Keep a box in the laundry room for stuff. This can be the shirt
that needs a button, the puzzle that is missing a piece.
At work, it can be the stapler
that you haven't found staplers for, the papers that you haven't had time to file, etc.
Once every 3-4 weeks go
through the box. Did you really miss the shirt? Did you need the stapler or that paper? If not,
throw it away, take it to
Goodwill, or leave it in the box
one more month.
My iron clad rule is: if it was
in the box for more than six
months...I don't need it!
De-clutter!
The peace of mind
that order brings is much more
valuable than stuff!!
Today as I was cleaning the kitchen, I noticed that the front of the cabinets had splatters on them. I grabbed some Clorox wipes (Lysol work well, too) and quickly wiped down the front of the lower cabinets, dish washer, etc.
I didn't worry about the top ones and I didn't get every single spot. But what a difference it makes to do small quick things.
It took 30 minutes to do the cabinets and it made them look new! I used to procrastinate on stuff like cleaning the cabinets or refrigerator because I knew it was going to take too long and I didn't have the time (or desire).
So, what I do now, is do it in small bits and pieces. For example, I didn't do the top cabinet doors.
Or-- I will clean out just one shelf in the fridge. Then maybe 3 or 4 days later, I will clean out a different shelf.
I do the same with the bathrooms. Perhaps, I only have time to clean the toilet, but not the whole room. Fine. Just clean the toilet.
Next time, just clean a sink. I think we get caught up in having to do a certain job...but break it down into several tasks and just do what you can!!
I do not know how many of you have an elderly person living
with you, but here is what I
have done concerning my mom and her geriatric bedside
commode.
When my mom left the nursing
home, home health care came
for many months until her
health improved.
They suggested that she have a bedside potty so that at night she did not have to travel far
to use the restroom. They said
that most elderly falls occur at night in the restroom.
I have tried many things, but
this is the best system for
cleaning I have found thus far.
I have a plastic office chair mat that I keep under the commode. This way if there are any
accidents, it is easily wiped
away.
I also have a basket on one
side that has a roll of trash
bags, baby wipes, toilet paper, and her disposable underwear.
There is a trash can with a lid
that pops up on the other side where she can dispose of her
underwear.
I have a battery powered
fragrance diffuser that sends
out fragrance every 9 minutes.
When I empty her potty, I
clean it, then I refill it with
about 5 inches of water. I
then add about 1/4 cup of
bleach to the water.
I have tried many different
solutions, etc., but the bleach works the best. I usually buy it at the dollar store as they
seem to have the best price.
I use any brand.
I also have found that if you
do not have enough water,
you just have more mess to
clean. 5-6 inches seems like a
lot of water, but it keeps the
smell down and does make it
easier to clean...trust me.
I also keep clorox wipes by the potty and by the toilet so I can clean splatters if needed.