Hosekeeping- Getting Startedby Susan LottOne of the hardest parts of housekeeping is getting started, and for that, you need a system. Why do I need a housekeeping system? If I picked up after myself and cleaned up messes promptly, I wouldn't need a system. I'm working on gaining the clean-as-you-go habit, but I'm really bad at it and progress is slow. Until I can fully develop that habit, my weekly housekeeping schedule is a safety net. If I fail in my efforts to keep things clean daily, I know there is a designated day (three a week, actually) on which I have assigned myself to tidy up the house. Having a system also makes me feel better about the times that I succeed in keeping things clean as I go. In my system, working ahead to the next day's tasks, or picking up after myself all day is a bonus, not a requirement! Get Organized FirstOften, clutter in the home is a symptom of an underlying breakdown in space management. The organization page of this website can help you work through your home to align your space with your workflow. Allow the surface to be untidy for a few days while you do some basic organizing.Take 5 minutes to: If needed, identify problem areas and commit to organizing them within a reasonable time frame. Now, moving on! Identify Priorities and GoalsThe best housekeeping system will be one that directly supports your priorities and goals. My ultimate goal is to nurture my family. A big part of that is maintaining a pleasant, clean living space. It's easy to do when you have realistic housekeeping schedule. Realistic is the key word – if I can't keep up with my own expectations, I willbe constantly burned out and my home will cease to be pleasant to me. My priorities, which double as my housekeeping goals, are:
Obviously housekeeping tasks that directly affect my son's well being come first, followed by general housekeeping. The last two goals are there to remind myself that my home doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be well ordered enough to provide a nurturing environment. Take 5 minutes to: Write down your own top 5 goals. Keep them visible as you continue the process. Move on to The Weekly Schedule Go back to the Housekeeping Page
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