However, unless you're a hyper-organized person, cleaning can be demotivating even if there aren't any ridiculously challenging objects. A to-do list of chores is often the opposite of fun.

But unfortunately, we all have to pick up after ourselves. So to make it slightly less painful, here are 10 tips that will pretty much trick you into tidying up. From little strategies that allow you to bypass the part of your brain that wants to procrastinate, to "lifehacks" that'll save you plenty of time, these shortcuts might be just what you need to keep your home in a liveable condition.

1. Play music. The same thing that can motivate you during a workout can also get you cleaning. For example, find (or make) a 30-minute-long playlist and get challenge yourself to keep scrubbing and vacuuming until the music is up.

Often it will get you into such a good mood, you'll want to keep up the good work even after the last song finishes.

2. Set a timer. This one is similar to the playlist trick, but if you don't have the opportunity to blast your favorite jams, promise yourself you'll try to put in the work for at least a short length of time (20 minutes always seems manageable) and see what happens then.

Again, give yourself complete permission to stop after the timer goes off, as long as you remain focused during those 20 minutes.

3. Put just one thing back in its rightful place. So you're walking through the living room and all of a sudden you spot a dirty glass on the coffee table. Don't let it stay there, just take it to the kitchen where it belongs and it'll help minimize the pile-up of messes.

Accomplishing a small task can remind you how painless the job you've been putting off actually is in reality. Also, don't underestimate how many little actions can add up. It's a nice habit to develop.

4. Reward yourself. Do not go for that snack until you've accomplished something. This way you're motivated to get the job done because there's something awesome waiting for you as soon as you're done.

It's also much easier to relax and enjoy whatever it is you want when there's no guilt of inaction hanging over your shoulders.

5. Do one small task a day. Don't try to clean like it's 1965, it's just not reasonable to spend the entire day on polishing your home. But if you assign one small chore to each day of the week, by Sunday you'll be lounging in your (pretty much) spotless abode.

6. Have a friend come over to help. It might be hard to get them there, but if you promise some beers and pizza, at least a few should oblige. And before you know it, you'll be chatting while cleaning out your closet and you'll probably be able to get rid of a lot of stuff. Second opinions are what save many people from becoming hoarders.

7. Acknowledge your weakness. Some of us can't get up in the morning without hitting the snooze button seventeen times. But if you can't get dressed without leaving a mountain of clothes on the sofa, admit this tiny flaw, then accommodate. In this case, put a small chair for your pile to sit on. This will at least limit the mess and keep the stuff from spreading all over the place.

8. Try a new cleaning product. Much like when you get a new pair of shoes that you can't wait to show off to everyone you know, if you invest in a cool new cleaning item, it may motivate you to use it.

9. Use a trigger. A trigger is an action that spurs a result. (Such as having to have a scotch when you watch Mad Men.) If you always load the dishwasher after you have your cup of coffee, it'll become automatic behavior. Or, at least a cup of coffee will always push you towards cleaning.

10. Plan a party. For the hopelessly messy, the only strong motivation to clean up is having other people over so they won't know your terrible secret.

This doesn't address your behavior but at least it can get the result you want!