The Best of the Best Housekeeping Tips Roundup

I am finally getting to posting the collection of the best housekeeping tips that I promised way back here. In my defense; however, I did say that it would be "next month" meaning April and today is the very last day of April but April nonetheless :). So, without further ado- the best of the best from some of my favorite blogs and favorite people:

1. HC on ditching cleaning excuses:
Excuse #1- "I’ve got too much stuff!"
Instead of saying that you can’t get organized because you have too much stuff shouldn’t you say “I must get organized because I have so much stuff”?
Excuse #2- "I've no home for this stuff!"
Call this TMS disease: too much stuff. If you've outgrown your closet, desk, your file cabinets, your room, your office and even your home, it isn't the size of the storage space. It is the size of the stuff. Dump this excuse along with the excess stuff.
Excuse #3- "I've no time for this stuff!"
If you work at organization what you will find is more time.
Excuse #4- "It's not my mess!"
If it impacts your home, your work, your office or your routine, then it really is your mess.
Excuse #5- "No one taught me how to be organized!"
Somewhere along the way you learned a lot of skills you use in life. You can learn to be organized too.
Excuse #6- "Alright, I'll do it tomorrow!"
Didn't you say that yesterday too? This time, put some action behind that excuse of putting it off until tomorrow. Begin with an action plan. Figure out what you want to organize. Make a to-do list for that project. Divide the tasks up among time slots on your calendar. Keep those appointments.

2. Christy W. on summer preparations:
Over the summer months, deep clean one room of your house each week. By fall, the whole house is ready to go for another school year.

3. Karen on using white vinegar for fabric softener:
1) It’s cheap. You can buy 2 gallons of the stuff at Sam’s Club for about $3.40.
2) It doesn’t aggravate my skin. I have eczema and extremely sensitive skin. White vinegar isn’t harsh. There is no fragrance left on your clothing either.
3) No waxy build up. Unlike other fabric softeners, vinegar doesn’t leave a waxy residue on your clothes. This makes towels and cloth diapers more absorbent. Plus, you don’t have to worry about that waxy issue in your dryer.
4) It’s safe. We’ve heard a lot lately how cleaning supplies and products are unsafe for our families. You don’t have any worries with vinegar.
5) It has other uses. I like having vinegar on hand because it has so many uses. Also, you can add a little vinegar to your whites to help get them clean.

4. Esther on night time preparation:
Take 5-10 minutes each night to get things in order. I like to make sure the dishes are washed too...helps the next day flow better.

5. Danita on general household tips:
Making your bed is 70% of cleaning your room.
Try to take 5 minutes each day cleaning at least 1 room.
If there is an item out of place on the floor or table and you walk by, take it with you if you are going in the direction where it needs to be.
If you haven't used it in a while or worn it in a while you probably should just get rid of it.
Storage containers / bins are your friend.
Keep a record of what is in your freezer and pantry so you know what you have on hand without digging through the pantry or freezer.
I keep a standing storage bin that has drawers and wheels in my entry closet. I have each drawer labeled with the following: gloves, hats, scarves / earmuffs, & work gloves. That way they can be found all year long and the kids know where to put them when they take them off.

6. Sarah A. on tackling the hardest rooms first:
The room you always leave until last is the best one to start in. Procrastinating the rooms we hate cleaning only makes us feel worse when we say that we're done. When we're finished with everything else, our mind still remembers that we chickened-out of the hard rooms.
Do the most difficult and annoying areas of your house at the beginning, when you are most motivated. Once you accomplish the feeling of completing those tough areas, everything else will seem like a piece of cake.

7. My mama on designated room bags:
Have bags for each room of the house- ones that stay open. In each room that you clean you put items that go to different rooms in their named bag. Room by room you add to it and put away the items for that room while you are in it. That way you don't go from room to room putting one item away just to find another item that leads you to a different room and on and on.
Also, the bag works if the kids don't put stuff away. To get the item that they should have put away back- they have to do an extra chore or something. If the family know that at such and such a time is when you go around to each room to gather toys and such, they will hurry to put it away before that happens.

8. Jacque on cleaning with little ones:
Have your little ones with you while pick up things so they will get in a habit of doing it.

9. Amanda on blitzing:
Take a 10min pick up break to just get the floors picked up. A room can look "clean" just by picking up the floors and vacuuming or sweeping.

10. Heidi on folding laundry:
Fold the laundry as soon as it is done drying...then put the laundry away as soon as it is folded. It makes life SO much easier!

