Habithacker

Because creativity thrives where clutter doesn't.

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Cleaning: half-assed and really fast.

August 3, 2015 By Habithacker 18 Comments

If you’re like me, you avoid cleaning because it’s time consuming.

After all, you’ll have to move the chair to vacuum under it, remove couch cushions to catch crushed crackers (could I get even one more “c” sound in?), and find some long-handled duster thing to clear corner cobwebs (yes…three more “c’s”).

I need a nap.

Half-Assed* Housekeeping Hour, or 3H, to the rescue!

Every Monday, Habithackers grab their brooms, vacuums, and dust rags for a quick and dirty cleaning of flat surfaces and visible floor spaces.

If your house is exceptionally cluttered, don’t worry. You will gradually clear it. Clean around the stacked stuff for now. There’s a reason we call it half-assed.

The result? Your house is going to look much better. Yes, dust bunnies are hopping under the bed. The light switches are greasy. The table legs haven’t shaved. But no one’s going to notice. Everyone but you will assume you’ve thoroughly cleaned.

This does not mean we will never get to filthy nooks and crannies. It’s a sad fact of life that dirt exists. But that’s for another day.

*Yes, I use language that is questionable to some of you. You can rename this habit if you wish.

Spread the word, habithackers!

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Filed Under: Habithacker Steps

« “Thinking is the enemy of creativity.”
-Ray Bradbury
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Comments

  1. Elena says

    November 29, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    I’m still hoping for the updated version of habit hacker! Is it still coming? I sure hope so!

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      December 26, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      Hi Elena. Well….eventually. I’m in the midst of another health crisis with my mom at the moment, so it might take me a while.

      Reply
  2. Viv says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:58 am

    Hi Jean,

    Thank you for habithacker, its great and fun too. I can’t wait for the new improved version. Iv’e tried to unsubscribe and re-subscribe to no avail. Anyway, I will continue to try and tune-in at some point.

    Hope all is well with you and your mum.

    Best wishes.

    Viv (London, England)

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      April 8, 2016 at 9:52 am

      Viv, I’m sorry the subscribing isn’t working for you and wish I had the know-how to solve it. One of these days I may have the time to make a concerted effort…..

      Reply
      • Viv says

        February 14, 2017 at 4:36 am

        I’ve bought the book and have been using the App, which has been VERY useful, its motivated me. Yesterday I cleaned out one of my kitchen cupboards and threw away breakfast cereal from 2015! I was shocked at all the waste though, which I hope with all this decluttering will help me be more organised and save money too. The best thing about your site i think, is that I’m not made to feel guilty that my house has become a shit-tip and also to stop waiting for everyone else in the house to get off Facebolocks and help. I’m finally doing it for me. So tar very much for Habithacker. Viv x

        Reply
        • Habithacker says

          February 14, 2017 at 12:50 pm

          Oh Viv, coincidentally I started on my Pantry of Panic last week and had the same experience you did. But you’re right. NO GUILT. I’m so happy you’re doing this for yourself. Once you get your household under control you’ll have more time to do whatever it is that makes you happy. Good luck, Jean.

          Reply
  3. Tara says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    I really enjoy seeing your sweet bird pal snuggling.
    I have a manic green cheek who rules the roost.
    Unfortunately, mommy has let the roost get VERY dusty / dirty / cluttered.
    NOT GOOD FOR MY BABY!
    Thank you for your website, and the birdperson-to birdperson support.
    Best…

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      April 8, 2016 at 9:47 am

      Tara!!! How happy it makes me to hear from another person owned by a parrot. Bird people just might be the wackiest, um….messiest, but also the best. Given that I now have two cockatoos I admit my dust problem veers out of control way too often. But one look at my feathered monsters makes it all worthwhile. Jean.

      Reply
  4. Star Kings Pierce says

    February 26, 2016 at 11:10 am

    I’m new. Where do I start? Thanks.

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      April 8, 2016 at 9:53 am

      Hit the link that lets you subscribe!

      Reply
  5. mp3juice says

    June 4, 2016 at 7:20 am

    Tremendous issues here. I’m very satisfied to peer
    your post. Thank you so much and I am taking a look forward to
    contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      October 12, 2016 at 6:02 am

      Did you sign up for the emails, Lauren?

      Reply
  6. Angela says

    October 12, 2016 at 4:16 am

    I can’t wait to start

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      October 12, 2016 at 6:01 am

      Go for it, Angela!

      Reply
  7. Gail says

    October 22, 2016 at 7:10 am

    I am very excited to start HH. I’m ready to DO IT!!

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      January 13, 2017 at 10:01 pm

      Good for you, Gail the Greatest.

      Reply
  8. Gail says

    October 22, 2016 at 7:11 am

    I’m new what do I do today ?
    Just clean one place ?

    Reply
    • jeanhanson@yahoo.com says

      January 13, 2017 at 10:00 pm

      Hi Gail…from your later comment it looks as if you’ve figured it out.

      Reply

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