🚽 Hehe…a church neighbor gave us an ikea toilet brush wrapped and labeled “May your Christmas be BRIGHT and your toilet be WHITE!” I had a good laugh and replaced my old ikea brush. 😁 Thought I’d share that for fun.
As for Legos, when my kids were little I got tired of stepping on Legos or finding Legos in the strangest places so we made what we called "Lego Land" (the crawl space under our stairs). We carpeted it, put foam board insulation on the walls, and took white Christmas lights and strung them along the beams to provide lighting. After that, the only ones that ever stepped on Legos were the kids and the Legos rarely strayed from the space.
We had a "Lego table" (little rectangular table) in the odd corner of the living room and a plastic storage rack with drawers where all the legos lived. We had to keep them up off the floor because if they got vacuumed up they were gone forever! 😆 it worked really well and was the most popular spot for everyone to come and play!
Depression has left cleaning on the back burner for months now, but I’m finally getting back into my rhythm. The thing that helps me the most is making sure I load the dishwasher before bed and unload first thing in the morning. Even if everything else is untidy, nothing beats empty sinks.
I must comment on having your kids with you as you clean - genius idea! My mom was a do-it-alone person. She did cleaning when no one was home. Therefore, I have grown to the ripe age of 75 without feeling like I really know how to clean. I’m pretty good with laundry and, though I hate doing it, I can accomplish dishes. The rest of the stuff is just clumsy and “make-do” - very uncomfortable and emotionally draining. So - you’re doing a wonderful thing by including your children in the process - both girls AND your boys! At least they’re learning that it doesn’t magically happen when they’re at a friend’s or at Grandma’s or outside playing. Thank you for your real life example to so many people!
SAME! I had a stay-at-home mom, and everything was always 'magically' cleaned, cooked, decluttered, etc. while we were at school or outside. I grew up not knowing you HAD to declutter! These videos have taught me SO much about making good decisions and letting go of the bad ones. Teach your kids to DO stuff, people!
I’ve been a professional cleaner for 30+ years and this is a great video for cleaning tips😊. I love the one about not leaving the room until it’s finished!
Melissa Maker from CleanMySpace has a great tip for all those trips. She carries a laundry basket around with her so that anything that needs to be put away goes into the laundry basket. At the end of the room, she’ll go put everything in the basket away. That has been super helpful in my rather large home! But I sometimes use a folding wagon instead.
Another tip is to let the products do the work. Spraying and walking away for a few minutes gives time for the product to do its job. We have 3 bathrooms and I spray counter tops, toilets and toilet bowl cleaner in one and move on to spray the others. By the time I walk by and tidy up other rooms on the way back to the first bathroom the product has done most of the work.
I can tell I've been watching Dana, because when you hit the flour and the devotionals, I thought, "that's when you're supposed to ask yourself where I would look for it first?" Thank you all for the work you do. It's been about four months since I started decluttering in my bedroom and all the public areas of my house are so much better, plus my bedroom. I hope to finish the whole house by the end of 23, but if I don't it's okay because my house is consistently better than before.
When I was a professional house cleaner for a local company, we always started in furthest area from the main entrance (Rec rooms, bedrooms, office etc) and if there was a washroom in that area, It was the last space done before we moved to the next section of the home. Multiple washroom homes definitely required more supplies and time but were physically less tricky to clean than single washroom homes.
I realized the other day, when my kittens were watching the broom and mop intently , that they were acting as my body doubles. Cleaning is def a lot more fun with kittens, even if they do make some things a bit more difficult ...like sweeping and mopping.
Thanks for all of your videos, I do enjoy watching them. One tip to consider when cleaning a toilet is to use paper towels only (on the toilet), and then throw them away, that way you do not have the transfer of germs.
