Starting a Cleaning Routine

Posted by Susan Whelan Aug 10, 2008

My friend Meri recently decided to deal with her household mess and clutter. After a rush of extra family commitments, sick children and general busyness, I’ve decided that my own home could do with some extra attention as well.

House Cleaning Reminders by Email

Each day Meri receives emails from The FlyLady encouraging her to wipe down her kitchen benches and clear clutter hot-spots. There is also a 15-30 minute task set for each day aiming to clear away long term clutter.

The FlyLady also assigns a simple daily task for Meri’s children, such as returning books left lying about to the bookcase. Meri’s daughter remains sceptical that someone in cyberspace is actually sending these reminders, preferring to believe that this is her mother’s latest devious plan to get her to help with the housework.

Speedcleaning and Spotless

Since I already waste far too much time in front of the computer (who invented that crazy Facebook thing, anyway?!), I have decided to resort to some non-tech assistance - books - to set me back onto the straight and narrow.

Speedcleaning by Jennifer Lush and Shannon Fleming and Sorted! by Lissane Oliver are my weapons of choice. With the promise of a 15 minute a day cleaning routine and techniques to permanently sort out all my clutter worries, I should have a house suitable for a spread in Home Beautiful before I know it. Personally, I’d just be happy with a home where I’m not tripping over the kids’ toys all the time.

Task for the Week

Make a pact with a friend to get on top of any cleaning issues you might have at home and encourage each other to stick with it until you get results.