Don't Know Where to Start? Start Small.

I've been receiving so many tweets asking for tips on where to start when tackling a space. My friends on twitter have inspired me to blog! A challenge for some may be where to start - where as, for others a challenge may be how to start. Regardless of which category you fall into, the solution is simple: just start!
Yes, it is important to have a plan of action, but it is equally important to not fall into a place of analysis paralysis with productivity. As we all know, in life experiences we can prepare until our brain hurts, but there is noting like getting up and getting started.

Many of my followers have families and feel overwhelmed with the load and responsibility of taking care of home. It is important to remember that family is an inclusive word. Family does not mean "you". Therefore, when things are out of order and the home needs to be cleaned and/or organized, it is vital that you include the family. Assign an area or a room to each child, along with a feasible list of tasks to complete. Assign yourself and your spouse an area, as well. work together as a family unit and create a more comfortable environment for everyone. If you get in the habit of this while the kids are young, you will be less likely susceptible to being viewed as the maid or the butler.

Many tasks are simple, but because we often don't feel like taking action - we make things more complicated. This leads to procrastination, which is the opposite of productivity. Avoid totally neglecting big home or office responsibilities by starting small. Pick a corner, a shelf, a cabinet, or a countertop and begin! Complete a little bit each day and take pictures of your progress. This will give you a visual of where you started and how far you've come. Completing household chores like cleaning the kitchen, dusting the furniture, or doing laundry can potentially be a one day affair, if you are willing to set aside the time to get it done and include the entire family.

For instance, my schedule permits Monday afternoon to be a great "cleaning and errand day." After handling my daily business between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., I run all errands (note: I create an eList on my cell phone the night before of tasks to complete), I swing by the local store to pick up cleaning supplies, trashbags, or organization tools I may need, and when I arrive home I get started. Typically, I start laundry first because while the clothes are washing and drying, I can focus on other areas. Next, I focus my attention to the kitchen and bathroom, because those are common areas. Lastly, once all clothes are dry, I sort, fold, and hang them in my closet while straightening the bedroom, as well.

I acknowledge that everyone has different priorities and daily responsibilities. However, if you create systems that require you to live in a clean and organized fashion, you'll find that you have less cleaning/straightening up to do during the week. Below are a few ideas that make household tasks less stressful and save time.

1. Use 2 hampers for colors and whites. This allows your clothes to be pre-sorted before doing laundry. If you have a large family, designate a hamper for each person or even better, use 2 hampers for the boys' colors and whites, and 2 hampers for the girls' colors and whites.
2. Use the dishwasher as you go. Each time you use a cup or dish, rinse it out thoroughly, and place into the dishwasher. Once the dishwasher is full, turn it on, and there you have it! This minimizes the chore of washing dishes down to only pots, pans, and glassware that shouldn't be placed in the dishwasher.
3. Make your bed. This may sound like something you tell your 8 year-old, but a neat bed gives the bedroom a neat and orderly appearance. You are less likely to throw things across your bed, if you make it everyday.
4. Keep all cleaning supplies in one spot.
5. Clean off countertops, desks, and dressers before you end your night.
6. Create a To-do list for tomorrow's priorities.
7. Toss all junk mail from the mailbox before entering the house.
8. Shake out mats and small rugs regulary.
9. Clean countertops and load dishwasher immediately dinner.
10. Take out the trash immediately when full.

There are thousands of ways to keep your household clean and orderly. Keep reading our blog, as we continuously provide weekly tips to creating your balanced lifestyle. Thank you twitter friends for the wonderful questions and inspiration. I appreciate you all!

Until We Blog Again....



CEO, Organize N Refine