I challenged myself to clean our very messy after-Christmas kitchen during the 23mins of this video and I got it done just in time, yay! :) Thanks for your help today and throughout the last couple of years! On a side note, my husband took up sourdough bread baking two years ago and since then, his flour collection has taken over one of our large kitchen drawers. He currently stores 18 types of flour in there! 😂 But we get home made bread almost on a weekly basis, so that's worth it I guess. ;) Also, he's the cook of the family and I'm not allowed to declutter his drawers anyway... 🤭
Your never ending professionalism and work ethic are impressive. Please know you are respected and admired. The best to you and your loved ones this Christmas. Please stay safe during the big storm. 🧤
As this year comes to an end, I want to tell you how much I appreciate all you’ve helped me accomplish this past year. It has literally been 5 years since I’ve decorated for Christmas. My house/stuff was so overwhelming I just didn’t want to bring more stuff in (decorations). Well this year I worked at decluttering, with your help, and while I’m not “done” I can see the finish line! So all the Cmas decorations are inside and put out while all the unused decorations have been taken to the Salv Army🙌🏼🙌🏼. I have the bins set aside for these decorations to go into when the holiday is over. My heartfelt sincere gratitude for all your work this year helping me and so many others get through all the extra stuff in our lives! Merry Christmas and God bless you!!! ❤Tammy
There have been so many times I have been grateful to you for your emphasis on keeping the kitchen cleaned up and clutter free as much as possible - when we have had people stop by unannounced, or when we didn't have much advance notice of their visit. With my kitchen clean in our open concept living area, it has made such a big difference in my calmness during a visit, and my ability to go ahead and enjoy my company. I have not been so nervous from trying to shove items behind doors in a last ditch effort to clean the house before they arrive, or suffer immense embarrassment over a messy house. Instead I can whip up come coffee or snacks instead. Thank you again for all your practical tips!!
You were wondering where to put the Chapstick, I was like on top of the fridge! So funny how I know we’re stuff goes in your house better than mine lol
If I know I’m going to have a cleaning day, I’ll use the day before to declutter everything. It doesn’t take long and the cleaning goes so much faster.
I always "Basket Clean" I start with a basket set outside the door of the room I am cleaning. Anything that does not belong in that room (clothes, dishes, paper, etc.) gets put in the basket. I never leave the room until I am done. Then I head to the next room. I place anything out of the basket into the room and put anything that does not belong in that roo. Into the basket. I usually finish in the kitchen because I always find clothes and dishes to be the most misplaced items. I would then run anything left to the proper CLEAN room to put away. I have done this since the 90's when raising 4 kids. It really makes cleaning easier.
First of all, I need to thank you after years trying to declutter and get rid of stuff nothing was working. I tried different things, I watched a lot different TH-cam videos, and nothing was working. But something about your videos just clicked and it’s helping me to finally get rid of things and it feels so good. I don’t think I will ever be a minimalist, but I definitely can live with less stuff and be happy. Thank you.
I am so deeply grateful for your videos. I despise and dread cleaning when I’m depressed and overwhelmed but feel so satisfied doing it when there isn’t any clutter. YOU are my cleaning buddy as you stay in my head setting the examples of what to do next. Merry Christmas to the “cleaning mom” I never had ❤
I don’t remember exactly when I found your channel, but I feel like it’s been about a year ago. I feel like it really has helped me to not hold on to so much. I like to joke that I’m four bins short of being a hoarder! Haha! Not really though, but the ideas you have given about how to let go of things have really helped me. I love all your videos, your cute laugh and “ I love you” at the end always make me smile. Thank you for all the work you put into doing this and I hope you, your family have a most wonderful and blessed Christmas.❤
My Mother passed away a few years ago she was a depression baby so she kept everything although her hoarding happened much later in life when she was diagnosed with Dementia through your wonderful videos and coaching and having dealt with already a personal hoarding situation with my mom I have become a minimalist I am much happier and cleaning is a breeze keep up the great work your helping so many of us God bless you and your family
For years now, I make my bed first thing and it makes such a difference in feeling productive right away and making the room look put together. Recently, I added “toilet bowl switching” to my daily routine. I keep a toilet brush in each bathroom and after I use the restroom, I give it a quick swish (takes probably less than 20 seconds) and my toilets never need an exhausting, “elbow-grease” scrub. They were pretty yucky when I first started this, and now they always look like they were just cleaned.
You may want to put your flour in the freezer for at least 72 hours (I do a week) to prevent any pests if you intend to store it for any length of time.
@@rutheis I do it before storage before I put it in the pantry or for long term storage. If you have flour you need to bake right now just check it and if it’s okay, use it. Then freeze the flour before you forget.
I’m 74 years old and I just clean parts of the house each day. It works for me. There is only the2 of us so we keep the house pretty clean and neat. Love all your videos. Very inspiring!
