Tips for Keeping Your First Apartment Clean

"Firsts" in life are always pretty big, but few are as exciting as your first apartment.

It's a taste of freedom like no other, even if you've lived in a dorm or setting that wasn't your parents' house before. With that freedom comes a lot of responsibility, though, and there's one thing that will make you feel that more than any other: keeping the place clean. Most of us are no strangers to a messy room once in a while, but no one wants to have an apartment that's downright dirty.

While no one is necessarily expecting your first apartment to be spotless at all times, there are still some simple things you can do to maintain the place. Whether you're on your own or sharing some areas with a roommate, here are some tips for keeping your apartment clean.

Buy Cleaning Products You'll Actually Use

Having the right things can make all the difference in making it easy to maintain your apartment, but don't waste your money on fancy products you're never going to use. Stick to the basics: a small vacuum that's easy to stow, a Swiffer or other type of wet mop, a good antibacterial spray for cleaning surfaces and some multi-purpose "erasers" to keep on hand. All of these are easy to figure out and can be used daily or when you need to do a quick cleanup before someone comes over.

(via Unsplash)

 

Also read about: 8 Helpful Tidying Hacks for Anyone Who Hates Cleaning

 

Don't Let Dishes Pile Up

Even if you had to do the dishes at home growing up, doing them on your own time when you're the only one with the power to convince yourself that they need to get done is completely different. Whether you struggle because you're used to using a dishwasher and now have to hand wash everything (or vice versa) or simply because you keep leaving cups around your new space and don't have the brain power to collect them all, it only gets tougher the longer you wait to figure it out. Dishes only get grosser, so if we have one tip of advice that can help you out, it would be to wash your dishes right after using them. If you're a dishwasher user, put them in the dishwasher right away and put everything away as soon as you're done running it.

(via Unsplash)

 

Also read about: Simple Ways to Spring Clean Your Room

 

Inspire Yourself to Stay Organized

Even if you have a roommate you fear will retaliate against you with a chore chart if you don't get your messiness in check, no one can actually motivate you to keep your apartment clean but yourself. While that may be easier said than done, there's a way to hack your brain into wanting to clean up. With a little mindfulness and a lot of reminding yourself how much you love coming back to a clean room or apartment every time you return home, keeping your space clean can start to feel more like just a part of your routine rather than a chore you're tasked with.

 

Of course, one of the best ways to inspire yourself to stay organized in your new apartment is by decorating it in a way you love. If you need some ideas for decorating your first place, click HERE to check out our list of the top TikTok-inspired dorm/apartment decorating ideas for 2023.