Have you ever felt drained as you walk into your home and around your house and know that you need to do something about the mess and clutter? Where do you start? How long is it going to take to get things back to normal? Should you do one whole room or potter about and do a little bit here and a little bit there?

Today I popped out to run a few errands and when I walked back into my house I noticed how uninviting it was. Half the time I dismiss it as I rush about from place to place, but today it bothered me. Walking around the house, I noticed mess and clutter in every room. Where was I to start?

I sat down in the garden with a cup of tea, feeling unenergised but enjoying the warm spring sunshine. After a couple of sips, it suddenly dawned on me to start at the beginning. To tackle what I see as I first walk in.

Tackling the hall way

The unopened post was in a pile by the front door along with magazines, junk mail and other stray items, which actually didn’t take long to clear. I then put all the coats and jackets that were hanging on the bannister either where they were supposed to go, or into the washing machine. Shoes were put into the cupboard (eek! that’s a job for another day!). Finally I hoovered and mopped leaving the hallway smelling clean and fresh.

I took some rubbish out… and as I walked back in I smiled.  Starting at the entrance of my home and clearing away the clutter and dirt gave me a boost. It also made me realise that things don’t take that long once I put my mind to it.

Although there’s no right or wrong way to clean and clear your home, starting at the beginning or just tackling one room and not stopping until you’ve finished, gives you a great sense of achievement as you look back and admire your hard work. It’ll also get you motivated to start on the next room.

Dining room next…