So I was going through some stuff I have in a binder.
Where I organize papers.
I found a paper that has helped me.
I'd like to share it.
Perhaps someone may need these helpful tips.
First.
There is the:
TOUCH IT ONCE rule.
I try to be good at this by my Casey Cakes isn't quite yet.
It's not a problem for me.
We are all different.
Say you are cooking,
If you are using the pepper just once
put it back to it's place as soon as your done with it.
Don't put it over to the side or just put it down.
5 Minute Tasks:
You know if you are a busy mom with a baby, you may not have time for chores. So divide your chores to 5 minute tasks. I like to do them as soon as or girl is napping or during commercials. (if I'm watching TV)
Home Maintenance:
I like to make sure everything has it's place. Once I use I try to make sure I put it back where it belongs. Now with a baby, I tend to lose my mind. It is helpful to have things in it's place. All my crafty stuff is together. Books, movies, toys, etc. Try it.
Throw it Away!!
So I don't like having things sitting around but I also have difficulty throwing things away. It's as if I become attached. I don't know why. Anyways, I have had baby magazines sitting in the bookshelf. Every now and then I'd open it. Most of them are full of advertisements. So, I ripped out articles I found useful, hole punched them, and organized them by sections in a binder. Like recipes, milestones, arts and crafts, nutrition, and such. And then I was able to throw the rest away.
Help:
This is something I don't really use but it may be helpful to you. They may be helpful with children. You take notecards for each room in the house. Write exactly what needs to be done in that room and set it somewhere visible or give them to family members.
What I like to do is go around the apartment, take things I want out, and divide them into three sections:
1. throw away
2. keep
3. give away or sell
Sometimes I fell like I don't do it enough
Try this. If you are like me and don't like getting rid of things or are afraid to, begin with just 5 things a week. Then more as you go.
Maybe you are like me and just have trouble starting to clean.
Use your 5 senses.
smell: choose a cleaning product that you love, light a candle, or anything relaxing to you. I bought air wick automatic sprays. (which reminds me, are empty)
sound: I love having noise while I am home alone w the baby. The music especially gets me into the rhythm.
touch: Some people don't like cleaning because the cleaning materials are harsh. Protect your hands. I can't clean if I protect mine. It;s uncomfortable but I lotion right after.
Taste: This I think I overdo. Reward yourself with a treat while you clean. I am addicted to chocolate pretzels (m&ms especially)
Sight: I don't know about anyone but when I declutter and make the place look clean, I love it. I feel so relaxed.
If you are a homemaker, like I am, think about the fact that you are there just about 100% of the time. (if you are not running errands or grocery shopping.) Make it about you. Start with YOUR spot. Somewhere you can just relax and read a book or whatever.
If it has a sentimental value think about what you can do to it. For example, I just realized that I have a box of cards we got for our wedding and birthdays. It's just sitting there but I don't want to throw away peoples notes to us. So I am thinking of a way to keep and let go of them. I will let you know later what I decide.
I hope this was helpful.
Just think about the time and energy it takes to keep an item. Will having to see it, store it, move it, clean it, hold onto it, think about it, stumble across it be worth your time and energy?
find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."
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