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Out with the Old, In with the New: How to Make Healthy Cleaning Habits in 2023

The most important thing you can do at the start of the New Year is to make healthy changes, particularly in your cleaning and lifestyle habits. While any time is a good time to make a change, the new year is often a good time for reflection and action. Additionally, it’s very easy to lose your focus on this as the year goes on, and it’s likely that you’ll need to change your habits more than once as you go through life. Here are some tips from Plan: B Cleaning on how to start new year’s resolutions with healthy cleaning habits, and then maintain those cleaning habits throughout the rest of the year!

Resolve to start a good habit

The new year is a great time to start fresh and develop healthy habits that will stick with you throughout the year if you are consistent. A good place to start is by evaluating your living space and making sure it’s clean and organized. This will help you feel less stressed and more productive.

Here are some tips to get you started on getting into healthier habits this year:

  • Before you begin, set yourself up for success by laying out what needs to be done. Don’t overwhelm yourself, just pick one or two tasks each day so that they can be completed before moving on to the next task.
  • Use Google calendar, a tracking app, paper planner, or agenda to help you stay organized regarding key dates and key tasks. Update regularly to ensure you are working toward your goals daily. No system is foolproof, so do what works best for you!
  • Encourage yourself along the way! You can set up a reward system or way to incentivize yourself. Treat yourself however you want, with whatever budget you have! Treats can include a shopping spree, spa day, or even smaller items along the way. If you like to journal, you can purchase another item of stationery. If you enjoy baking, you can invest in a new tray or icing tip set. Invest in yourself and your interests. Positive reinforcement can go a long way! You also need to maintain discipline.

How to develop the discipline you need

If you’re someone who struggles to keep up with healthy cleaning habits and holding yourself accountable, then developing discipline is key. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Set realistic goals for yourself – Don’t try to change everything at once, focus on one or two things that you really want to improve.
  • Make a plan – Once you know what your goals are, come up with a plan of action on how you’re going to achieve them. This can include scheduling time for yourself, setting reminders, or finding an accountability partner.
  • Start small – Take baby steps and celebrate each accomplishment along the way.

Small changes lead to big results

If you’re like most people, you probably want to focus on improving your health and well-being in 2023. Cleaning is a big part of health and well being, and a great New Year’s resolution. Dust, grime, and allergens in the cracks and crevices of your home can harm your immune system in the long run. There may also be mold growing and hiding in dingy spaces. Small changes lead to big results!

Even if you spend five minutes to put away or wipe down as much as you can, your home or office will gradually become more organized and cleaner. Try not to be intimidated by what seems like a daunting task. Little by little, you can work toward a clean space whenever you have some extra time.

Be patient – Changing cleaning habits takes time so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

It may seem like every time you clean, it gets messy again. Dust comes back, dishes pile up, and so on. Changing habits takes time so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. You need to be patient with yourself and focus on grace and gratitude as well!

Storage and organization hacks for every room in your home

One way to keep things clean is by decluttering and organizing your home. A tidy space can help you feel calmer and more in control. Plus, if the stuff is all picked up and put away, it is easier to wipe down, vacuum and so on. Plus, it can make it easier to find things when you need them or want to put them back. Follow these simple storage and organization hacks for every room in your home!

  • Use bins. Bins come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and even textures. You can find a fabric bin, plastic bin, and so on. You can place them in any room and fill them with any thing
  • Use racks and shelves. Use shoe racks, book shelves, and more. This investment goes a long way!
  • Use labels! Labels make it easier to see what is inside these bins and boxes. You can use a label or simply create your own with paper and pen!

3 Do-It-Yourself Ideas to Elevate Your Space

  1. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint. This will instantly add curb appeal and make your home feel more welcoming.
  2. Plant some flowers or shrubs in pots near your front door. This will add color and life to your home’s exterior.
  3. Hang some wind chimes near your front door or in your backyard. This will create a calming atmosphere and help you relax after a long day.

Is cleaning on your resolution list for the year? Start 2023 off right by getting your space in order! You’ll feel more productive and less stressed when your environment is clean, tidy, and well decorated.

