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Written by Darlene Hull
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 |
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Word Count: 543 Defrazzle and De-Clutter!
My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire,
or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one else cares, why should you?
Erma Bombeck
Ahh, the fresh breezes, the delightful birdsong, new buds in the garden, and
sunny, cloudless days – Spring is here! What is it about Spring that makes us
want to clean? Well, I think it's more that we perhaps like the idea of Spring
Cleaning until we get started, pull everything apart, and then get demoralized
about the mess we've just made cleaning up! Cleaning is not my strong point.
When I get a clear run at it I do a pretty thorough job and actually enjoy it,
but what mom gets a clear run at anything? How can you cope when the urge hits
(besides simply ignoring it!)? Here are some tips:
• Write up a plan – realize that a thorough Spring clean will take some time.
Divide your house into blocks and give yourself ample time to complete each
block. My house is a 4-level split, so one block is a level. I take three months
to thoroughly clean each level. Just an idea for you to consider!
• Organize childcare – Once your plan is complete, choose the day of the week
that you will really dedicate to the task (I like every second Saturday) and
arrange for the kids and your husband to be out of the house for at least 8
hours.
• Prepare food in advance – make sure you have something light ready to eat
quickly at lunch time, and supper prepared in advance (crock-pots are great for
this). Drink plenty of water to keep your focus sharp and energy high.
• Have the right tools handy – Put everything you need in a caddy or bucket to
save time and energy running up and down stairs for tools. Use toxin free
products so you aren't getting tired and fuzzy-headed from overexposure to
chemicals. Use aromatherapy (like citrus oils) to keep you feeling positive as
you clean.
• Put energizing music on the stereo- pick something that makes you want to sing
and dance as you clean.
• Turn off the phone – Put your answering machine to good use, and check the
calls when you're done.
• Start (and continue) small – Don't rip the whole room apart when you start.
Just do one shelf, one drawer, one small section at a time, so that if you must
stop before you're completely done, you won't have an overwhelming mess to pick
up.
• Put things in their place as you go – Stop every time you complete a section
to put misplaced items away where they belong.
So, now that you have a plan for “sane” decluttering and cleaning, have at it!
Darlene Hull is an ordinary, imperfect mom who sees her mission as helping moms
take better care of themselves so they can better care for their family.
She is giving away FREE “Mom-Defrazzlers” to moms who are needing encouragement
and great ideas for joyfully being the best mom they can be. To get yours, go
to:
http://www.mom-defrazzler.com today!
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