The Time-Consuming Nature of Cleaning a Greasy Messy One Bedroom Apartment
Dealing with a greasy, messy one-bedroom apartment can be a daunting task, especially after a tenant has moved out. I recently faced such a situation, where the kitchen needed extensive cleaning. Here is a detailed account of the efforts and time involved in cleaning the apartment, and ways to streamline the process for future reference.
Initial Cleaning Efforts
When a previous tenant left, the kitchen and other parts of the apartment were found to be greasy, requiring immediate attention. To address this, I hired a professional cleaning service, which took an additional 3 hours beyond the regular cleaning. However, the greasy residue on the inside of the cabinets on the walls and ceiling required a substantial amount of time. I spent an astounding 6 hours just cleaning the grease from the cabinets. If you’re curious about the time and efforts involved in cleaning a not-so-bad apartment, this information might surprise you.
Dealing with Decrepit Closets
In particularly challenging rooms, such as the closet, the process of cleaning requires even more thoroughness. If you’re dealing with a closet that is overflowing with items, there are several steps to take. The first involves setting up a system for sorting and purging. Begin by emptying everything onto the floor, which will give you a clear view of what needs to be done. Next, sort through the items, keeping only what you find necessary. Clothes, toys, and other items that are worn out or no longer needed should be separated and either donated or thrown away. This process is often referred to as gutting a room, and is crucial in maintaining a clutter-free living space.
Simple and Effective Closet Organization
Once the clutter is managed and items are sorted, the next step is organization. Installing hooks on the walls for hangers and baskets for small items can significantly enhance the utilitarian and aesthetic aspects of your closet. Aside from clothes and shoes, all items should be kept in the closet with a designated hamper for laundry. Heavy and bulky dressers can be dumped out to free up space and make the atmosphere more living-friendly. Simple furniture like a bed, nightstand, lamp, desk, and chair are all that’s required to furnish the apartment, ensuring that everything has a place and nothing is left lying around.
Staying organized can be a game-changer. For instance, knowing where to put your work bag, mail, keys, and even shoes can save a lot of time and stress. For instance, placing your lunch bag in the kitchen, keeping mail in a basket that goes directly to the closet, hanging shoes on hooks and clothes in the closet with a hamper for dirty laundry. Ensuring everything has a designated place can prevent clutter from building up and make your life more efficient.
Personal Experiences and Wisdom
From my experience, it’s not worth being a slob. Dealing with clutter and maintaining a cluttered living environment is a massive time waster. It is crucial to shut off notifications and dedicate some time to cleaning and organizing your space. Doing so can save you time, reduce stress, and improve the overall quality of your living environment. Allocating 2 hours to tackle the clutter is often sufficient to achieve a significant improvement in your living space.