A Clean & Organized House with a Preschooler? It IS Possible!
Do you know what you call those who use towels and never wash them, eat meals and never do the dishes, sit in rooms they never clean, and are entertained till they drop? If you have just answered, "A house guest," you're wrong because I have just described my kids. - Erma Bombeck
This quote by Erma Bombeck makes me laugh but it is very true. A friend recently posted on Facebook "I'm mom not maid". Again, so true!
Living with kids (and sometimes husbands) that do not pick up after themselves is not an easy thing! You can only pick up dirty socks, shoes, dropped Cheerios, random puzzle pieces or other toys so many times before just deciding to give up.
For me, giving up was not an option. Living in a completely unorganized and messy house stresses me out.
I, therefore, came up with a system to help it stay as tidy and organized as can be and keep me from not feeling overwhelmed:
1. Do the Daily Once Over- I keep cleaning disinfectant wipes under my kitchen and bathroom sinks. Each night after we eat dinner and the dishes are done, I quickly wipe over the counters. I'll sweep the kitchen floor if it looks like it needs it. I do the same in the bathroom after getting ready each morning. I also either spray the bottom of the tub with disinfectant spray or a little bleach and water.
2. Don't Leave Toys, Magazines, Mail Laying Around- My 3 year old already knows that she has to pick up her toys. One thing that has greatly helped is a sorted bin shelf (you can buy one at Target or Walmart for about $50). Each bin holds toys of a specific type (one for puzzles, one for playdoh, Mr. Potato Head pieces, play food, etc). The rule is she can only play with one bin at a time and has to put it back before getting another one. She's usually pretty good and will only take one out but she's only 3! I must admit there are times when I walk into her room and they are all dumped. Remember, there's no such thing as perfection! Also keep a bin around for mail and magazines.
3. Pick One Day of the Week (for routine chores)- I (we b/c my husband would help) were sick of spending all day Saturday afternoon cleaning. Now, we finally have a plan of action and only spend about 20-30 mins each night: * Kiddos can HELP
- Monday- Are you kidding, who wants to clean on Monday?
- Tuesday- Laundry. We put it in before leaving for work, put it in the dryer when we get home and fold clothes immediately when it is done (usually while watching t.v.) That way it won't be really wrinkly.
- Wednesday- Put the laundry away in the morn or after work *
- Thursday- Dust*
- Friday- Floors *
- Saturday- Food Shopping. I now save a lot of time and money by using PeaPod grocery delivery!
- Sunday- RELAX
A loyal FMS Facebook fan suggested this be a blog topic. I hope this is what she was looking for. This little plan of attack has helped me feel less overwhelmed and stressed.
Tweak it anyway that will work for you and your family!
Comment to share shortcuts you have for your Family Made Simple!
Comment to share shortcuts you have for your Family Made Simple!
Thus far I have found that the key to remaining sane is that we have a toddler room! Our living room upstairs is toddler proofed for safety and really my son's space. All of his toys are in this room, we pick up once at end of day.We make a game out of it and he loves it. We spend most of our time in this room with him (it has a TV) and the rest of my house is mostly ready for visitors most of the time :)
ReplyDeleteI generally clean on Mondays, wierd I know but, I've rested the weekend and now dont need to worry about it for the rest of the week.
Also if there is 1 thing I could pass on is keep up with it (the chores). . .it's much easier to find 5 mins of dishwashing time everyday then trying to find 30 mins in one day to do a wks worth.
I also put my son's clothes on hangers in the closet set up as outfits. I find it easier than searching through draws for stuff, and it's more likely that my son will match and look good on the days when my husband dresses him. Also, I find putting stuff on hangers easier and less time consuming than folding :)
Honestly though my house would not be presentable and organized if it wasnt for the help of my husband. It truly is 2 person job!