At some point I reluctantly accepted that my home would never be as well kept as my mothers. I think I do a pretty good job though, largely in part to my obsessive aversion to clutter. However that serious Saturday morning clean my mom pulled off religiously just doesn't happen here.
Realistically, most of us have about several more things on our plate than our parents did at our age. I mean almost everyone I know has at least one child, two jobs (Or pending ventures), a significant other and a host of other commitments that keep them pretty well tied.
So the problem is, I am in fact my mothers child. So while I don't love scrubbing floors I absolutely can't deal with a scary home. Understanding that Joan Crawford perfection and third world squalor are at two opposite ends of the spectrum, I had to find a middle ground.
Realistically, most of us have about several more things on our plate than our parents did at our age. I mean almost everyone I know has at least one child, two jobs (Or pending ventures), a significant other and a host of other commitments that keep them pretty well tied.
So the problem is, I am in fact my mothers child. So while I don't love scrubbing floors I absolutely can't deal with a scary home. Understanding that Joan Crawford perfection and third world squalor are at two opposite ends of the spectrum, I had to find a middle ground.
Photo Credit: Hookedonhouses.net
The picture of the bewildered housewife was taken in 1956, the year my own "Martha Stewart" was born.
The picture of the bewildered housewife was taken in 1956, the year my own "Martha Stewart" was born.
After a bit of time on my own I picked up a few sneaky tricks that allow me to keep my space pulled together without completely sacrificing my sanity:
- Love it or let it go-Only keep things in your home you actually use or will use in the next year. That broken lamp you're going to "fix," those keys that may be to something important and all the junk in that scary drawer need to go today !
- Donate it or put it up-Any item that doesn't have a specific place to live is considered homeless and will be treated as such.
- Adopt the 15 minute clean-Set a timer in each room you need to tackle give yourself fifteen minutes to: Tackle the clutter, dust the grimy bits, spray down the surfaces and toss any trash. This saves me everyday! I do this one regularly and it keeps things from getting completely out of control.
- Keep a basket or box for mail and receipts-I keep a mail station by the door that houses all the clutter that would normally end up on the kitchen counter or table. Go through it and toss stuff Biweekly.
- Set a schedule-On Monday you may just clean windows. You may be tempted to do more but If you tell yourself you will only need 15 minutes to wipe down the windows you'll get it done. On Tuesday you may decide to do laundry, Thursdays may be the day you mop. Whatever rhythm works for you. Set a schedule that allows you to do a small bit daily until you have the time or energy to dive into the whole house. Have your partner, roommate or kids alternate dishes, sweeping and clutter removal.
- One in one out-If you buy something new find something to toss. I promise ,you can find something!
- Track in less-Taking your shoes off at the door will cut your cleaning in half. You'd be surprised how much random shazz we track in that dinges up the carpet or adds to the dust piles on the floors. Make a designated area for guests to leave their shoes, so the shoe free zone is obvious to everyone who comes in.
~Start with taking control of one small space at a time. Make a list of the worst areas and jump on those first~
Photo credit:HGTV
Spring cleaning forces you to tackle the build up from being in the house all winter. Google ideas, visually seeing what you can accomplish will give you the motivation you need to get it done! Give everyone you share space with a job this week (bribe them if that works). Don't stress yourself out trying to make it perfect,it doesn't need to be. Slow and steady will be less overwhelming and more bearable for everyone.
Photo credit: HGTV
Doing what works for you, whatever that looks like, should be passed on. Share your ideas, get some feedback and let me know what works and what doesn't. Good luck kids!