make sure your dirty clothes make it into the hamper. Making tidying up part of your routine will keep your space neat and make cleaning quicker.
6. Adopt a Daily Apartment Cleaning Routine
A daily cleaning routine is your best bet for maintaining neatness. A checklist of quick tasks is manageable. And it will go a long way in keeping up with your cleaning.
First thing in the morning, make your bed. It’s a positive way to start your day by accomplishing something. And you’ll be more relaxed getting into a neatly made bed at the end of a long day.
Laundry is one of the most common chores to fall behind on. Make an effort to do a load of laundry completely each day. Throw it in the washer in the morning, then dry it and put it all away in the evening. You’ll feel satisfied when it’s done, and your hamper is not overflowing.
Each night, tidy up your kitchen before bed. Make sure your dishes are all clean, and the sink is rinsed. Wipe down your counters and appliances. It is refreshing to walk into a clean kitchen each morning.
Clean Your Apartment!
Be patient in finding a routine works best for you. Discovering the best cleaning products and tools may take time. But be diligent about your schedule and daily habits to stay on top of keeping your space clean.
Once you find your stride, keeping your place clean will be a breeze. You might actually find that you enjoy cleaning. And you’ll have a shiny new apartment to be proud of.