The problem with trying to write blog posts in real time, is when real life comes up and you can’t post when you plan to! So sorry I missed a couple of days there. When I started writing about using routines and schedules I said I would be right there with you getting back on track. I had a rough few days at the end of last week, but it is Monday and I am ready to get back to it! Are you still with me in our quest to set up our daily routines and schedules?
If you are just joining us, you can read about what we have already accomplished: chose a cleaning routine, do one complete load of laundry per day, and do all the dishes daily.
Today’s task is to do a nightly pick up. I suggest about 15 – 20 minutes of time. If your house is a big mess, this one will initially take some time to see results, but I promise if you stick with it, your home and sanity will thank me! Please involve the whole family. If you are married and have two kids that is actually one hour of cleaning that is getting done since there are 4 sets of hands all working together.
- Gather baskets or boxes to collect misplaced items.
- Set the timer for 15 or 20 minutes.
- As quickly as you can, starting in the most used room – for us that is the living room – fill your basket or box with anything in the room that belongs in another room.
- Once your basket is full, return those items to where they belong.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until time runs out.
Tips for doing this with children. In our home, each of my kids has their own bucket from Dollar Tree that is perfectly sized for them to be able to carry when full. I added their names in vinyl using my Cricut. I have them run around the house as quick as they can to find all their own toys, clothes and belongings. When their basket is full or we get close to about 5 minutes left on the clock, I send them to their rooms to put the items in their baskets away.
While they are cleaning up their toys, my husband and I return any other items we can find to where they belong in the house.
If you have never done this before you will probably not get everything put away in one night. That is okay. Try not to be discouraged. Doing a nightly pick up every night will easily return your home to order over a matter of a few weeks.
As you do this task each night, you will start to figure out which items don’t have a set place in your home. You will also find what systems are working and not working to allow you to easily be able to put your items away. This is a great time to add those areas to your master list of spaces to organize.
Checklist for today:
- Do chores from cleaning routine you chose
- Do one complete load of laundry
- Do all the dishes
- Do a 15 minute nightly pick up
Tomorrow’s task will be to do a quick sweep of the floors.