This video about the speed cleaning is just what I need! I have been unhappy with the way I have or have NOT kept up with cleaning. I'm 63 years old and really just trying to get the hang of it better. I think there was a time I did better. It's been awhile. Thank you so much for making this video and all of your help through this videos! You are a blessing! And your sister! Merry Christmas to you and your whole family!🎄🎆
Had a thought for the items that don't belong and when you don't want to leave the room before you clean, bring a laundry basket with you to put the items in so you can take them with you after you finish the room and a way to carry a bunch of little items. Leave the basket just outside the door or space so it's not in your way while you clean. Once you leave the room, you can take the items where they belong so when you go to the next room the basket is empty again.
My Gran won't leave her home unless it was tidy she would double check that appliances were turn off. So 😋 Everyday I use her Great Advise. Love ❤️ You Two
I have had my kids learn to clean, cook and do laundry from the time they were little. By 12 they did their own laundry. My thoughts are parents are doing a disservice to their kids to not teach them how to take care of a home. When they were little we would make a game of it. I never criticized their work. It was just that they learned and contributed. They also make better partners as adults. My favorite to the complaints of little ones was ‘why the hell do you think I had kids?’ 🥰 Happy New Year!
So funny, when you found the Chapstick in the kitchen and wondered where it should to, I said in the box on top of the fridge...then you said the same thing. You have me trained!
🧹🧽 My favorite everyday cleaner is a reusable spray bottle and a couple drops of Dawn dish soap. That and a microfiber cloth cleans about everything in my house. I’m still using up my old method cleaners. I do like glass cleaner for a quick shine in the kitchen and bath. 😁 Edited to add Vinegar and baking soda for the tough stuff like hard water residue.
So the only thing is, soap is basic and vinegar is an acid. I don’t understand why people mix them, when it neutralizes it to closer to 7 pH? Like doesn’t it need to be basic enough to clean, or acidic enough to clean?
@@KR-os6nn I don't think that's the case. Soap is fairly neutral at 7 or 8. Vinegar is acid at 3 or so. So I'm guessing it will be slightly acid still, but I imagine it depends how much of each you put in, and where your tap water falls on the pH scale. But I add vinegar for its antibacterial properties, though I wonder if there's enough in the mix I use.
I do the same only I add a couple of drops of orange essential oil. I kept buying all the cleaners that people were recommending online, but I'm allergic to most smells and they gave me a headache, so I decluttered them. I can use my DIY cleaner on all surfaces and it saves me a ton of money!
Been watching you while doing the kitchen. Before I started, my thought was, “and when I am done, I can feed my sourdough starter!” So funny you did the same! And now that I am finished (with the video just over)… on to feeding my starter! 😋
Simplifying our belongings has been such an incredible blessing! I had been in the habit of decluttering for a few years before I found your channel, and your videos are super motivating and the ideas you share help with tricky items! Thanks for all the work you do with your videos!
Thank you for the reminder and simple tips for keeping your home clean. A tip about flour that learned the hard way, you should freeze the flour for a while to kill off any bug eggs. There are bug eggs in flour and they will not hatch if you freeze it for a while. Also if your flour is already ground, it might be best to keep in the freezer to avoid it going stale before you use all of it.
Thanks for the video Dawn. I've learnt so much from you and now my cleaning routine is super easy after decluttering and I have fell in love with my home again . I actually love cleaning now as it only takes half the time. My house has never looked so good. Merry Xmas to you and yours xx
We're having family over tonight after driving around and looking at Christmas lights. It took me 1 hour to clean the entire house and then another hour to prep food. Thankful for our simplified peaceful home. Merry Christmas ☃️
I can't wait till end of next year when we finally have our old farm home (built 1886) finally redone. It has been a total remodel, wiring, plumbing, windows, stripping all wood trim, removing all plaster & lath & so forth. We have done it all ourselves little at a time over 23 yrs. So ready to declutter & actually have it go from a house we live in to a home. We arent getting any younger (57 & 64) so will be glad to FINALLY have it all in order. Love your videos & hope to put your ideas to good use soon
Hate cleaning, but love a clean house. Love that you're doing sourdough. Lisa inspired me to do it too! Idea, I bought some manageable sized totes and put my flour, and sugar, and rice in them and store them downstairs in my pantry. Might that work for you too?
