Keeping a clean and organised living space is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Today, I want to share my thoughts on the importance of regular cleaning, its benefits for overall health, and how to find motivation for maintaining cleanliness.

I will also share some effective cleaning strategies from my pro cleaning days—how to set realistic goals and make cleaning an integral part of your daily routine. By the time you’ve read it all, you will have the tools and tips to stay motivated and accountable in keeping your space clean and tidy.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

Keeping your home clean is vital for more than just having a tidy space. It also helps you stay focused, promotes a healthier environment, and prevents those everyday tasks from becoming huge undertakings.

Benefits for Physical and Mental Health

Maintaining a tidy home significantly benefits your physical and mental health, contributing to overall well-being and self-care. A neat space provides you with a peaceful and organised environment and plays a vital role in reducing your stress levels. When your surroundings are clutter-free and well-maintained, it can help promote relaxation and peace of mind. This, in turn, can lead to improved sleep quality. A tidy bedroom free of dust and allergens supports better respiratory health, allowing for more restful nights. Cleaning can be therapeutic, giving you a sense of achievement and boosting your mood and productivity.

Identifying Your Motivation

To keep your home clean and tidy, figuring out why it matters to you is essential. Understanding your motivation will help you set achievable goals and stay inspired to maintain a consistent cleaning schedule.

Understanding Your Cleaning Habits and Triggers

Understanding your cleaning habits and what triggers your motivation can help you develop a more consistent and self-disciplined approach to maintaining cleanliness. If you recognise the times of day you feel most energetic and motivated, like in the morning or after work, you can plan your cleaning tasks accordingly.

Creating a checklist of specific chores and prioritising them based on urgency can help you keep on top. Setting small, achievable daily goals, such as tidying up one room or decluttering a specific area, can make the cleaning process less daunting.

Integrating cleaning into your daily routine, like doing quick tasks during commercial breaks or while waiting for water to boil, can ensure it becomes a regular part of your everyday life.

Effective Cleaning Strategies

Implementing effective cleaning strategies can make your cleaning routine more efficient and manageable. This way, you ensure your home stays tidy without devouring too much time.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Space

If you want to keep your space clean, tidy, and organised, here are some practical tips to help you declutter and stay on top of your housekeeping tasks.

1. One way to prevent clutter from taking over is to regularly go through your stuff and donate or toss things you no longer need.
2. Try doing quick daily clean-ups to stop dirt and mess from piling up.
3. Use storage solutions such as baskets, shelves, and drawer organisers to keep things in order and within reach.
4. Assign specific spots for different items to streamline your organisation and make it easier to maintain a tidy space.
5. Make cleaning a habit and be proactive so you won’t immediately face a massive decluttering job.

Setting Realistic Goals

When you set realistic cleaning goals, you’re setting yourself up for success and keeping your motivation levels high. It helps you create a plan you can handle, leading to steady progress and that awesome feeling of achievement.

Breaking Down Tasks and Prioritising

Regarding cleaning, breaking down tasks and prioritising them can work wonders for your productivity and time management, helping you get the most out of your cleaning routine. To make things easier:

1. Categorise your tasks based on urgency and importance.
2. Start by tackling areas that need immediate attention, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
3. Once you’ve handled the must-do tasks, move on to less urgent but crucial chores like dusting or hoovering.

Creating a weekly schedule with specific daily tasks can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Using tools like checklists or cleaning apps to keep yourself in check and ensure you don’t miss a spot in your cleaning routine is also helpful.

Incorporating Cleaning into Your Routine

If you want to keep your home tidy, you need to make cleaning a part of your daily routine. It’s all about consistency, staying disciplined, and forming those good habits.

Creating a Cleaning Schedule and Sticking to It

Creating a cleaning schedule and sticking to it is crucial for ensuring consistency and maintaining a clean home. To begin developing a realistic cleaning schedule, start by assessing your daily routines and identifying pockets of time that can be dedicated to cleaning tasks.

