Housekeeping Help for Fall Cleaning
Take Fly Lady's Hand and the Guide to Cleaning in 15 Minutes
Aug 30, 2008
In the few minutes time it takes you to read this article, we are going to get you started on a plan for cyber-help with that fall cleaning.
If your stomach rolls over at the word "housekeeping", and there are one hundred things you would rather be doing, this is for you.
Time to Toss that Unwanted, Unneeded Junk
The first thing you need to do, and you know it, is get rid of some of that clutter. It is very simple. Get four largish containers. Write out labels:
- Give Away/Sell.
- Storage.
- Put away.
- Trash.
Be brutal. You are not going to use it "someday" if you have not touched it for the past two years.
You Are Not Alone In the Pursuit of Cleanliness
Now get acquainted with the Fly Lady, Maria Cilley. She knows you live in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). She can teach you how to change that painlessly. It all begins with shining your sink. She is a fervent believer that as the sink goes so goes the house. If your sink is shined, you have a chance of getting something done in the house. On day one you don't even have to wash those ugly dishes. Just get them out of that sink so you can shine it.
The website and the e-mails you are going to get after you sign up for them are going to tell you everything you need to know for each day, You will get daily direction, support and encouragement. She will tell you what to do including which area of the house you are supposed to be working on. It's like someone is holding your hand. You will need to buy a regular kitchen timer, because you are going to learn that there is nothing you can't face for 15 minutes. And, this part is great, you get a 15-minute break every 45 minutes. But you have to be careful to not let the computer eat up your day. We all know how that can happen.
Fly Lady once lived in CHAOS herself. That's why she is so happy to share what she has found with all the fly babies who had given up on ever living in cleanliness and order. She thinks of us as her butterflies who spread our gorgeous wings once we learn how to clean without hating ourselves and being mean to ourselves. Check her out.
You Can Do Anything for 15 Minutes
Here is your next cyber-helper. Both Suite101.com and About.com have fantastic "Home Management" and "Housekeeping" sections full of instructions, hints, lists, shortcuts, tips and everything you need to know about cleaning. About also has a nice long section about "Cleaning Shortcuts" including 15-minute cleanup directions for living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and kids' room. Hey, it's a good start. Check out the "Thirty second chores" for a real feel of accomplishment.
Now you have only to wash a few windows so you can better see those beautiful leaves, and you are well on your way to a more relaxed, orderly and happier fall in your home this year.
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