I literally just looked at everything I need to clean and became instantly overwhelmed. As I was avoiding the tasks at hand; I saw you had a new video (how serendipitous!) and I’m getting up to get going 5,4,3,2,1…. 🤓. Thanks for the reminder is doesn’t take as long as I think it will…. 😘 Merry Christmas! Thanks for the gift of videos that keep on giving!❤️
I’ve decreased our home inventory a lot and your tips have helped. I have a bit more to do but cleaning is SO much easier than it was before! Thank you! 😊
We don't asign cleaning zones but we all have an assigned weekend each month to clean the bathrooms. It has taught my kids not only how to properly clean bathrooms but also to be neater in there to start.
Could you, at some point, talk more about the "household-membership-tackeling-zones" 😄 How do you come up with them or decide who takes care of which zone? And how/when do you adjust and so on. How do you keep track, guide or look after them? Really really curious. My kids are 5 & 7 and it would be cool if I could implement that as "their" task 😉😊
I love cleaning. It helps me in so many levels... my husband knows what I'm feeling by the intent of my cleaning. If I move furniture, he takes our little one and goes for a ride. Lol. If I'm just tidying, he stays and we chat or play 20 questions.
For Jan 1, I’m making up one of those cleaning checklists where you rotate rooms by day to do a thorough clean in 45 min. I’m making up my own based on other lists I’ve found to perfect it for my family. Then I think I’m going to make it the first thing we do after breakfast and before we start school (we homeschool) and actually put on a timer so we build the habit, but don’t get overwhelmed. Maybe we can even beat the timer lol. It can be such a struggle to keep on a schedule and routine, so that’s half the point as well lol.
Sometimes putting on a timer helps, because you will glance at it and realize you've only been working for 2 minutes 😄 even though it feels like forever. Has motivated me before at least with studying, to keep going.
Thank you for that…the predator floor explanation…genius!👍I just finished and your suggestion TOTALLY MADE SENSE AND THUS MADE IT EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVELY FASTER TY,TY THANK YOU!!!!
I have an old gardening bag, with lots of pockets, that I keep loaded and ready to "grab and go" on cleaning day. It does help to have everything ready and waiting.
Thanks for the quick and easy tutorial on how to clean. I've been decluttering for a few years now and, while I still have too much stuff, it's way less than 7 years ago when I moved into this space. Cleaning easily overwhelms me but I've managed to get the bathrooms to a regular (when they need it) schedule. Now to get the kitchen and bedroom into the same state. Congratulations too on the sourdough, it looks great. I started that in 2019, but with me it seems to be a fall, winter and spring thing.
YES! Inspired by Lisa who makes you feel at ease trying... I started sourdough this year. In fact, that was my first bread baking experience and I even bought a grain mill, which was on backorder for a while, so there was time to practice before it arrived. I will say, I love scooping grain and have it mill directly into my mixing bowel rather than wrestle with a flour bag and worry about storing flour. Who would have thought this was all so simple?! There were times I thought I totally ruined a loaf, it turned out great! I will say too, freshly ground, even unsifted flour tastes amazing and turned out better than whole wheat flour from the store. Soft, moist, not bitter, so delicious and so full of nutrition! We tried whole wheat, sprouted grain bread from the store for a diet once. We got it to taste good with the toppings we put on. I never imagined whole wheat could taste as good as it does. It is so good just as it is. It really does taste like a food on its own. It is so misrepresented by what is in the store. But sourdough in general, you almost cannot mess up! It's all way easier than I ever imagined. I hope more and more families try.
I clean houses for a living- 19 every 2 weeks. Start at the top n work down I have each client use norwex enviro cloths n window cloths. No chemicals except toilet!! Bar keepers friend for sinks n stove tops Use only one cloth for just toilets- do not cross contaminate Toilet brush for each toilet- save time. Don’t back track Now to get out my bread machine Merry Christmas to all
what i have found to be faster as a pro cleaner is anything that does not belong put outside the door and put away when you are finished cleaning and leave the room. also paper towles are more sanitary in the bathroom and kitchen and will eliminate more germs. I know that may not be green but nessary. Rags should only be used for dusting. Another tip never use a broom you will keep your dust down and clean less if you vacuum. Daiseys Cleaning Services LLC
Dawn, you're light in a gift box! As I watched the first part on speed cleaning the bathroom, I got all motivated to start and ended up spending half an hour there... well, not as fast as I hoped, but it really needed a deeper scrub. So, I did what I could in the kitchen, following Dawn.Dana.Cas 5 min pick-up, where would I look for it first, take it there now, tidying from bottom up, trash bag, donate box... wow! You ladies are the best! Thank you so so much! Cheers from Brazil. ⚘
No way - I recently started making sourdough bread too, and love all of Lisa’s recipes and videos! Actually I’ve done bread, cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies!
