DO: KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN (hint: routines!!)

Peaceful...that is what I want!!

ROUTINES KEEP YOUR HOUSE CLEAN
Well, you may not know me but let me give you a little run-down on who I am. I am a mom of two, I lead a family ministry and I homeschool my kids. I also am a creative and I have to admit, a bit of a clutter-er (is that a word?) If so, that is who I am!


So, a month ago, I went on a missions trip to Turkey. While I was away, my hubby was taking care of the kids, along with all of his other responsibilities. He surprised me when I got home with a sparkling clean house ...but, he said, "THAT was exhausting! There has got to be a better way!!" (lol, I was secretly happy he was so exhausted by what I do EVERY WEEK!)

But, he was right, what I have been doing is a bugger: Cleaning one or two days a week. (i.e. all the laundry washed, dryed, folded in one day - horrible!). Every evening after the kids go to bed, trying to whip the house back into shape...uggg, exhausting! 


So, I looked into doing The Flylady routines. She is the master of taking a huge undertaking, like keeping a house in order, and breaking it down into manageable bites. She emphasizes over and over, DAILY ROUTINES. So, The MAN and I gave it a shot, we thought, let's kill ourselves and get our house (and schedule) in order by following her routines for two months. 


EVERY MORNING:
- Do Devotions
- Unload the dishwasher 
- Start the dryer (then, fold and put away)
- Check my calendar & write my to-do list for the day
- Feed the family & the dog
- Plan or pack lunches
- Get supper started (if possible)
- Kids also do their chores
- 15 minute ZONE cleaning


EVERY EVENING:
- Start the dishwasher
- Clean the counters
- Sweep the kitchen
- Lay out clothes for tomorrow
- Start a load of laundry
- Put out any "hotspots" of clutter
- Enter any purchases into the budget

HELPFUL TIP: (Begin these while cooking supper & immediately following - with the help of the family - so when the kids go to bed - your house is in order.) Beautiful!!! 

Eeeek! The first week was exhausting!! Now, all of these morning and evening routines the FlyLady doesn't recommend beginning ninja style, all at once...but, add them slowly - which is very wise. (We didn't have the patience for that & it worked our way too. :)


Next, I downloaded the Home Routines app onto my iPad. The home routines app is based on the FlyLady's routines and Zone Cleaning system. What I love is that I keep track, morning and night and check off what I have done. (I get stars for each accomplishment, which is very satisfying! I guess I haven't grown out of wanting stickers for a job well done! ha.) The Fly Lady also has paper lists, if you are more of a paper girl. Do what works for you!

This isn't me...but, this is how I feel!! :) 

You should see my house, it is so peaceful! And, with it being constantly in order, it is easier to deep clean. This week because the house felt so in order, I was able to attempt a MEGA DEEP CLEAN, I emptied all my kitchen cabinets - reorganized, threw out, cleaned, etc. Now I have a place for everything!! I just wanted to encourage you...from one clutter-bug to another - it is possible, even as busy as we all are, to have a home to live in that you enjoy. (And one that doesn't stress you out whenever you sit down on the couch!) 


This doesn't include the actual cleaning of your house. That is done another day - these are just simple routines to keep your house looking great all week long. See The Fly Lady for cleaning lists and routines for every aspect of your home. 


Links for the resources I listed above:
The Fly Lady
Home Routines - this is a site for the app listed above, but it also has great information to look over (great organizing and house cleaning sites). I believe this app is also available for the android. :) Enjoy!!


Kristen