11. Crystal on tips for a successful move:
1) Keep your home clutter-free. When it comes to moving, the less you have to pack and move, the easier it makes it! So while I'm in the process of boxing everything up, I have a box handy for trash and a box handy for things to giveaway or sell in a garage sale.
2) Have a plan. I always have a "moving notebook" that I use to help me stay organized and on-track. I have a page for each of the four weeks leading up to the move and as I think of something we need to do before the move, I assign it to one of the weeks. I keep a list of what we need to remember, things to pack at the very last minute, important numbers and information, and things we need to do as soon as we arrive at our new place.
Another thing I find very helpful is to pack suitcases with two or three days' worth of clothes and a bag with our toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. We put these in our car and unload them straight into our bedroom upon arrival at the new place. Even if we don't get most of the boxes unpacked that first day, at least we'll have clean clothes and toothbrushes.
3) Accept help. I know not everyone has such a great support group around them but if someone offers to help, gladly accept it. And then pass the favor on the next chance you have.
4) Start early. If you have four weeks until you move, don't put things off thinking you'll have plenty of time to do things when you are closer to the move date. No, start today.

12. Kim C. on "If it's not dirty, don't wash it":
1.) Children do not necessarily bathe daily. It's just not necessary. Little ones don't get body odor like big people, and the ones in diapers tend to get the important parts washed several times/day anyway. So the smaller people in our house - the ones who need constant supervision in the tub - get bathed on an as-needed basis.
2.) Clothes do not get washed with every wearing. Again, it's often just not necessary, and it can even be poor stewardship since laundering wears clothes out more quickly. We usually do a quick visual inspection and maybe a sniff test. Obviously certain items are excluded from this policy. Please tell me you assumed that without me having to say it.
3.) Towels don't get washed every time. With a few exceptions, we think a towel can be used many times before it needs washing. Maybe I should have mentioned that we each have our own personal keep-your-hands-off-it bath towel.
4.) It's ok for kids to sleep in their clothes. Really, if they spent all day playing indoors and their clothes are clean, they don't need to change into PJs. If they don't care, I don't care. It's one less thing to do in the evening and one less piece of laundry to wash.

13. Kelli on a sweet smelling home:
There are several ways to keep your home smelling nice. The first and cheapest way is to open the windows! I first found out about tart warmers a few years ago and was impressed at how such a little thing could make several rooms at once, smell so great.
Here are some homemade air fresheners using ingredients you probably already have:

"Citrus" Air Freshener
Peels of lemon, orange, lime, tangerine or grapefruit
1 pot of water
Put slices of citrus fruit peel into the pot of water. Let simmer gently for an hour or so for a citrus scent.

"Baked Goodness" Air Freshener
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or a few cloves
1 pot of water
Let simmer gently for an hour or so for a fresh baking scent.

"Easy as Apple Pie" Air Freshener
Simmer a sliced apple and a couple of cinnamon sticks in some water on your stove. The whole house will smell like apple pie.

14. Stephanie on seasonal eating:

1. Seasonal produce is most likely local (because it does not need to be brought in from a warmer climate, etc.). Local produce is at it's freshest and it's peak of nutrition, making it your best bet for meals that are nutritionally dense and healthful.
2. Seasonal produce does not have far to travel from field to plate. Because it is usually local, there is a minimum of transportation necessary, which only reaps benefits for the environment, and usually our wallets as well.
3. Seasonal produce is cheaper. This is partly because of #2, less transportation cost. It is also because when a particular item is at it's peak, there is an abundance to be had, and thus, the price goes down (sometimes the price goes up initially, because of the increased demand and popularity of an item, but it quickly drops as the harvest continues). In my menu planning posts, I explained that I use seasonal produce as much as possible to keep my costs lower.

15. Lastly, me on Colossians 3:23:
Remember Colossians 3:23 and teach it to your children! "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to man." I taught this verse to my daughter thinking that it would serve as a reminder to be diligent in working at the tasks that I give her and found that it convicted me most of all! In fact, there have been several days, one in particular that happened recently, where I was doing a full scrub down of the kitchen and my arms were burning and I stopped to rest. Plopping on the couch, I exclaimed, "Oh that feels good to sit down! This is seriously hard work!" To which my two year old daughter replied, "Mommy, remember to do it heartily as to the Lord!" What motivation!

