The Thing About Vacuuming
- Liz Buechele
- Jan 8, 2025
- 1 min read
People were coming over. People were coming over so the night before I pulled the vacuum from its home in my closet to the middle of the family room, a reminder for six am eyes that I meant business. Coming off the Christmas holidays, this feels like a sad adult version of leaving cookies out for Santa.
But of course, there are many things I find more interesting than vacuuming. The next morning, I wanted to relax and unwind. And, as an “upstairs neighbor” who aspires to be “good,” I found myself pushing off the task. “It’s too early!” I told myself despite hearing the dogs in the units below me coming and going with their humans. The stare off intensified. Everything I wanted to be doing. A purple vacuum cleaner in the middle of the room.
Finally, I untangled the cord. It wouldn’t be a thorough sweep, but I’d at least hit the rugs.
But the thing about vacuuming is it always becomes a little more. It isn’t supposed to be a big thing but before you know it you’re moving the coffee table and plugging in attachments to hit every kitchen crevice.
I meant to lazy vacuum. I meant to buddy up with bare minimum.
But the thing about starting is once you’ve done it, it’s a little easier to keep doing it.
A little bit always turns into more than you expect. And more than you expect is action.
And the thing about action is it makes a difference.
So what are you putting in the middle of your family room tonight? What are you going to begin?
Such a thoughtful and relatable post. It’s fascinating how an everyday chore like vacuuming can spark reflections on routine, responsibility, and the small habits that quietly shape our lives. Sometimes the most ordinary tasks offer the most meaningful insights.
Such a relatable and thoughtful post! It’s interesting how everyday tasks like vacuuming can become a metaphor for larger life lessons about responsibility, persistence, and finding meaning in the small routines that shape our days. Really enjoyed this perspective.
A delightful read! It's refreshing to see the humor in everyday tasks like vacuuming. Your perspective adds a lighthearted touch to a chore many of us overlook. Looking forward to more insightful and entertaining posts
What a lovely reminder that the smallest actions can spark momentum and change. I love how you framed vacuuming — not as a chore, but as a metaphor for starting, for doing just “a little,” and then watching that evolve into something meaningful. Thank you for this nudge — it makes me wonder: what simple act can I start tonight in my own space?
This piece beautifully captures the often-overlooked moments of daily life. Vacuuming, though mundane, becomes a metaphor for the little acts that bring order and clarity to our spaces and minds. It's a reminder that even the simplest tasks can hold deeper meaning.