Over My Dad Body

Getting motivated to clean is a lot like looking for that one missing sock: you’re sure it was just there, but somehow it’s disappeared from the dryer.

Just when you think you’ve finally got a system going, your one-year-old daughter brings half the backyard into the living room, and you’re back to square one. Next thing you know, you’re standing in the hardware store staring at a wall of mop heads, wondering when cleaning got so complicated.

Wait—what was I saying again?

Oh, right, cleaning motivation. It’s tough to find sometimes, I get it.

But hey, that’s what I’m here for.

Even if you don’t hate cleaning (but especially if you do), I’m guessing you can think of about 1,000 things you’d rather be doing than scrubbing a toilet, dusting shelves, or tackling a sink full of dishes.

So, how do you find the motivation to clean when binge-watching your favorite shows sounds way more appealing?

Speaking as someone who’s practically earned a PhD in avoiding chores (and who definitely missed his calling as a movie critic), I’ve also — reluctantly — become pretty good at motivating myself to clean. Mostly because I’ve had no choice.

I’m a dad with two kids who can turn a clean room into chaos in under a minute.

And, well, no one else will clean the house if I don’t.

Honestly, I struggle with doing anything that isn’t either really easy or really fun. But I like having a home that feels at least somewhat clean and put-together, so over the years I’ve tried just about everything to trick myself into getting up and getting stuff done.

And since I know I’m not the only busy dad out there who needs a little push now and then, I figured I’d share some of the motivation hacks that actually work for me.

These tips won’t make cleaning fun, but they’ll definitely help you get off the couch and get started.

Why Do I Suddenly Need a Nap Every Time It’s Time to Clean?

We all want a clean house. But actually getting (and staying) motivated to do the cleaning? That’s a whole different story. Why is it so tough to get going?

Well, here are a few reasons that might sound a little too familiar:

• Feeling worn out. This one’s huge. By the end of the week (or let’s be honest, the day), cleaning is usually sitting at the very bottom of the to-do list. After work, kids, and pretending you know how to fix that weird noise in the car, scrubbing a bathroom might be the last thing you want to do.
• Too much to do. You don’t get much extra time, and when you do, cleaning probably isn’t how you want to spend it. With work, family, and everything else life throws at you, even thinking about adding one more thing to your already packed to-do list can feel overwhelming.
• You don’t know where to start. You’ve looked around and you don’t even know where to begin. Honestly, it feels like it will take forever just to make a dent.
• I just cleaned yesterday. Sometimes it feels like the second you finish cleaning, the mess comes right back — so what’s the point, right? Between the kids, the pets, and everyday life, it’s like the house gets messy again before you even have time to enjoy the clean.
• I’m tired of being the only one cleaning up. Doing most of the cleaning all the time can really wear you down.

How I Tricked Myself Into Cleaning

Let’s be honest,cleaning isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s fun list. Most days, I’d rather do just about anything else. But like it or not, the mess isn’t going anywhere on its own.

So, when I need a little push to get started, these are the tricks that help me snap into cleaning mode. Give a few a try next time you’re staring down a pile of laundry or a kitchen that looks like a science experiment.

Tidy up in the morning (with coffee on hand if needed)

I once read that if you tackle the most dreaded task first thing in the morning, you’re more likely to actually get it done. And honestly? It works. Knock your cleaning tasks out early, and you can ride that sweet feeling of accomplishment for the rest of the day.

Make a schedule you can actually follow

I’ve learned something over the years: if I don’t schedule it, it probably won’t get done. That goes for cleaning, too. So now I set aside an hour every week (usually Saturday at 8 a.m.) just to clean. It’s early enough that the house is still quiet, and I can knock things out before the day really gets going.

Setting that hour aside means I don’t have to keep wondering, “When am I gonna clean the place?” It’s already decided. Sometimes I’ll even make a little list of what I want to get done. And, once the hour’s up, if I feel like doing more, great. If not? No guilt—I showed up, did what I had to, and that’s good enough for me.

Start simple (you’ve got to begin somewhere)

Ever notice how the things we put off forever usually aren’t as bad as we imagined once we finally do them? Cleaning is no different. The hardest part is getting started. But once you’re in motion, it’s actually pretty simple.

If you’re staring at a messy house and don’t know where to begin, keep it easy: start small. Pick one category (maybe it’s the pile of books or that mountain of dishes in the sink) and focus on that. Once it’s done, move on to the next thing. Step by step, it adds up.

Another trick I use is choosing a small space, like the kitchen counter, and cleaning just that. Then move on to another small area. It’s all about giving yourself a quick win. That little sense of progress can snowball into real motivation.

Set up a cleaning routine

Here’s another tip that’s made a big difference for me: try creating a cleaning schedule. Some people like to knock it all out in one day, and hey, if that works for you, great! But for a lot of us, that’s just not realistic.

A simple workaround?

Break it into chunks. Set a timer for, say, 25 minutes and focus on cleaning during that time. Then give yourself a 5–10 minute break. It’s much easier to stay on track this way, especially if you’re overwhelmed. You’d be surprised how much you can knock out in a few focused blocks.

Sometimes I’ll do one or two chores; before I know it, I’m on a roll and tackling even more. And honestly, you can get a ton done in just an hour or two—more than you’d think.

Another approach I like is spreading the cleaning out over the week. Tackle certain tasks on specific days, maybe vacuuming on Mondays, bathrooms on Wednesdays, that kind of thing. By the weekend, your whole place is clean without it ever feeling like a huge job.