Contact Us!

We’ll do the cleaning while you and your loved ones focus on celebrating and working toward your new goals! If you are looking to hire a cleaning service for your home or office to ring in the new year, you know who to call!

We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service with Plan: B Cleaning. This will give you the time to do what you love most and start the new year off strong in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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4 Tips for Easy Post-Holiday Clean-Up

After the festivities of the holiday season have ended, post-holiday clean-up is an inevitable part of life. But with a few simple tips and tricks, post-Christmas cleaning can be a breeze. Here are 4 tips for easy post-holiday cleanup that will help you get your home back in order in no time.

1) Tackle the Decorations

– Slowly and methodically take down all of your decorations. Start with those that are in difficult-to-reach areas, like windows and ceilings. This will help you keep track of which decorations have already been taken down, and it will also help to reduce the amount of clutter as you work your way through the entire house.

– Once you’ve finished taking down the decorations, create a storage system that will make it easy to find them next year. Label each box or bin with a description of what is inside, and make sure to store decorations in a dry, cool area.

2) Purge What You Don’t Need

Purge what you don’t need: If you’re like most people, you’ve accumulated a lot of new items during the holidays. Take some time to go through everything and get rid of what you don’t need or want. Donate any items that are in good condition and throw out the rest.

3) Toss the Trash

– Designate a trash bag or two for quick disposal. This is an easy way to quickly grab all of the debris that’s left after the holidays and dump it out in one fell swoop. It can also save you time when it comes to hauling it to the curb.

– Reuse where you can. Instead of tossing everything, make sure to keep an eye out for items that can be reused or repurposed for future holiday celebrations. This could include items such as bows, gift bags, and more.

– Recycle what you can. Some trash service companies in and around Fishers, Indiana offer curbside recycling options for items such as paper, cardboard boxes, and plastic containers. Take advantage of this service and place recyclables into the proper bins for easy collection.

4) Hire the Home Cleaning Professionals at Plan: B Cleaning

Enjoying the holidays with family and friends is a blessing, but the mess that comes with it can be overwhelming. Cleaning up after Christmas and getting your home back in order can seem like an insurmountable task. Fortunately, Plan: B Cleaning is here to help you get through the post-holiday cleanup quickly and easily. We offer one-time, weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning services.

If you reside in the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist, call (317) 572-8515 or get your free quote at www.planbcleaning.com/free-estimates.

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Kwanzaa: What is it and How is it Celebrated?

Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural observance that falls in the month of December. In the United States, it was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966 as an alternative to Christmas and Hanukkah, but more representative of African-American culture and history. The first Kwanzaa celebration was held on December 26th, 1966, and continues today as a recognized holiday by African-Americans across the world. It celebrates the African harvest and key cultural values.

Happy Kwanzaa from us! Plan: B Cleaning strives to heighten cultural awareness in our community of Fishers, Indiana, and beyond. Continue reading to learn more!

About Kwanzaa

Who: Kwanzaa was coined in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to bring African Americans together after the Watts Riots and tumultuous times.

What: Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which roughly translates to “first fruits of the harvest”.

When: It is typically observed from December 26 to January 1st.

Where: Since Kwanzaa is primarily an African American holiday, it is mainly celebrated in the United States and other parts of North America. However, it has been popularized and is celebrated across the world, particularly in the Caribbean and other countries where there are large numbers of descendants of Africans.

Why: Families celebrate Kwanzaa and their culture by cleaning and decorating their homes, exchanging gifts, and spending time with loved ones.

The History of Kwanzaa

On each day, one of the seven principles is honored through an activity related to its meaning. For example, on December 27th the principle of unity is celebrated with a feast, while on December 31st self-determination is honored with cleanliness rituals. It is historically significant as it encourages African Americans to appreciate and bask in their heritage or culture, regardless of where they now live. This is extra meaningful as they faced many struggles and were often discriminated against. So, it gives them an opportunity to celebrate all that they have overcome as a community, as well as motivation to continue the legacy.