I have spoken to so many family members about decluttering and how easier cleaning would be. They never listen. I am so glad I watch your videos and have gone on the declutter journey, so I have a cleaner house all the time. Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone Sourdough is amazing!! I make her sourdough sandwich bread and sourdough pizza crust weekly!!!
It would have been interesting to see how you clean the shower/bath tub/tiles. Maybe next time? 😁 It does look much easier to clean that the house is clutter free. I have your first book, so will need to get my butt in gear.
Dawn, I have watched tons of your old videos and enjoy your new ones each week. You are so encouraging and I love listening to you as I declutter, organize, tidy, and clean! I'm a new-ish mom to an almost toddler. If you're ever looking for new ideas for content, I would love some advice about decluttering/ being minimal with a babies/toddlers/little kids. I know your household is past that stage, but maybe it could be some kind of collaboration with Diana? I felt like I had things under control before baby, but now, lol, idk. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Years ago I came up with a cleaning schedule based on how often specific tasks need to be done. I manage it with the "Remember The Milk" app, and have adjusted it periodically according to changes of life seasons. When all four kids were young, it took me maybe 30 minutes per day keep the house "clean enough" . Now it's far less, but I've kept the system because it still works.
I’m sure you thought about this, but would it be handy to store your flour in your basement pantry vs the other bedroom? Just a thought. GREAT video!! Thank you.
Oh my gosh, when you said that you spent so much time on the stuff, that you didn't get to cleaning, I feel that in my soul! It's 100% me! Especially when I go into paralysis over decision making or where to start. I also realized last night that one of my HUGE hang ups, is "I COULD use this ...........on the hutch, in my bedroom, in my bathroom" but it never has an actual home, just a dream of where I COULD use it. So I would like to change my thinking to "I WILL use this ....... on the hutch."
I love that you are getting into sourdough! And Farmhouse on Boone is AMAZING!!! I love The Clever Carrot blog for easy sourdough ideas. Cleaning, decluttering, and sourdough… ahh, this is the place for me ❤❤❤
Your Sourdough is another living addition to your family, haha! It'll take over your life if you let it. Tip: always keep some dried so you don't have to keep it going all the time. (When it's peaked, paint a cookie sheet size piece of parchment paper full/thin layer, and let it dry until it breaks apart. It might take a day. Then bag it and you can always rehydrate again when you want to use it. Take it when it's peaking within 4 hours so you won't have to spend days feeding to get it up to par when you use it next.)
Keep your extra flour in the freezer. It gets old or rancid if it is whole wheat. Have containers for all-purpose and whole wheat in the cabinet and take out your freezer when levels get low.
I completely agree about not needing fancy products. We use vinegar in a spray bottle for 98 percent of our cleaning. The last 2 percent is the bleach we very occasionally have to use on mold, as we live in a damp climate. I love the vinegar!
I am fortunate that I have an amazing husband who bakes bread! He can make just about any kind too; and we do save some money because bread is getting expensive. Thanks for the cleaning tips! I liked the one about using the microfiber towels mostly; that does save money and time of not having to take a paper towel to the trash. I am working my way toward minimalism, slowly but surely. Thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas 🎄🎄
Fantastic video, tips are great! Love the drip dry toilet brush 👍 Great job! Exciting you exposed your viewers to modern day Mom’s way of bread making. Brilliant, it’s homemade just the same, cheap once you have initial start ups. I store my bread flours in bins w/front slanted doors. Each holds 50-75 pounds of flour - one for all purpose, another Bread flour, bulk buy is cheaper - bins stack & seal tight. It’s great you expand to cleaning & cooking tips = anything that helps a busy Mom, wins 🥇 🎉
I ALWAYS look forward to your videos; I REALLY appreciate your content and your warm welcoming voice when it comes to The Mundane, Normal and Practical Issues of Life. THANK YOU!!! 💛
I love that you are research oriented, and explained that the brain perceives things on the floor as a 'threat', wow!! Knowing that really helps me focus on the red flags!!! thank you so much. your vids are helping me so much.
Things on the floor can be viewed as a threat. That is wild and so true! Toys and random clutter on the floor instantly stirs that anxiety tidy muscle.
