Neat Freak

I'm a type-A neat freak. When it comes down to it - I'm the type of person that quite literally freaks out when my home isn't tidy. I get that sad feeling, that creeps over me and tells me I'm not doing a good enough job with this whole "adulting" gig. I definitely wasn't always this way. As a child, my room was usually cluttered with rejected clothing from the week and scattered with books. I never made my bed and I often had anywhere between 3-4 old drinking vessels on my nightstand at any given moment. Mom, I'm sorry I understand now. 

A little older (and maybe just a tad wiser) I now have a home of my own and understand the value of our surroundings. But I'd get overwhelmed with the daunting term of "cleaning" once a week. Waking up on Saturday morning I'd survey the apartment and mentally note every out-of-place object, every dust bunny, every abandoned glass on a random surface. Toothpaste from last Tuesday speckling the white sink like a Pollock painting looked back at me as I peered into the porcelain bowl. And with all that - I'd get a wave of anxiety and run back into bed scrolling away my problems on Instagram in hopes that seeing other people's clean homes would motivate me to get my act together and do the damn thing for the next few hours. 

But it doesn't always need to be that way. Instead of one full day of deep cleaning, I've incorporated moments of tidying up everyday throughout the week. It takes a speck of discipline, but these moments are total saviors in the end game. 

Make The Bed
Each morning we make the bed which feels rather therapeutic. The making of a bed feels like the opening of a new day. When I get into an un-made bed at the end of the day I think to myself, "did today even happen?" and try to fluff the matted comforter back to life before my head hits the flattened pillows. 

Bathroom Cleanse
After getting ready I wipe down the sink and faucet, making it appear unused and ready for a new day. I make sure the trash isn't overflowing and hang all of our towels. (This seems so simple, but really - you'd be surprised what makes a major difference). 

Kitchen Sweep
I eat breakfast every morning at home before rushing out the door to my commute. After I'm finished - I load the dishwasher and make sure the sink is clear. (This really is made easier when you don't leave dishes the night before). Then I do one final survey around the apartment to make sure that there are no other drinking cups or mugs that have been forgotten about. 

These things may seem super juvenile and simple, yet they make coming home so much more relaxing and welcoming. I like to think that the work I'm doing in the morning will help my later self de-stress after a long day spent at work.