5 Ways You And Your Partner Can Embrace Tidying Together

You walk into your home, and instead of a serene sanctuary, you find yourself in the middle of a battlefield. Bickering with your partner over the mess has become an all-too-familiar soundtrack in your life. Sound familiar? Well, you're not alone. Disagreements about cleanliness are notorious deal-breakers for couples. A cluttered home can spark blame and frustration, which, if left unattended, can simmer into resentment. 

As a professional declutterer with over 10,000 hours of working with clients, I know just how to embrace your cleaning differences and create a home that everyone feels good in.

1. Recognizing the Tidiness Tango

When you and your partner share a living space, it's like learning a dance, a tidiness tango. Acknowledge that growing up, each of you may have developed different approaches to cleaning.  This will give you some perspective and understanding of each other’s differences.

2. Embrace the Normalcy of Differences

In the spirit of decluttering, let's embrace the normalcy of these differences. It's entirely usual for partners to have contrasting cleaning styles. Instead of viewing it as a source of conflict, look at it as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

3. Spark Joy in Compromise

In Marie Kondo's words, find joy (even in compromise). Your home is a shared space, and tidying it should be a collaborative effort. Instead of viewing it as a battleground, look for ways to meet in the middle, ensuring that both you and your partner find joy in the tidying process. 

4. Create a Unified Vision

Create a home that sparks joy for both partners. Sit down with your significant other and discuss your vision for your living space. What elements are essential to both of you? This unified vision can serve as a guiding light in your tidying journey.

5. Celebrate Small Victories

As you embark on this tidying journey together, remember to celebrate the small victories. Whether it's finally conquering that messy closet or finding a compromise on a cluttered countertop, each step toward a tidier home is a win for your relationship.

In the world of home organization, harmony within a relationship is as essential as decluttering your living space. By embracing the differences in your cleaning habits, finding joy in compromise, and creating a shared vision for your home, you can declutter not only your surroundings but also your relationship. Instead of bickering, you'll find yourselves dancing to the tidiness tango with a renewed sense of togetherness. So, take Marie Kondo's wisdom to heart, and let your home become a place of joy, serenity, and unity. Which of your partner’s cleaning habits are you willing to compromise on?