Consider breaking down larger cleaning chores into smaller, more manageable tasks spread throughout the week. A checklist can help track what needs to be done and when. It is essential to stay disciplined and consistently follow the plan to prevent tasks from piling up and overwhelming you.

Maintaining a structured cleaning schedule allows you to enjoy a tidy and organised living space without constant cleaning.

Accountability and Rewards

You have to hold yourself accountable and pat yourself on the back for all your progress. These strategies really help you stay motivated and set yourself up for long-term success in your cleaning endeavours.

Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable and Celebrate Progress

To maintain a positive mindset and reach your cleaning goals, you must hold yourself accountable and celebrate your progress.

Setting up a detailed cleaning schedule is a great way to keep yourself accountable. Break down your tasks into specific jobs with deadlines to make tracking your progress easier. This helps you stay on course and see how far you’ve come.

Use reminders on your phone or calendar to stay organised and ensure you’re consistently working towards your goals. And don’t forget to celebrate your wins, whether it’s finishing a deep clean in the bathroom or just clearing out a drawer. Recognising and rewarding yourself for hard work can boost your motivation and keep you moving forward.

A few weeks ago, I re-read my first blog post, which made me think of how the place you live in shapes your outlook. I grabbed my photo album and took a trip down memory lane, particularly our Winchmore Hill period. It might be the nostalgia speaking or my constant inclination to compare, but today, I will take a closer look at the two most important hills in my life (pun intended) – Winchmore and Primrose. 

I’ve experienced the unique charm and distinct character of both neighbourhoods. I can hardly think of two other London areas that may look similar yet feel so different. Let me take you on a journey through comparing these two vibrant areas and share my top three favourite spots in my newfound home of Primrose Hill.

With its leafy streets and warm sense of community, Winchmore Hill was our first London home. The quiet, suburban feel was a sanctuary, especially after a long day’s work as a cleaner. The familiarity of faces and the local shop owners always made me smile, creating a sense of belonging. The peaceful ambience and proximity to green spaces like Grovelands Park made it ideal for evening strolls and weekend picnics. It is the perfect place for toddlers – quiet, safe, leafy, and homely.

However, Primrose Hill welcomed me with a different energy altogether. The bustling streets, lined with boutique shops and trendy cafes, infused a new vitality into my routine. The vibrant atmosphere is contagious, and the eclectic mix of people adds an exciting dynamic to daily life. The neighbourhood’s proximity to Regent’s Park and the iconic Primrose Hill viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, a sight I’ve cherished during my morning walks.

One notable contrast between the two areas is the pace of life. Winchmore Hill exudes a laid-back vibe, where time seems to move slower. While this was calming and peaceful, Primrose Hill’s buzz has charm. A palpable energy runs through the area; a sense of constant movement and exploration keeps me engaged and curious about what’s around the corner.

Another aspect that stands out in my comparison is the culinary scene. In Winchmore Hill, the dining options were more traditional, with cosy, family-run restaurants serving comforting dishes. On the other hand, Primrose Hill boasts diverse eateries, from upscale bistros to trendy vegan cafes. Various cuisines and innovative culinary experiences have expanded my palate and added excitement to my dining adventures.

My God, how life changes your attitude towards food! When I first arrived in London, I hardly had any notion of cuisine, even less the money to enjoy it. However, my father-in-law had some experience in the restaurant business, and my husband inherited a love for excellent dishes and culinary experiments. We didn’t know what to expect from Primrose Hill cuisine-wise – and the reality proved to be more than a pleasant surprise.

I must admit some of the local establishments quickly became favourite spots for brunch and dining, even when the kids come to visit us. I will mention just three of the area’s gems, but rest assured – there are many more!

