Date: 4/2/2006 11:37:04 PM
Author: gailrmv
I wish I was a neat freak! I love a clean house, but am messy by nature so I really have to WORK to get the place clean and keep it clean! So I'm not the best to give advice, but 2 things that seem to work for me:
1) Pick an area and set a time, i.e. 15 min to clean one dresser drawer, and finish it on time! then if you have time do another. If you do a little bit every day you'll eventually get around to all of it.
2) Make sure you keep up with the little things every day, i.e. just like our moms told us, if you take something out, put it back! I tend to multi-task and before long I have created clutter with too many things out of place!
Could any of the really neat people give some more tips? I'm also wondering, how often do you clean and how long does it take?
I always put things in the washing machine as I am taking them off...I don’t color sort and it has never hurt me yet, but if you are worried you could try color catchers.
Every third day I dust my furniture tops
I live in a small apartment with a single TINY closet and then a small storage cabinet. So I sort my clothes into sections like exercise clothes, polos, socks…whatever and they are in their own clear Tupperware containers. This allows more things to be put away in the same amount of space, a neater feel and easier removal. When things come out of the washer they either get hung up to dry or put in the dryer. When they come out of the drier they are pulled out one piece at a time, and either folded (divided by where they go) or are put on hangers.
I put things away when I am done with them this goes for Drinks, toothpaste, my dogs toys everything.
I have a set place for everything, I pay bills the day they come in and then file it. I do not keep junk mail or mail order catalogs. I do not buy in bulk it makes things harder to keep neat and typically goes bad, but I live alone so this might be different if you had a pantry or a large family.
Ditto JL, that is a great link Mat - I have just waxed my kitchen sink!Date: 4/3/2006 7:47:53 AM
Author: just_looking!
Thanks for the flylady link! Some good ideas in there for making good habits stick..........
Date: 4/3/2006 5:21:21 AM
Author: Dani
I am a total neat freak, and I am embarassed in a way to say that I clean everyday...I do a ''full'' cleaning once a week (mop all floors, vacuum, dust, etc) And then in between, it is all about maintenance...I put everything away, laundry every few days...Almost everyday for a fw mins I clean something, and I wipe down all the counters in the kitchen and bathroom on a daily basis...If something is out of place or not clean, it really bothers me....ITS A SICKNESS!
Matatora: You find the most perfect links! This is just what I needed, will print it out and keep for future ref.Date: 4/3/2006 12:47:21 PM
Author: Matatora
Koko- You will get there, just give it time!
Code Red Housecleaning: Emergency Shortcuts I thought this was cute!
You Go Girl.....I''m signing off now and getting my feather duster and vacuum out!Date: 4/3/2006 1:05:37 PM
Author: Lorelei
I have joined up and am in action already with my spring cleaning! It does get you motivated - give it a try Koko!I also love the timer tips, for example I think ugh - have to dust the lounge, there is half an hour shot, but I actually got through it in 8 minutes as a quick dust through, when you actually see how fast it can be it makes you feel better.
Thanks Mat!
Gail: Moving is a great motivator to organize/ declutter. I''ve lived in the same house since 1992, whereas both of my sisters have moved several times since then. They have virtually no clutter in their homes! I think most people either fall under "O.C.D." or "A.D.D." when it comes to cleaning/organization, and sad to say I tend toward the latter.....Date: 4/3/2006 1:11:59 PM
Author: gailrmv
Oh, Mat and Dani and everyone, thanks for the great hints. I don''t want you to think I live in a messy place, I really don''t, it''s just that is is a constant battle! I think your idea is great Mat to make the cleaning time ''my'' time and listen to good music, etc. In my mind it is separated into the organization/straightening, and then the actual cleaning tasks. I sort of enjoy the actual cleaning, as it is a great feeling for something to go from dirty to clean. I have trouble with the organization bit because it is not as natural to me, it is hard for me to throw things away, and I have very limited storage space in my house! I think we will be moving next year, so I''m thinking ahead about getting rid of a bunch of stuff so we don''t have to move it!!
I'm well away now Koko with my cleaning!Date: 4/3/2006 1:31:58 PM
Author: koko
You Go Girl.....I'm signing off now and getting my feather duster and vacuum out!Date: 4/3/2006 1:05:37 PM
Author: Lorelei
I have joined up and am in action already with my spring cleaning! It does get you motivated - give it a try Koko!I also love the timer tips, for example I think ugh - have to dust the lounge, there is half an hour shot, but I actually got through it in 8 minutes as a quick dust through, when you actually see how fast it can be it makes you feel better.
Thanks Mat!