What Are The Seven Principles For Living

As aforementioned, Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American holiday, and each day focuses on one of the seven key principles. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are ….

  1. Self-determination
  2. Collective work
  3. Responsibility
  4. Cooperative economics
  5. Purpose
  6. Creativity
  7. Faith.

People celebrate Kwanzaa by lighting a kinara (candle holder with seven candles), giving gifts, decorating with colors that represent the holiday (black, red, and green), and feasting. On the first day of Kwanzaa, a black candle is lit in the center of the kinara followed by three red candles on the left side and three green candles on the right side.

Cleaning and Decorating for Kwanzaa

Before Kwanzaa can begin, you need to make sure your home is clean and decorated. After all, this is a time to celebrate! Start by giving your home a good cleaning. Wash the windows, vacuum the floors, and dust everything off. Once your home is clean, you can start decorating. To celebrate Kwanzaa, many people clean their homes and decorate them with African symbols. One popular decoration is the kinara, which is a seven-branched candelabra. Each branch represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Other decorations include colorful fabrics, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Many people use red, black, and green to decorate for Kwanzaa.

These colors represent different aspects of African culture. Red represents the blood that was shed during the struggle for freedom, black represents the African people, and the green represents the growth and prosperity of Africa. You can use these colors in any way you like – whether that be through traditional decorations like candles or through more modern decorations like hanging banners or streamers.

Contact Us!

Contact Plan: B Cleaning! You do the holiday decorating, we’ll do the cleaning! If you are looking to hire a cleaning service to treat yourself or your loved ones this Kwanzaa or holiday season, you know who to call!

We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service with Plan: B Cleaning. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy the holiday festivities in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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5 Tips to Get Your Holiday Home Clean and Ready for Guests

It’s the holiday season, which means that your home will be filled with family and friends. If you want to ensure that your guests are as comfortable as possible in your home, you’ll need to give it a thorough cleaning so that it’s presentable when the company arrives. Keep these five cleaning tips in mind when you’re giving your holiday home its annual deep clean.

1) Schedule time for holiday cleaning

Try scheduling some time in your week to clean. Cleaning your home before the holidays is important because it creates a welcoming environment for your guests. House cleaning services can help you with this! At Plan: B Cleaning, we offer a variety of house cleaning services, even holiday cleaning! To make sure your holiday decorations are ready to go when it’s time to deck the halls, call us today!

2) Deep clean your home

Plan B Cleaning has some tips on how you can get your home clean and ready for guests in a short amount of time. Our professional cleaners recommend starting with a deep clean of the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, and entryway. After you have done this, go back and tackle areas that are more difficult or take longer to clean – think: under the couch cushions or between the seats in your car. Cleaners at Plan B Cleaning know how important it is to be clean before company comes over and we would love to help make sure your home is as clean as possible before any festivities begin!

3) Get rid of clutter

Step one in the holiday home cleaning process is getting rid of all of the clutter. Put all of your junk into boxes labeled yard sale, keep, and donate. This way, you’ll know where everything goes without spending hours searching through boxes later. You’ll be able to make a quick trip around your home for trash, giving you plenty of time to clean up before guests arrive. Keep only what brings you joy in your home!

4) Decorate strategically

Creating an atmosphere is one of the most important parts of entertaining. Creating a welcoming environment starts with a sparkling clean home. Make your first impression when guests come over by making your home smell like cinnamon or oranges by infusing smells through candles, potpourri, and more. Incorporate greenery into your holiday decorating this year by adding real or fake plants. Use white lights that are battery-operated instead of those traditional strands that never seem to work out in the end.

Maintaining a tidy house will make it easier on you as well as for your guests during their stay. When it’s time to get up from the dinner table, use coasters under drinks and glasses on tables to avoid ring marks on wood surfaces. Store holiday decorations out of sight but in easy reach when not being used so they’re not cluttering up space. Throw any extra wrapping paper and bows in the trash after using them, or store them neatly together until next year. The best way to keep your holiday decorations organized is with handy organizers from The Container Store.