Until next time,

HomeBuilding

I found this article at "A Wise Woman Builds Her Home", and I thought it helpful to address another area of homemaking that often gets swept under the rug- building up our homes with what we say. She writes:

"Building up our home is done in many ways. We can cook, clean and organize until our heads our spinning but literally 'tear down' our homes with the way we communicate making all our other 'building efforts' in vain. We communicate three major ways:

1. Verbally
2. Body language (example: rolling eyes, folded arms)
3. Tone of voice

We can inspire our families to change the world or tear them down in a heartbeat if we are not carefully choosing our words--just as the verse says:

"The tongue holds the power of life and death."-Proverbs 18:21

Are we bringing life to our homes or death? Are we slashing our husband to pieces with our words and screaming at our little children (who are probably unsaved and need the Lord?)

WORDS

A careless word may kindle strife.
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A brutal world may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way.
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress.
A loving word may heal and bless.

We are always building up our homes or tearing it down. Let's purposefully use our words to BUILD. A word that is timely can plant a seed that can be used powerfully to change the world one day---to change lives, to help save the lost.

BUILD up and respect husbands who will stand in the forefront of battle for the kingdom of God.

BUILD up children who will one day be an army for Him, who will lead the future for Him.

BUILD up extended family who need to see his love, grace and mercy.

BUILD up a neighborhood that will see Christs light in the dark, wicked world and find hope.

And ultimately...

BUILD up a world where the prisoners are set free, the shackles are loosened, and there is new life through Jesus Christ and his His healing, powerful Word."

I know that I have a tendency to focus on what needs to be done and lose sight of what needs to be said and, most importantly, how it should be said. Even more so, should I consider the things that are better left unsaid! One of Ara's memory verses that we have been working on is, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." Psalms 34:13. I find my greatest challenge is Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger".


As guards and keepers of our homes, may we also be guards of our lips and keepers of our tongues!

Top Tips for Housekeeping

I found this post on Betty Beguile's blog and thought it addressed well the topic of keeping the joy in housekeeping/motivation for doing so. (Mab this one's for you [and me and every other lady who wants to be joyful in their work at home] responding to your blog comment :) )

1) Always start with the bigger jobs. I find that if I insist upon getting my daily chores (vacuuming, bathrooms, etc.) done before tackling the more involved ones (shampooing the carpet, organizing the closet, etc.), the latter will never get done. They will just stay on my to-do list day after day after day so I started tackling the larger jobs first. There aren’t usually too many of them and it feels so good to cross them off my list. As an added bonus, I’m usually on such a high after completing one of these tasks that I’m inspired to tackle the smaller ones, too.

2) I always add at least one touch of beauty to my home each day. I make sure that in addition to tidying that I create something lovely each day. I will put out flowers, bake a pie, throw a soft, beautiful blanket over the corner of a chair, something. It doesn’t have to be labor intensive or time consuming but I am committed to feathering my nest a little each day. It’s fun, it keeps me inspired and makes housekeeping a joy.

3) Keep the end goal in mind. Just as we are encouraged to keep our eyes on heaven I find it helps me to keep in mind what I want my domestic church to look and feel like. I try to focus on those things that I am working towards even as I am scrubbing bathrooms. It’s amazing but keeping a picture in my head of where I want to end up makes even the drudgery a pleasure.

4) Magazines!!! Cottage Living! Domino! House Beautiful! I’m an addict. I really can’t get enough. I encouraged Mr. Beguiles to work my magazines into the budget because “they make me a better wife!” How’s that for manipulative? They really do inspire me though. I’m not terribly disciplined so I lean heavily on inspiration and it truly goes a long way. (I have a few favorite blogs that are always good for an inspirational nudge, too.)

5) Aprons. For those days when all I feel like doing is laying on the couch and eating bon bons I find a good apron always helps. I consider it a healthy form of role playing. I have the most adorable vintage-inspired apron with red cherries on it that conquers my tendency towards sloth every time. I slip it on and am immediately transformed into Housewife of the Year, 1950.

I second adding a touch of beauty everyday and the inspiration of magazines, blogs, and books! A few tips she didn't mention which I find help me to keep joy in tasks are:

1. Regularly open your home to company. Nothing motivates me more or makes the tasks at hand seem less daunting than having company. Once in a habit of regularly opening your home, the motivation is there to keep it clean.

2. Remember Colossians 3:23 and teach it to your children! "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to man." I taught this verse to my daughter thinking that it would serve as a reminder to be diligent in working at the tasks that I give her and found that it convicted me most of all! In fact, there have been several days, one in particular that happened recently, where I was doing a full scrub down of the kitchen and my arms were burning and I stopped to rest. Plopping on the couch, I exclaimed, "Oh that feels good to sit down! This is seriously hard work!" To which my two year old daughter replied, "Mommy, remember to do it heartily as to the Lord!" What motivation!