And don’t forget deep cleaning. I like to schedule those a couple of times a year, usually when the seasons change, around January and June. It’s a good reset, and your house always feels fresher afterward.

Share the load with the family

One thing I really try to stick to in our house is the idea that cleaning is a team effort. Sure, sometimes it feels easier to just do it all myself, but if I always do that, my kids miss out on learning how to take care of their stuff. I still handle the things they can’t do yet like laundry or deeper cleaning in their rooms, but I try to let them do what they can manage.

Remember that when everyone helps out, we finish faster, which means more time for fun or relaxing together. Total win-win. Sometimes, when we are all working together, it turns out to be fun.

Of course, every child is different, so it helps to match the task to their age and ability. No sense setting anyone up for frustration (yourself included).

One thing that might work, especially with the younger ones, is using a chore chart. You can make it simple with pictures, or add words if they are reading. Let them check things off as they go, or use stickers as a reward system. It adds a bit of structure and makes the whole thing feel more like a game than a chore.

Play your way through chores

One of my favorite parenting hacks is turning cleaning into a game.

Kids will do almost anything if it feels like play, even picking up Legos or wiping down the table. It won’t be perfect, but hey, fewer groans and more giggles? I’ll take it.

Here’s a trick many say works: grab a timer and make it a challenge. Set it for 10 minutes and race the clock. See how much you can clean before it buzzes. Then tomorrow, try to beat your score. It’s simple, but weirdly effective. Plus, you might find yourself getting into it too.

Forget perfect

Look, you’re not prepping for a royal visit (unless Brad and Angelina are stopping by, in which case—call me). You’re just carving out an hour a week to tackle as much cleaning as you can. The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s momentum.

Don’t get stuck scrubbing one carpet stain for 20 minutes when that same time could be spent vacuuming, making beds, and clearing out the living room chaos. Think of the bigger picture and get the most mileage out of that hour. Focusing too much on one tiny thing can kill your motivation; once that’s gone, it’s way too easy to quit.

Flip the script (yes, even on weekends)

Let’s be real—if you’re a dad, chances are you’ve found yourself doing more than your fair share of the cleaning. Especially if you’ve got little ones who are pros at creating messes but not so great at cleaning them up.

It’s easy to get frustrated. But here’s the thing, stewing in that frustration doesn’t help anyone. Least of all, you. Instead of letting the resentment build up, try shifting your thoughts about cleaning. Not as a chore or a burden, but as a way to make your home more peaceful and more enjoyable for everyone.

Don’t forget why you started

I hear it all the time from parents: “Why bother cleaning? No one even notices!”

And yeah, I get it—it can feel pretty thankless. But here’s the deal: you’re not doing it for applause. You’re doing it for you. For your sanity, your comfort, your pride in your space.

It’s about that quiet satisfaction of knowing you’ve got things (mostly) under control. And, when someone randomly drops by, it feels pretty great to say, “Sure, come on in!” instead of panic-hiding laundry behind the couch.

Try flipping the script in your head. Don’t think, “Ugh, I have to clean today.” Think, “An hour from now, I’ll be standing in a cleaner home.” You deserve that feeling. You’re making your space better for you. And that matters.

Turn cleaning into a habit, not a headache

If you’ve already got daily habits (and let’s be real, we all do), try sneaking a cleaning task onto one of them. Think of it like a side quest.

For example, if you make coffee every morning, use that moment to build a mini cleaning ritual. Start small, like rinsing your mug and putting it straight into the dishwasher. Once that feels automatic, level up and toss in the rest of the dishes while you’re at it. The idea is to stack habits so it doesn’t feel like a big deal. Just part of the flow, like putting on socks or checking your phone for the 28th time.

You’ve earned it, don’t forget to enjoy it

Too often, we knock out a bunch of chores and just move on to the next thing without even a high five to ourselves. But when you’re done (like, really done), it’s the perfect moment to treat yourself. Grab a nice lunch (roast beef, anyone?), kick back with a movie, or pour yourself a well-earned IPA and enjoy the calm of your freshly cleaned living room.

Whatever your reward looks like, don’t skip it. It’s part of the process. Because when next week’s mess rolls around (and it will), knowing a little something is waiting for you at the finish line makes it all feel more worth it.

Find the Will to Clean

Let’s be honest—cleaning isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s “fun things to do” list. Getting into a solid cleaning routine? That’s tough. Personally, I’ll start off strong, then get distracted by something more exciting, like writing a blog post about motivating myself to clean or Googling if dogs can really open doors (they can, by the way).

Life gets busy, and cleaning easily drops to the bottom of the list. I mean, who wouldn’t rather be out having fun than scrubbing bathroom tiles?

And let’s not pretend we’re aiming for a spotless, magazine-ready home 24/7. That’s just not real life, especially with kids. Mess happens. It’s part of the charm (most days). Sometimes the best choice is to ignore the dishes, embrace the chaos, and pile onto the couch for family movie night.

But here’s the thing: cleaning does come with some pretty great perks. Studies show that a clean home leads to a happier, calmer life. So in a way, cleaning isn’t just about wiping counters. It’s about setting the stage for more peace, focus, and maybe even fewer misplaced LEGO bricks. Whether it’s your living room or workspace, it’s easier to enjoy being there when the place isn’t buried in clutter.

And if you’re staring down a mess so big it feels like a personal attack? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. This post has step-by-step help to get you moving without throwing in the towel.

Because everyone deserves to live in a clean, comfortable space.

And to finally find that one missing sock.

(Thanks a lot, dryer…)