As the pandemic (hopefully) fades into the background, Friday nights can once again become a time to raise a glass at happy hour, see a sports game in-person, or go out for a nice dinner.
It’s also the best time to clean your home. We can hear your groaning on your laptop or phone as you read this but bear with us. Tidying up on a Friday night can help set the stage for a more laidback weekend — one in which you have something to wear or enjoy chilling in your home (or both).
Still not convinced? Let’s straighten out why this day is the best time to clean your home and some do’s and don’ts if you’re going to give Friday night chores a try.
Why Friday is the best time to clean your home
Sure, it’s fun to hang out with friends and family on Friday, but you can do that during the rest of the weekend without a worry in the world. Here’s why you should consider doing Friday night chores:
You’re still motivated from the week
You’ve closed your laptop and walked away from your desk. For the next couple of days, you can forget about your to-do list at work. That’s a liberating feeling, but you’re likely not completely in “weekend mode” just yet. Use whatever motivation you have left from the week to straighten up your home before a late alarm and unstructured Saturday reduces your will to do chores.
It will allow you to enjoy your weekend
Would you rather head to brunch on Sunday morning or spend time doing loads of laundry? We’re guessing it’s the latter. Knocking out chores on Friday gives you more time to enjoy the weekend on your terms. Think of it like burpees: You may not love them in the moment, but you’ll be thankful you did them later.
What chores to do on Friday night (and the one thing to avoid)
Friday night organizational sessions should benefit you, not completely stress you out. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plot out your strategy.
Do: Laundry
The time is coming to ditch the yoga pants, which means the days of feeling like you have nothing to wear are returning. Getting a load of laundry done on Friday night can show you that you do, in fact, have the perfect outfit for your weekend plans. It will also ensure it’s fresh and clean.
Do: Scrub surface areas
Whether you’re a bit anxious about a return to normal or have simply decided to spend some time at home relaxing this weekend, you’ll want to feel relaxed. One of the best ways to do this is to make it look squeaky clean by wiping down surface areas like your kitchen counter, table, shower, and vanity.
Do: Take inventory and go grocery shopping
Go through the items in your fridge and pantry. What are you almost out of? If you’re having a dinner party, what do you need? Having a luxurious brunch at home? Add a pancake mix or eggs to your list.
Don’t: Try to do it all
You just worked hard all week. Friday night is not the time to try to completely scrub your home from top-to-bottom like it’s a five-star hotel (unless that relaxes you). Instead, pick a few tasks that will benefit you for the next 48 hours, whether that’s simply reducing clutter or making your bathroom look squeaky-clean.
Doing chores on Friday night may not sound like the most fun thing to do, particularly as we start to return to normal after a year of spending weekends (and weekdays, for that matter) at home. However, it’s worth considering, especially if you can get on board with delayed gratification. Knocking out tasks like laundry can ensure you can choose the perfect outfits for a Saturday night on the town or Sunday shopping. Going through your fridge will help you realize that you’ll need to grab some eggs from the grocery store if you want to make yourself a delicious omelet for brunch. You don’t have to turn it into a Marie Kondo organizational festival. Keep it simple and knock out the things that will help you have a happier weekend.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.