How To Organize And Clean
Maybe it never occurred to you there is a method (or madness) to organizing and cleaning the living and working spaces that surround you. We all know "neat freaks" who seem to magically be able to organize and clean without lifting a finger.
Their obsessive compulsion to create a quasi sterile environment is not necessarily a good thing - visitors complain about not feeling comfortable and being unable to relax for fear they'll be jerked up and dusted off.
Fortunately, for every housekeeper that carries cleaning to the extreme, there are probably 99 of us who are "mentally challenged" when it comes to cleaning and organizing.
It's obvious that we have many friends who enjoy hanging out with us and kids congregate because the ambience of the home is a little more relaxed and friendly.
The downside is, we fight clutter and disorganization all the time. Who hasn't invited guests for an evening, then had to spend two days to get the house presentable enough to entertain them and showcase your home?
Don't despair ... help is on the way. It comes in a positive form by creating good habits yourself and encouraging other occupants of your home to help by picking up after themselves and assigning chores according to their level of ability.
Cleaning And Organizing Tips
There Is An Easier Way
No, clean and organized homes are not achieved by twitching your nose. There are, however, some excellent best seller books written with easy tips to clean and organize your home. But before your invest your money, browse through our website for specific topics.
You won't have to spend a cent. Just take a little time to research our extensive and valuable resources - find answers that we have learned through hands-on experience. If you don't find the specific answers you are looking for, we invite you to visit our Cleaning Forum.
If you just don't have the time or energy to bring your home up to a level of clean that will be easier for you to maintain, you may wish to look for outside help.
You'll find people who actually specialize in teaching cleaning and organization, and house cleaning companies that will be glad to come and give your home a one-time cleaning and/ or sign you up for regular maintenance cleaning service.
There are many companies to choose from in your local Yellow Pages or by doing an internet search.
Don't Procrastinate
Procrastination is the biggest obstacle we have to overcome in beginning any labor intensive chore. We'd rather be having a good time - reading, playing, or doing nothing.
Free time is in short supply and it's certainly more appealing to indulge in our "druthers" than roll up sleeves and start cleaning. Good intentions will not get the job done alone - so, don't be just a thinker, be a doer as well.
It is not written, "Thou shalt organize and clean all at the same time." That means you can write your own schedule - look at your calendar and choose days and times that are realistic.
You might pencil in "clean closets" on one day; "clean bathrooms" on another, etc. Then, on the appointed day, be sure you start as early as possible and don't quit until you are done - or have made a significant improvement.
Even if you've decided to hire a professional house cleaner, you may wish to spend a little time de-cluttering and organizing before they arrive. Don't leave valuables around; put your jewelry where it belongs and your money in a safe place. Reputable companies are licensed, bonded and insured but use common sense when allowing any one access to your home.
Begin At The Beginning
"Begin at the beginning,' the king said, very gravely ..." (Lewis Carroll) Sage advice and common sense. After you've planned a realistic schedule for cleaning on your calendar, then ... begin at the beginning.
Procrastination is the enemy of good intentions. Don't fall victim to procrastination. Make the list of items you need to complete the task at hand, then gather everything on the list making sure you have tools, enough cleaning solutions (if required), containers and rags to finish the job.
Then go for it.
Professional Organizing Tips
De-clutter, setting aside items you still need and use. Throw away broken or worn out items. Recycle or simply trash them.
- After disposing of your clutter, gather items that still have some life in them. Be honest. Will you ever use the item again? If not, have a garage sale or take them down to the nearest thrift donation station.
- Weed your closet. Section by section, gather the garments and put them on your bed. Then look at them individually. Sort those that are wearable and fashionable from those that are not. Check for cleanliness and those that need minor repair. If they need laundered or dry cleaned, and put them where they need to be.
- When everything from each section has been removed from the closet and dealt with, none should remain on the bed. You should have a laundry basket full of things that need washed, one for your dry cleaning, one for storage, and one for recycling. Only wearable, clean garments should be left hanging in your closet.
- A shoe rack beats throwing your shoes in a corner of the closet every time. If you don't have one, use plastic storage tub and be consistent in putting your shoes in it.
- When you walk into a room, give it a quick survey to see items that are out of place, and contributing to a messy or disorganized look. Take a moment to straighten books on the shelves, pick up kids' toys, straighten the magazines. Make every motion count - taking a few moments to tidy up results in that desirable organized appearance.
- Don't overlook the bathroom - keep counters clutter-free; don't save old skin lotions, tanning creams, etc., from one year to the next. They do go rancid. Fresh is best.
- Likewise with makeup and fingernail polish. Most makeup contains oil. If you haven't used it for several months, throw it away. Nail polish colors and ingredients are constantly changing. Throw out the old stuff.
- Every time you open your refrigerator, look for fresh foods or leftovers that are past their prime. Throw them out. Same with bottles and jars of condiments.
- Check the pull dates on canned goods, dry paged items such as crackers, cereals, desserts, etc. in your pantry or kitchen cabinets. Discard items that have past the expiration date.
Professional Cleaning Tips
After you have de-cluttered and organized the rooms, it's time to attend to actual cleaning needs.
Depending on the time you are able to allocate to cleaning, whether you've planned a deep cleaning or lighter surface cleaning, make a list and decide on which room gets what first.
When doing an entire house, professional cleaners usually begin on the top floor, in the room furthest away and work their way to the stair well. On small homes, begin with the back room, and work to the front.
If you've taken the time to de-clutter the rooms, give a good dusting then polish furniture, use cleaners on smudges around door knobs and light switches, clean whatever needs it, and leave the floors (vacuuming or damp mopping) to the last.
Streamline The Cleaning Routine
The goal here is to not have to spend every moment at home cleaning and organizing, or feeling guilty because you aren't. Develop techniques used by the pros - make every motion count by assembling your tools and materials needed for each job, practice daily maintenance in organizing and staying clutter-free.
Maximum organization results in minimum clutter. Make good habits of putting things in the proper place, making the room neat when you walk in and being sure it is neat when you leave. Remind the rest of your family to do the same. It only takes a moment.
