Keeping a tidy home can be a struggle, especially when one has children. Children can mess things up quicker than a hurricane, as we all know well! :) I am concerned with trend of messiness in the world. It seems no one is willing to go that extra step in keeping their towns, neighborhoods, selves and homes clean, tidy and organized.
In Psalms 51:10 it says;
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
When we have a clean space and a clean body we can relax, quite the mind and renew our spirit in our fresh surroundings.
Over the years I have refined my homemaking skills such that I keep a pretty tidy home. I thought I would share some of my tips for success.
A Good Start
1.
Own Less Stuff
I cannot over stress the importance of getting rid of junk. Here is the best method I have found for getting rid of things; over the course of a few weeks go through your things every few days and box up stuff to get rid of.
Allow one of your household closets to be filled with keepsakes (year books, photo albums, that special outfit you are saving for your grandchildren, etc). Give every person in the house three medium sized boxes. EVERYTHING they own (clothes, books, toys, toothbrush, sheets, etc) should fit into those three medium sized boxes. Furniture not included but don't fall in the trap of owning too much furniture either, be sure you are actually using it or
get rid of it.
Take a box down to your local thrift shop or to the garbage every time you leave the house during your de-cluttering time. Once your house is clean, EVERY TIME you bring home new stuff (except food), keep the bag it came in and refill it with things to give away. Do not buy more stuff until you have given an equal amount away.
2. Don't Let Your Children Own Toys With Many Pieces
Until they are old enough to control it they are not old enough to own it. My oldest is 7 years-old and he is STILL not old enough for a toys with more than 5-10 pieces (except puzzles).
3. A Place For Everything and Everything in It's Place
Everything you own should have a home that is put up or tucked away accept for a few decorative items (but don't put out too many of these otherwise your space becomes too cluttered). Don't let stacks of things pile up. Be sure that books are straight on the bookshelf and DVDs are tucked away.
Don't leave things on the floor. The floor space should be clean, clear and vacuumed often. Have a box by the door for shoes and may be one for socks if needed. Be sure they are put away every time you return home.
4. Avoid Distractions
You're not thinking about what needs to be done in your home if you are zoned out on TV or the Internet all day. Limit these activities to certain, set aside, time periods only and you'll be amazed at how much more time you have to spend on your home both in respects to cleaning but other things as well, like cooking healthy meals.
If you find yourself surfing through TV or the Internet with no real intention then you are over using these things.
Keeping It Clean
I clean three times per day, at least. After breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner.
I have a routine of going from one room to another. Livingroom, bedroom, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Start with the room where you would entertain a guest dropping by (like the living room) and work your way through the rooms that are most often seen and used.
I pick things up off the floor. I have a box in the living room for toys to be tossed into. When it's full it gets taken back to the toy room. I allow my children to play with toys in the common areas but the toys cannot live there. I pick things up off the tables and and shelves such as old glasses and cups and forgotten nick knacks. I make sure the beds are made, the dishes done and the surfaces cleaned off.
Deep Cleaning
Once per week, usually on Saturday, I do a deep cleaning. I put on some good music, an audio book or something to this effect, I strap the baby on my back in the Ergo and I get to cleaning. I clean what is most in need that week as well as giving every room a good scrubbing.
I wipe down the windows, sweep and vacuum the floors, clean off the window moldings, wipe down the walls of finger prints, dust, wipe down blinds, clean off dining chairs, wash the trash can lid, wipe down the floor boards, clean the fixtures, straighten or rearrange pictures, scrub out the toilet and bathtub, mop up spills in the fridge, change bed sheets, etc.
When I have the time and energy I tackle big projects like reorganizing a closet or cleaning the play room.
And that's it. I spend probably one hour a day cleaning and about 2-5 hours on Saturday, so not really that much.
If you don't already, I invite you to
embrace the spirit of cleanliness in your home. You'll feel better, guests will feel more at ease and life will run smoother.
Honor your sacred space as the wise, capable homemaker you are!
Blessings!
