NEW YORK — Tackling the task of getting your home spick and span can be daunting and often requires long hours of scrubbing, dusting, and washing. In fact, it takes the average American four days and 19 minutes to completely clean and organize their entire home.
Spring is here, and with it comes the annual ritual of cleaning and organizing which more than half of Americans (55%) engage in, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. The act of cleaning and organizing goes beyond just freshening up a home. Eight in 10 Americans believe that spring organizing makes them feel more in control of their life.
Cleaning improves mental health
People also believe tidying up the house helps their mental well-being. The top reasons cited were boosting mood (54%), reducing stress (49%), increasing focus (48%), organizing thoughts (47%), and improving physical health (45%).
When asked what type of organizational method people prefer when spring organizing, 47 percent said they prefer to organize the things they have and keep them in a clutter-free living space, while 38 percent prefer to throw things away and have a minimalist living space.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of At Home, found that 85 percent felt more motivated after organizing and properly storing their belongings. Other feelings that arose were a sense of accomplishment (55%), motivation (46%), energy (42%), and relief (36%).
Best songs for cleaning
In addition to the benefits of mental well-being and feeling more in control of their lives, eight in 10 see cleaning as an exercise routine that can be made more enjoyable with the addition of their favorite song.
The top three popular songs people listened to while organizing were “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida (21%), “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi (17%), and “Roar” by Katy Perry (16%).
Cleaning motivation
Not everyone voluntarily and joyfully cleans and organizes their living space. Sixty-three percent of respondents admitted to cleaning or organizing their homes to avoid the judgment of guests and family members.
Organizational choices around the house seem to be inspired by outside factors such as home and lifestyle magazines (38%), home improvement stores (34%), social media platforms (33%), organization shows on TV (32%), and advice from friends and family (31%).
“We are passionate about making your house feel like a home, and finding the right products to bring that sense of accomplishment and energy into your life and living spaces,” says president and chief merchandising and product officer of At Home, Chad Stauffer, in a statement.
When it comes to which room is the most organized, the living room was the top pick (26%) and the dirtiest room was the kid’s room (17%).
To keep their belongings neat and tidy, people may need to purchase additional storage items. However, not everyone has the same approach when it comes to selecting organizational solutions.
Four in 10 respondents said that they are always on a tight budget, so they look for the most affordable options. On the other hand, thirty-seven percent prioritize functionality and style over budget when selecting organizational solutions for their home.
Survey Methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by At Home between March 22 and March 27, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).