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 |  The world from a short person's POV - not Australia or New Zealand. |
Random thoughts, pointed comments, and whatever else crosses my mind 
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| "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." Jimmy Dean Working through the process of decluttering and organizing can take a lot out of you. And while others think that your life is now simple and easy, you soon find out that it isn't. What you need is a strategy that helps you maintain the organization you worked so hard to accomplish and keep on top of whatever life brings. Here is a suggested schedule that just might help (routines that work). These ideas are not meant to solve all or even most of the problems you face but they can make getting things done possible. EVERY DAY - Make your bed at the start of your day (everyone who is old enough; others help or train). This activity only takes a few minutes but sets you up for the rest of your day and when you retire for the evening your bed is ready for you. Wipe down bathroom surfaces and put items back where they belong. It is stressful to try to get ready for your day or prepare for bed if the bathroom is messy and you have to spend time looking for what you need. It will also help to keep track of items that need to be replaced. Clean the coffee maker, wipe down kitchen counters and the kitchen/dining table. Set up the coffee maker for the morning and gather items for breakfast. Sweep the kitchen floor. And don't forget to put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on. These activities should be done as you close down the kitchen for the night. I think that you will find it helpful to take time at the end of the day to review your "to do" list and mark off or add items. In this way, you will be ready to start your day. It can also help you get to sleep because you won't have to keep thinking of what you have on your agenda for tomorrow. To help with your morning routine, you might want to plan what you will wear for the next day. This is especially important to do with children. If you find what they need for the next day before bed, it can alleviate a lot of stress in the morning. EVERY MONTH - Vacuum vents and woodwork, dust and clean light fixtures, dust blinds, clean the dishwasher and laundry machines. It is surprising just how much dust and dirt can accumulate over time. Clogged vents and filters can affect the effectiveness of equipment. Even dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers work better if kept clean. EVERY 3-6 MONTHS - Wipe down the inside of the fridge. You should be making sure to remove any spoiled or outdated food on a weekly basis as you do your shopping list. Remember to check the freezer as well. ( You might want to date items as you put them in the freezer. Then it will be easier to decide whether or not to toss items.) Don't forget to clean the range hood, especially if you fry on the range top often. Often we clean the stovetop and forget about the range hood, so it is good to remember to do this on a regular basis. You should also clean the oven at least this often or more frequently if there are spills. Even self-cleaning ovens may need a wipe down after cleaning. Drains and garbage disposals also need to be refreshed. And don't forget to descale the coffee pot. It is amazing how much crud can build up over time. Even though you dust on a weekly basis, it is necessary to clean under and behind furniture as well. You might be surprised at what you will find, especially if you have children and/or pets. Wash pillows and comforters and vacuum mattresses. You can plan this activity as part of seasonal change from spring to summer to fall to winter. This should be done even if you don't actually change the style of bedding. ONCE A YEAR - Be sure to clean the chimney and fireplace before starting it up again, even if it is gas or electric. Either clean the carpets and upholstery yourself or hire a professional company to come and do it for you. It is obviously more expensive that way but you will get better results and may extend the life of the carpet and upholstery. Take down curtains and drapes and either launder or dry-clean them as necessary. Either clean all the windows yourself or have someone come in to do them for you. Make sure you check the frames and caulking while you are at it. We have windows that tip in so it is easy to clean both inside and outside at one time. We also have a rambler so the windows are easy to reach. If you have a two-story house, you should definitely consider hiring someone to do this for you. Make sure you clean out the gutters after most of the leaves have fallen. This is also the time to check the condition of the gutters and roof and make plans for repair if necessary. We happen to live in a heavily wooded area with trees close to the house so this is definitely one of our major activities of early to late fall. I know that this may all seem overwhelming, but if you make a plan, adjust as necessary and follow-through, you will find that all your work will not have been in vain. Here's to a happy organized home that you will enjoy all year long. Please keep following to see what miscellaneous ideas pop into my head next.  |
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Fire dancers!!! Wow! What fun! You really are in Paradise! So happy you for you! 
But I wish I loved it. That would be SO HANDY! So, I've been working on positive self-talk regarding cleaning. I smile when I say these things and I say them out loud if I'm alone or in my head if I'm not. I say things like, "I love to clean. Cleaning is fun. Cleaning makes me happy. I enjoy a tidy space." Blah, blah, blah...
Sure, it's dumb, but if it works, it doesn't matter. 
). 
I'm the prime example of someone who needed her own advice over 40 years ago.