The Flylady Method: Why Polishing Your Sink Comes First
The FlyLady Method to home organizing recommends starting with one seemingly small step: polishing your sink. At first, it might feel trivial to focus on the sink when there’s a mountain of mess around you. But the reasoning is solid—especially if you’re tackling home organization on your own.
FlyLady often says, “It’s not about the sink, it’s about establishing a habit.” By starting with something simple and achievable, you set yourself up for long-term success.
In this post, we’ll explore five positive effects of polishing your sink first. (And by the way, when FlyLady says “polish,” she means both cleaning AND shining it until it sparkles!)
👉 Go ahead and give it a try before you read further. I’ll wait right here.
Welcome Back!
Now let’s break down the five positive effects of this one simple step.
1. Provides Visual Accomplishment
Everyone feels a sense of pride when they can see a finished task. Sure, the rest of your house might still feel overwhelming, but now you’ve created one beautiful, shiny spot—the sink. That little win matters. You’ve gained instant success and, more importantly, a sense of control.
2. Creates a Positive Ripple Effect
Dirty dishes pile up fast, and the more they stack, the longer they take to clean. Dana K. White from A Slob Comes Clean calls this “dishes math.”
But now that your sink is sparkling, do you really want to clutter it with dirty dishes? Of course not! That one act of polishing will inspire you to stay on top of dishes and keep the momentum going. This is the ripple effect in action.
3. Becomes a Symbol of Self-Care
Polishing your sink isn’t just about the kitchen—it’s an act of self-care. It’s like giving yourself a hug and a high-five all at once. Taking care of your home in small, intentional ways is also a way of taking care of you.
4. Builds a Foundation Habit
Small wins create momentum. Day one: you polish the sink. Day two: you feel motivated to wipe down the counters. Day three: maybe you sweep the floor or tackle a kitchen “hot spot” (those areas where clutter tends to land).
That shiny sink becomes a foundation habit—a starting point that naturally grows into more positive daily routines.
5. Fosters a Mindset Shift
When you’re overwhelmed, starting with one manageable task makes all the difference. By focusing on the sink, you reduce stress and create an instant, visible improvement.
This simple step helps shift your mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I’m making progress.” And as FlyLady teaches, taking back your home is best achieved with baby steps.
Final Thought
Waking up to a clean kitchen is like waking up to a space that’s smiling at you. It greets you with energy and encouragement: “Hello! You’re going to have a great day!”
So while it may feel small, polishing your sink is more than just a chore—it’s the beginning of a habit that transforms your home, your mindset, and your mornings.