With most of the world following social distancing guidelines and staying at home more than usual, now is the time to get on top of the small household chores you keep putting lower on the to-do list. I’ve compiled a list of the odd jobs I always forget to make time for, and have been able to do while spending more time at home, so you can see if there’s anything you’ve forgotten to do lately as well!
Please note that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so there is absolutely no pressure to be productive, but this is a list of small things you could do, even one a week to help you feel accomplished and not have to worry about it for a while.
1. Empty the washing machine/dryer lint catcher
I always forget to empty the lint in my washing machine! It’s a pretty quick and easy job, and adds an extra 30 seconds before I pop a load of washing in, but it’s never at the front of my mind. It means a cleaner wash from your machine, and if you’ve been forgetting to empty the dryer trap it means less chance of anything getting caught and causing a jam or even fire.
2. Clean your mirrors
How many mirrors are there in your house? I have a bathroom mirror and some mirrored doors in my bedroom, and I use them daily, but rarely notice how dirty and dusty they’ve gotten. A quick once over with a glass cleaner makes the mirror shiny and sparkly like new, and gives a clearer finish for making sure you’re looking fresh and ready to take on the day.
3. Declutter your wardrobe
It doesn’t have to be a full Marie Kondo culling of your clothes, but if you’re feeling up for it go wild! Simply have a look through your wardrobe and get rid of any socks with holes in them, clothes that don’t fit anymore, and the pieces you never reach for, whether it be because the pant legs finish just a little bit too high, or the details on the sleeves itch your shoulders, donate the clothes you don’t love. Looking into a wardrobe filled with pieces you adore is refreshing and makes you excited to get dressed. Everyone should be wearing clothing that makes them happy while they’re at home – last week the OCD team had a Zoom meeting and I’d decided that day to wear a formal dress I love but never get the chance to wear, and it was totally fine, you can’t really be overdressed for your house!
4. Weed your plants
With most of our days being spent inside at the moment, take an opportunity to head outside and weed your plants. Is there any overgrowth or little weeds popping up around your plants? Trim them and tidy up your garden to feel like your yard has had a refresh.
If you have indoor plants go through and trim any dead or dying leaves and do a checkup to see if any of your plants need to be repotted into larger pots.
5. Take some time for yourself
Make sure you’re taking some time out for yourself. Even though most people are staying at home, it doesn’t mean you’re looking after yourself and having space to relax. Try to schedule even 30 minutes away from everything else happening to make yourself a coffee or tea, and sit down just to listen to music or a podcast and breathe! Take some time to think about how you feel and if there’s anything you need to do to help yourself.
