Spring cleaning has come and gone, but that hasn’t stopped Google searches from increasing 159% this month for “how to declutter your home.”
Our homes can quickly become cluttered, and the last thing we want to do at the end of the day is to spend hours tidying up or scrambling when an unexpected guest visit arises. To help you achieve a fake clutter-free home in 10 minutes, we contacted Raf Michalowski, founder of Meble Furniture, who shared his game-changing tips to declutter your home before your next surprise guest.
Only Clean What Guests Will See
Out of sight, out of mind! Focus on the areas you spend the most time in. For example, if it is the end of the night and you want to relax on the couch, tidy up the living room, but if you have surprise guests coming over for lunch, you should clean the dining room.
Gather the Clutter
Faking a clutter-free home requires that you work fast and gather the clutter. Since your guests will only spend time in limited spots, you can take unorganized items and store them away. This includes any unopened mail, chargers, or toys!
“Using decorative baskets in the living areas can help to hide clutter in a stylish way. If you don’t have any decorative baskets, gather items in a laundry basket and place it in a room that the guests will not be entering,” suggests Raf.
Open the Windows and Light a Candle
Let some fresh air in to give your home a fresh, natural scent. If you need extra assistance with pleasing aromas, light a candle to set a better mood and eliminate any lingering odors.
Empty the Bin
Take out your trash to help eliminate unpleasant smells and relieve your home of the visually unappealing source of your trash can.
“Make sure to not only remove the kitchen trash, but the bathroom trash as well,” says Raf.
Wipe Down Surfaces
It only takes a minute to wipe down your surfaces, but having clean surfaces gives your home an appealing look.
Organize the Dirty Dishes
Nobody likes seeing dirty dishes in the sink or scattered all over the house. Stack them neatly in your dishwasher to hide them from view.
“If you cannot hide dirty dishes, stack them and place them on the counter or stovetop. Turning off the lights in the kitchen can keep dirty dishes from view,” says Raf.
Don’t Skip the Bathroom
Quickly scrub your toilet and wipe down your counters in case any guests need to use your bathroom. Don’t forget to pick up any clothes you have lying around and add a fresh hand towel!
Vacuum
Give your floors a quick vacuum session, especially the high traffic areas. If you are particularly short on time, only vacuum the visible areas, such as the entryway or the living room area, if that is where you intend to spend your time.
Clean the Front Door
Wiping down your door and shaking off your front mat eliminates excess dirt. This gives a clean first impression to your guests, setting the tone for a clean home once they enter. Don’t forget to check for cobwebs too!
Faking a clutter-free home in ten minutes is possible, and with some practice, you might even manage to reduce that time! Focus on the areas that are most important to you first, and if you commit to ten minutes daily, you might have time to squeeze in some smaller cleaning tasks throughout the week, maintaining a clean home all the time!
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