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I was going to do a DOCC Blog explaining the habits used by tidy people to keep their homes looking so lovely!
Unfortunately, the more research I did the more I began to feel that it was unrealistic. Unrealistic to expect someone who has struggled with keeping their home tidy to adopt all these habits and do them every day without fail.
I don’t want my readers to feel overwhelmed and then decide that they will never get a ‘tidy’ home like their friends, like they see on tv or even like their mum or gran used to have.
So - you wouldn’t be reading this DOCC Blog if you didn’t feel ready to try and work towards the ‘tidy‘ home of your dreams.
Let me simplify and show you how you CAN begin to see changes in your home.
[ If you look back through the DOCC Blog there are articles on habit building and the importance of creating homes and zones for your belongings. I will link them all at the end of this DOCC Blog.]
I have created a printable with all the basics on it - it is available in the Shop on my website - don’t forget to use the code ‘Free Printables’ at the checkout!
Let’s go into detail! -
BEFORE BREAKFAST
Make the Bed.
When you get out of bed - make it. This is so easy now with most of us using a quilt. Consider getting rid of extra cushions and covers if it means you put off making the bed.
Why is making your bed so important? It gives you a sense of accomplishment right at the very start of your day. You have already ticked something of the to do list in your head and you haven't even left the room!!
Wipe around the Bathroom
Make sure you have a cloth in your bathroom so you can give everything a wipe down before you leave. I can promise you this has been a game changer in my life!! So much so that it is part of my non- negotiable morning routine! [link to DOCC Blog for creating routines at the end of this article]
I basically use the moisture created from a shower or wash to wipe down surfaces, the sink and the toilet! No spray or cleaner - this is not my ‘bathroom clean’ but it does mean that when I do clean the room it is already halfway there! I can concentrate on the floor, shower and windows and give the other areas a quick wipe. And - if I go a week without giving the bathroom a ‘proper clean’ it doesn’t matter!!
Gather Washing and Put a Load On.
This includes the cloth I wipe the toilet with(!)
When you gather a load of washing as you go downstairs everyday the Mount Washmore pile becomes a thing of the past!!!
AFTER BREAKFAST
Clear Away and Wipe Down
This is particularly effective after breakfast and during it because everytime you go into the kitchen after this you will be entering a pleasant room and will be more likely to try and keep it this way!
EVENING
Clear Away and Wipe Down Kitchen and Dining room
Again - as with breakfast - if you finish the day with a clean and tidy kitchen your morning will be that bit more pleasant and easier to cope with!
15 Minute Tidy
This involves making a pass of your various rooms and having a quick pick up and put away.
Making it better for the morning when you get up and start a new day.
Now for the little bonus section -
GENERAL HABITS TO TRY
* If you can manage to do these four things regularly you will be well on the way to having a clean and tidy home - or at least begin to see your way past the usual piles and some of the clutter!
Clean as You Go - I am not suggesting you have a feather duster in your back pocket at all times ready for action! But if you can keep on top of crumbs, spills and general litter you will see a big difference. I notice this most in our dining room!
Never Leave a Room Empty Handed - Try and get into the habit of taking empty mugs, magazines, stray toys etc out of the room and put them away in their home or zone. **When they have been finished with, of course - no swiping half drunk coffee cups out of the hands of guests!!**
Tidy up After Yourself - set the example. Try to look at yourself as the teacher. By tidying up after yourself you are setting a good exemple for the rest of the household to follow.
Most importantly:
Clean Enough and Tidy Enough is GOOD ENOUGH.
Don't hold yourself to impossible standards. A job done, whether it is done partly, slowly or even badly is better than a job not even started.
As I always say - make everything as easy for yourself as you can. Have the tools you need accessible or you won't use them. Have homes and zones for things like paperwork, coats and shoes, school or work bags. Prioritise your cleaning and tidying - some jobs will be more important than others - get these done and you can do the less important jobs another time.
Here are the links to some other DOCC Blogs which will help you:
Daily influxes of paper clutter can be overwhelming - here are a couple of DOCC Blogs which will help:
This article begins to address paper clutter and how to get on top of the mountains of paperwork we accumulate.
Here we are setting up a system to keep ontop of paper clutter
The following links are to a series of DOCC Blogs I did around the theme of saving time.
https://www.lindajharper.com/post/keeping-track-of-those-pesky-habits
ALSO: Please pop over to my Amazon page to find the Declutter Journal and a small but powerful book - creating habits: reaching goals
I hope I've helped you see that there is a way for you to have the home you have wished for? It won't happen overnight but you will begin to seee progress very quickly!!
You can comment below ↓↓ or look at the end of the blog for all the ways you can contact me privately. I love hearing from you with all your ideas and photos of the areas you are working on!!
If you want to delve deeper into finding a ‘system’ which will work for you, you can contact me via my email lindajharper@yahoo.com or using the chat bubble on my website, I would love to help you!
You can message me on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Linda-J-Harper-Professional-Declutterer-and-Organiser-107805011001601.
I am also on Pinterest and Instagram if you need some inspiration! https://www.pinterest.co.uk/adnilenaj1314/boards/