3. Make cleanliness a habit. This one is the hardest to master. Routines feel comfortable, they provide time to mentally reflect on the day while scrubbing dishes or pulling a broom around the kitchen floor. When these practices are done infrequently, the job seems overwhelming and the mind is less likely to relax and be joyful while doing it. If we make a habit out of the tasks of housekeeping, and stay on top of things before they get out of hand, the tasks become pleasant, like sinking into a familiar rhythm of diligence and care.

What are your favorite Housekeeping tips? Post them in the comments section below or send them to me by email at weepingcherries@live.com and I will compile a nice list to post for the following month.

The Art of Homemaking- Organization/Habits

I came across an interesting article by Domestic Felicity some time back that I wanted to revisit for the purpose of this blog. Here are the highlights: (read a full text version here)

Learning the Art of Homemaking: How Long Does it Take?

"While browsing a couple of blogs, I came across a comment which made me smile. I don't remember the exact way it was worded, but here's the general idea:

'I really don't get all this homemaker-in-training thingy for unmarried women. After all, how long does it take to learn to do laundry or change diapers? Can't girls just learn these things in a jiffy and then be free for exciting experiments with their lives until they get married?'

Why did it amuse me? Because the person who wrote this, obviously, knows very little about successful home management. And so, instead of starting a whole new discussion at the comments section, I decided to take this topic over to my blog and give it a good and thorough look."

"The way I see it, successfully running a household is in many ways similar to managing a small hotel: meals have to be served on time, everything must be neat and clean and presentable, with a well-organized routine of work that helps things run smoothly. All this, while staying within the strict limits of a budget. And in countless ways, running a home is so much more than running an hotel, because the homemaker is responsible for the long-term well-being of her family, and therefore must make sure her husband has his needs attended, meals are nutritious and made of high quality products and the menu doesn't become too predictable, her children healthy, educated and occupied with pleasant and worthwhile pursuits. She is also the one who sets the mood and tone of her home with her sweet and soothing presence"

"I know it's impossible to list the many arts a good homemaker must know, and there's always something new to learn. But beyond cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, scheduling, organizing and decorating, there is an important trait a homemaker must have, a trait that cannot be learned and tossed aside, but is only acquired through years of practice. It is patience"

"Maybe your floors are so clean you could eat off them and you cook like a chef, but as a homemaker you need much more than that. You must learn to do the same tasks, day after day, week after week, with joy and contentment in your heart. Sure, technically, it's not very hard to change a diaper. How about ten thousand diapers? Doing a load of laundry is easy. Then why is laundry piling up in people's homes? Obviously, because after the thousandth load, we have a tendency to get bored and just let things go."

Ouch, I know the laundry has a tendency to build up at our house. I found the daily, weekly, monthly housework breakdowns in the book, "Simply Organized" by Emilie , to be extremely helpful once modified to fit our specific needs.
The one area of my home that gets the least attention (and that I need to find a good daily maintenance system for- I love suggestions, hint, hint- LEAVE A COMMENT) is the bedroom that my husband and I share. If the main floor of our home is maintained (Kitchen, Bathroom, Front and Back Porch and Living Room), I am a happy camper BUT the bedroom is really important to my husband. So, at the present I am working on a system for where to put those clothes that aren't just out of the dryer clean but not ready for the dirty clothes basket either. You know, the shirt or sweater you threw on before heading out to church Wednesday night that was worn for three hours? I don't like refolding or hanging it back up with the freshly washed clothes but the floor or top of dresser is not the solution either. What do you do with slightly worn clothes?
I know that for me, a habit of daily maintenance prevents the "getting bored, letting things go" attitude. Here is what a typical day's checklist looks like that I have found to work for the main level of my home:
Kitchen-
(nightly checklist)
Is the sink empty?
Are the counters wiped down?
Is the stove top wiped down?
Is the table wiped down and set for breakfast?
Does the floor need a sweep?

Bathroom-
Is the counter clear of clutter and wiped down?
Is toilet paper stocked?
Does the trash can need emptied?
Does the floor need a sweep?
Is there anything gross on the toilet that needs to be wiped?
(Cleaning toilets happens weekly here not daily)

Living Room-
Quick Straighten before Ara's nap
Quick Straighten before bed
Do any toys, clothes or books need to be brought upstairs?

Porches-
Are there any mail, ads, or papers on the doorstep that I need to bring in?
Did any outdoor toys get left out on the back porch that need to be brought in?
Do the tables need wiped down on the back porch?

I'm still working on the dailies for the upstairs. The Bathroom checklist remains the same as the downstairs but Ara and the Master Bedroom have different needs to which I haven't found a great schedule that works. I'll be sure to post one when I find the winner!

Until next time,