Do you often find it difficult to complete your cleaning checklist? You start out the day with wonderful intentions, but then you procrastinate and get sidetracked. Then, before you know it, it’s time for bed, and your apartment doesn’t look any better than it did the day before. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But we’re here for you—we’ve compiled the following tips to help you get motivated to clean your apartment:

• Put on some tunes. Have you ever noticed how some up-tempo music can make a workout go by much more quickly? The same is true for cleaning sessions. Or, if music isn’t your jam, try playing an audiobook that will help you pass the time.
• Commit to just five minutes of cleaning. Oftentimes, the hardest part about cleaning is actually starting to clean. When you have a long list of tasks ahead of you, it can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling the urge to procrastinate, commit to spending just five minutes getting one thing done—for example, emptying the dishwasher, cleaning off your kitchen table, or picking up your child’s toys from the living room floor. Chances are good that once you’ve gotten into the swing of cleaning, you’ll be more inclined to continue. And if not, at least you accomplished something!
• Promise yourself a reward. There’s nothing wrong with offering yourself a little bribe. Tell yourself that if you get through your to-do list, you’ll treat yourself to that bowl of ice cream, guilty pleasure TV show, or relaxing bath that you’ve had your heart set on.