Tidying up and making the house look presentable is something that tends to take a lot of time, especially, if done just once a week. However, there are times when one needs to tidy up really fast and get the place looking neat and clean for unexpected guests or an impromptu dinner with friends after work. Here are easy steps to get the house neat, clean and absolutely, presentable in just 30 minutes.
Start with the Messiest Place
Since you would be working on the clock, set a timer for 30 minutes and then, take a good look around, identifying areas that need to be tidied up immediately. Tackle them first. This would ensure that the messiest place is spotless, just in case your guests arrive early. Also, right at the beginning of your speed cleaning exercise, take care to tidy up the entrance to your home, so that it is clean and welcoming.
Remove All Clutter
Take a big bag or box and got through all the rooms. Throw in all the items that do not belong to that room – books, clothes, shoes, toys and anything else that needs to go someplace else. Put them all in and keep them away to be sorted out later. Don’t waste time in putting them back in place.
Change What Needs Changing
Take a quick look and remove all linen – sheets, tablecloths, cushion covers or towels that may be dirty or shabby and replace with fresh linen. Replace old newspapers with some magazines or books. Put in fresh soap and toilet paper rolls in the bathroom. Discard wilted flowers and if you have fresh ones, put them in or else, simply fill vases with fresh, green leaves, arranged artistically
Do a Quick Check
After you’ve finished changing and replacing things, take a quick tour through the house and see if anything else needs to be done. Pick up any odds and ends that may still be lying around. Check for any extra dusty surfaces that may be visible and run a quick cloth over them.
Add Some Special Touches
Now that the house would be looking reasonably neat, clean and tidy, you may want to add some special touches, especially, if you have the time to spare. If having people over for dinner, this would be a good time to set the table. Otherwise, just light some candles, put on some music, and use incense or a diffuser to make the air smell nice and fragrant.
Tidying up the house need not always take up a major chunk of your time. It is possible to do it quickly and easily. While this quick clean-up is not a substitute for a complete and intensive cleaning, it is a big relief and help when entertaining on the spur of the moment or simply, when one does not have the energy or motivation to tidy up the house. So, use these simple steps to ensure that your home looks neat and presentable in half the effort.
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