Keeping a clean and organized home is hard enough, but it may be more challenging today than ever. Pandemic fatigue, back-to-school, and lingering uncertainty can make you feel like you are drowning. New problems need new solutions, and you may want to adjust your mindset to create a comfortable, calm, and safe home. Here are some ideas:
Consider function over clean
Instead of striving for a constantly clean space, create functional areas. K.C. Davis, LPC, a therapist and author of the book “How to Keep House While Drowning,” said, “We don’t exist to serve our space; our space exists to serve us.”
Think about some simple systems that can streamline your family’s life. For example, if the spouse and kids always drop bags and shoes at the front door, hang hooks for bags and space for shoes. This will keep your space tidy and save time for reminding the family to pick up their things.
Reframe household tasks
Right now, you may be busy, tired, or stressed out and are unlikely to do tasks that you dread. Remind yourself that your space can support your tasks. One task that I hate is paying bills. It takes forever to collect the envelopes all over the house then sit down and concentrate long enough to get through it in one sitting. This summer, I sat down with a cup of coffee and streamlined the process. I automated every bill that I could and created an area to drop bills as they came in. I don’t dread the task as much now, and it only takes about 10 minutes.
Simplify decluttering
Having less stuff makes it easier to keep the house clean, but it can seem like a daunting task. Sara S. Skillen, an organizer coach, professional organizer, and author of the book “Organizing and Big Scary Goals” has a suggestion. Once a week, walk through your home with a trash bag and box. Throw away junk mail, receipts, and broken things. Pick out one or two items from each room and put them in the box for donation.
2 Green Chicks understands that keeping a clean and tidy home can seem like a low priority when busy and stressed. Give us a call, and we can do the dirty work for you!