The strategy for cleaning and organizing a messy apartment involves three main approaches: prioritizing and decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing with a reward system.
In the "Prioritise and Declutter" phase, the focus is on creating space by ventilating the area, clearing pathways, and gathering clutter into piles for later organization. For example, all visible trash and recyclables are bagged for disposal, and dirty bed linens are replaced for freshness.
The next phase, "Deep Clean Each Area," requires methodical cleaning of all apartment spaces. Bathrooms are scrubbed, floors mopped, and furniture disinfected. This thorough cleaning ensures living spaces are hygienic and presentable, such as vacuuming rugs and using air purifiers for freshness.
Lastly, "Organise and Reward" integrates sorting items into categories, tidying electronic cables, and taking care of repairs. Personalizing the space through decoration concludes the effort, and a reward system is implemented to celebrate completion—treating oneself to a favorite snack or activity creates motivation.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Prioritise and Declutter
- Open windows for ventilation
- Create a clear pathway by clearing the floor as much as possible
- Bag all visible trash and recyclables from each area: living area, desk area, bed area, and bathroom
- Gather stray items into piles in each area: living area, desk area, bed area, kitchen, and bathroom
- Strip the bed of its bedding and replace with clean sheets
- Gather and load all laundry into the car for washing later
- Place bowls of baking soda or vinegar around the apartment for odour control
⛳️ Strategy 2: Deep Clean Each Area
- Clean bathroom thoroughly: scrub toilet, sink, counters, and clean shower/tub
- Mop bathroom floor and rest of the apartment's floors
- Vacuum and disinfect/deodorise the mattress and furniture
- Air-dry rugs and vacuum/mop living area floors
- Wipe surfaces, vacuum furniture, and dust electronics
- Wash dishes and kitchen appliances
- Wipe down all mirrors, windows, and high-touch surfaces
- Spray odour eliminator and use an air purifier
⛳️ Strategy 3: Organise and Reward
- Gather piles and group items by category: clothing, office, pet
- Tidy cables and small electronics, label or group storage bins
- Organise phone, laptop, misc. electronics, accounts, music, etc.
- Take note of repairs needed throughout the apartment
- Clean the car: remove trash, reload, car wash
- Decorate once cleaning is complete to personalise the space
- Send pictures to Sha and inform Dad
- Implement a reward system upon completion, e.g., treat yourself to a McCafe, Icee, or Marble Slab Ice cream
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
