Keeping on top of it all ...

[rattie77]

Having just spring cleaned the house from top to bottom over the past 2 weeks and it nearly killing me, I am determined never to let it get so dirty again. My question is how do you keep on top of it all? What is your weekly routine/monthly routine etc. Really need to get a system going here - was fine until I had DS but as he is now 3, time to get some control again.

Right, this is a do as I say not as I do conversation ok? My house would look better if a bomb hit it!

However,
Daily - pick up rubbish and empty bins, toys away, clothes into laundry basket, one load of washing a day, put away clean washing. Keep on top of dishes, wipe kitchen down.

Couple of times a week - hoover/sweep and mop, clean toilet

Once a week - dust, clean bathroom, change beds and one big job

Big jobs - clean mirrors and windows, wash down tiles in bathroom and tiles and cupboards in kitchen, wash down paintwork, move furniture to hoover under that kind of thing. If you do one a week then they end up getting done about every 6 weeks or so.

Of course depending on your family you may need to do some things more like hoovering if you have pets, cleaning bathrooms if they need it etc.

Also be ruthless, if its broken fix it or throw it away don't leave it there to get round to! Sort post as it comes in so you don't drown in paperwork (or switch everything to online that you can so you don't have piles of paper waiting to be filed/shredded).

Have a regular clear out of clothes and toys, and bin/charity shop etc.

I am by nature a hoarder, I have a fairly big house not that you would know it as we have the usuable space of a small bedsit! However I am slowly retraining myself to get a buzz from getting rid of stuff! Today I took 10 carrier bags of clothes to a charity! I'm getting there.

Anyway as the saying goes take my advice - I'm not using it

Thanks oreocrumbs, thats really great advice and more importantly is manageable. I'm full of good intention now - but know I will struggle wants Christmas kicks in. I did manage to get rid of loads of baby clothes and toys so am feeling good about that.

Try FlyLady (there are a few threads on here about her method).

Bits of it are quite twee and ridiculous, but the basics are solid and have made a huge difference in my house. As she says, you can do anything in 5 minutes and it's true; previously I'd look at the clock and say "only five minutes, can't do anything", but now I know there are a few little jobs that I can do and they will make a difference!

Just don't sign up to the emails!