1. Greenberry Café: Tucked away on the corner of Primrose Hill, this charming café feels like a hidden gem. Their brunch menu is an absolute delight, featuring delicious options like avocado toast with poached eggs and a variety of freshly baked pastries. The cosy ambience and friendly staff make it a perfect spot for a leisurely weekend breakfast. My top choice is the wild rice and quinoa salad, with the Reuben sandwich coming in a close second!
2. The Lansdowne: This gastropub has quickly become my favourite evening hangout spot. Its rustic yet chic interior, extensive drink selection, and mouthwatering menu make it a great place to unwind after a busy day. Whether I’m meeting friends for drinks or enjoying a hearty dinner, The Lansdowne never disappoints. What would I pick if I were you? The Dorset bresaola is sublime, but if you want to stay on the safe side, the Margherita never disappoints.
3. Lemonia: Craving Mediterranean cuisine? Look no further than Lemonia. This Greek restaurant offers an authentic dining experience with a menu full of flavourful dishes. From traditional moussaka to grilled seafood, every bite feels like a taste of Greece. The cosy atmosphere and attentive service make it a go-to spot for a memorable meal. 

In conclusion, Winchmore Hill and Primrose Hill hold a special place in my heart, each offering advantages and drawbacks. While Winchmore Hill provided a serene retreat with a strong sense of community, Primrose Hill captivated me with its vibrant energy and diverse offerings. Ultimately, my move to Primrose Hill has brought a new chapter of excitement and discovery into my life. I’m thrilled to continue exploring all this remarkable neighbourhood has to offer.

Hello, darlings and my future faithful readers! My name is Laura Bexter, 48, married with a couple of now fully grown kids (a son and a daughter). I was in the home and cleaning business for over fifteen years before I decided to try something new. My husband is a mid-level manager in a digital marketing agency, and he is helping me launch this project that I hope to become my surrogate child :).

In the late summer of 2021, we moved from Kensington to Primrose Hill, which is actually the main reason for starting this blog. I have been increasingly fascinated with my new home area to the point of “unhealthy infatuation”, as my hubby loves to joke about it. But before I begin my musings about Primrose Hill, I feel it is necessary to explain our choice for moving.

Both my husband and I are no Londoners – he is from Tunbridge Wells, and I am from Watford. I moved to London with my sister in my early twenties, and he studied at Birkbeck College. We met through common friends and immediately hit it off. Funny thing, though – our first rented apartment was in Winchmore Hill, North London.

When our kids were born, two years apart, we started discussing moving to another part of London. We are both very practical and analytic people and decided to move to an area that offered the best educational prospects for our boy and girl. Kensington and Chelsea loomed large as the favourite, especially since my husband’s workplace was nearby. He was quickly coming up the corporate ladder, so the financial side of the equation was not a problem.

Before I go on, let me say: I LOVE Kensington and Chelsea. They are some of London’s most vibrant and wonderful areas to raise kids. The parks, the museums, the schools, the athletic and cultural amenities, the restaurants – you name it, they have it. But after a certain period, the dynamism becomes a bit too much. I do believe Kensington is the perfect area for younger people, but your priorities change when you enter your late forties.

Fast forward twenty years to 2019 – my son was starting his internship in a prestigious law firm, and my daughter had just graduated from the University of London, soon to go on a three-month trip with friends across Europe. My husband and I were unexpectedly faced with empty-nest syndrome – and a home that was too large for just two people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUJuYx1QDu0

The Covid pandemic only boosted our resolve to make a change and move to a quieter part of London. My babies were gone (though they visit us often, I cannot complain), and my husband preferred to work from home more than ever. I was no longer working as a domestic cleaning supervisor, so the need for a central location with excellent transport links no longer applied. We only had to choose the spot that fitted us the best.

Believe it or not, our first choice was to return to our roots in Winchmore Hill. We even picked a beautiful apartment, but another family outbid us for it. Our number two choice was Primrose Hill. When we visited the apartment we had chosen with our estate agent, we immediately fell in love. The quiet streets, the nearby exquisite square garden, and the proximity of Primrose Hill Park all reminded us of Winchmore Hill. But the cosy cafes, the small restaurants, and the local shops carried something of the Kensington air with them.

It took us a while to make the final decision, but one year later, I can confidently say we made the right choice. I had hoped to enjoy Primrose Hill – instead, I fell in love with it! But that is a topic for my future posts.