5) Have a plan for when things go wrong

Planning ahead is the key to successfully completing any task. This is especially true when it comes to holiday cleaning. What do you do if you can’t find your vacuum cleaner? Or if a family member arrives early and wants to get in the house? It’s important not only to have a plan but also to make sure that everyone in your household knows what it is. Read more about how Plan: B Cleaning can help you with these holiday tasks! You can be confident that we’ll take care of everything from vacuuming to dishes, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Contact Plan: B Cleaning Services

Plan: B Cleaning is a house cleaning service in Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Broad Ripple, Fortville, Hamilton County, Indiana, and more. We provide professional cleaning services designed to make your home feel like a holiday wonderland!

Our team of professional cleaners will deep clean your home while you do the necessary holiday decorating. Then can enjoy all the festivities without worrying about what’s going on at home! We have affordable pricing plans that are based on your needs, as well as special Black Friday deals in November. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or book online at www.planbcleaning.com.

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5 Ways to Make Cleaning More Fun

Cleaning is not always fun for everyone, and we understand that. However, it just takes a little creativity to make it feel like less of a monotonous chore. Here are five ways from Plan B Cleaning that you can use to make cleaning more fun for yourself and your loved ones. You might even find yourself starting to look forward to cleaning!

1) Listen to music

Listening to music while cleaning can help pass the time and make the task more enjoyable. If you have trouble finding music you like, try creating a cleaning playlist on Spotify or Pandora. Any positive, upbeat music will do the trick. You can also listen to podcasts or audiobooks while cleaning. So, if you’ve been waiting to listen to a new book, TedTalk, and so on – this is your chance! Put on your headphones and groove out!

2) Set a timer

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning your entire home, start with just one section and use a timer. Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can get done. Or, you can set one for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and so on. The hard part is getting started, as it can be overwhelming to fit cleaning into your schedule. The timer will help you commit to cleaning and stay on task for a few minutes. You will be way more productive in much less time! Chances are, once you get started, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short amount of time. And the satisfaction of seeing a clean space will motivate you to keep going.

3) Turn it into a game

You can make cleaning more fun by turning it into a game. For example, you can set a timer and see how long it takes you to clean up the kitchen. Or, you can make a game out of seeing how many items you can put away in a certain amount of time. The possibilities are endless! And, not only will you have more fun, but you’ll get the job done quicker, too. Plus, you can get your family members or roommates involved to join in and get extra competitive. Who can clean their room the fastest? Who can pick up and put away the most items? Let’s find out!

4) Set up a reward system

A great way to make cleaning more fun is to set up a reward system for yourself. For every task, you complete, give yourself a point. Once you reach a certain number of points, you can treat yourself to something you really want. You can set up different tiers of prizes and treats for yourself too, from a cup of Starbucks to a new book, or maybe even a shopping spree. This will give you something to look forward to as you clean and help motivate you to keep your space clean!

5) Be creative!

Creativity is what makes cleaning a little more fun. Here are some of our best ideas, but keep thinking and see what else you can come up with. Once you are able to find what works for you, cleaning will feel a little less like the most monotonous chore.

To summarize our tips,

  1. Set a timer to clean and follow through with it! Setting aside time in your day or week that you know you’ll be home ensures that it gets done. It doesn’t have to be a long time. As long as you are productive and consistent, it will be easier to maintain cleanliness in your home!
  2. Break cleaning into manageable tasks! If the thought of doing all three floors seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller tasks by floor.
  3. Find someone else who enjoys doing chores too! It’s always nice when there’s someone who shares your enthusiasm for organization and tidiness around the house. You can split chores by preference, too. Maybe one person always does laundry and vacuuming while the other always do dishes! Even if you may have to do a bit of convincing, it’ll be worth it!

Contact Us!

Contact Us! If you do not enjoy cleaning at all or just need a break from cleaning, we can take those chores off of your plate! Our cleaning team enjoys cleaning and making you smile – that is why it is their job!

We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service with Plan B Cleaning. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy the fall festivities in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.