I have also been watching one of your friends that says a lot "If nothing else, DO THE DISHES!" I have you said before "It isn't going to take as long as you think." Last night I already had clean dishes in the dishwasher and the dish drainer. However, from making dinner and cooking extra ground beef at the same time, I ended up with some plates on the counter.(I had to wash them before lunch and dinner by hand). I had 2 sinks full of a large bowl, small bowls and 4 different kinds of pans I used between all of that. I told myself that it won't take as long as I think. I set a timer for 15 minutes. I did somewhat hurry but I got done, including putting some food away and wiping the counters, and emptying the dish drainer. I washed all of the things in the 2 sinks in about 12 minutes! I was so surprised and somewhat proud of myself. This morning when I got up I was so happy to see it had all been done the night before! Dawn you are the first one I ever watched on decluttering and the 5 min tidy. You have helped me a great deal.
The year before my husband died I asked for a toilet brush for my birthday. I found one I liked at Sam's Club(it was actually 2 brushes and holders). It made me want to clean the toilet haha. I love it so much!!
It is true, starting with the area you’re thinking is the worst in the house first is so energizing. Ask yourself, what would I feel the most accomplished and free of mind thinking if I accomplished that task? That way, when it’s done, anything else will be bonus or you can rest easy and celebrate 🙌 Works great for those with chronic fatigue syndrome or any autoimmune disorders. Another one is to set a timer, like 3-5 minutes, for things like unloading the dishwasher. Or, starting tasks after you’ve done prayers and prioritized your day, then throwing in a load of laundry and unloading he dishwasher. I like to rest when I need it so that I am energized when cleaning and take breaks, it’s so much kinder and more gentle for myself. Putting essential oils in a diffuser is a nice way to humidify the air, but also I wouldn’t recommend it as a cover up for cleaning actual smells. It’s nice to have a clean house and surfaces, it makes it so much more fun to enjoy and be creative! Another task is to get rid of the odds and ends and I don’t know what’s that take up bandwidth in putting them away from the dishwasher. That way it’s easy and you don’t have to think about it. I also really enjoy putting on peaceful or Christian music, or some music that has some grace in it, so if I’m feeling low, it’s addressing true internal cleaning along with the outside. Also, meditation and prayer, and having a good cry out, or an epsom salt bath help in between. Cycle syncing! Ladies, menstruating women, did you know that you can sync tasks not only for time of day but for your menses cycle as well? Ovulation tends to be the higher energy time for getting tasks done, finishing up by the week before your period or a few days before, so that when hormones tend to fall, you can rest easy and enjoy that epsom salt bath :)
I used to clean the whole house at once prior to kids. But that became impossible with littles. I finally broke it up into three big pieces that I can fit in over three days -- Day 1 I tidy everything and dust. Day 2 I do the bathrooms and kitchen. Day 3 I vacuum and mop.
Micro fibre cloths I use blue on gas’s then on the sink , red on the toilet, green on the kitchen benches and sink, orange on dusty surfaces and yellow for polish
Go to Allform.com/minimalmom for 20% off your own sofa! We hope you have a great weekend and Merry Christmas!!! Love, Dawn & Tom
PLEASE PLEASE do a NO ANNOYING BACKGROUND MUSIC 🎶 VERSION ❤
🚽 Hehe…a church neighbor gave us an ikea toilet brush wrapped and labeled “May your Christmas be BRIGHT and your toilet be WHITE!” I had a good laugh and replaced my old ikea brush. 😁 Thought I’d share that for fun.
That’s awesome!!! 😂
IKEA brushes are the best, they are so cheap
😆 🤣 😂
I agree on the ikea brush. My old brush was too stiff; the ikea is just right.
I laughed so much I almost….U know lol lol
As for Legos, when my kids were little I got tired of stepping on Legos or finding Legos in the strangest places so we made what we called "Lego Land" (the crawl space under our stairs). We carpeted it, put foam board insulation on the walls, and took white Christmas lights and strung them along the beams to provide lighting. After that, the only ones that ever stepped on Legos were the kids and the Legos rarely strayed from the space.
We had a "Lego table" (little rectangular table) in the odd corner of the living room and a plastic storage rack with drawers where all the legos lived. We had to keep them up off the floor because if they got vacuumed up they were gone forever! 😆 it worked really well and was the most popular spot for everyone to come and play!
Depression has left cleaning on the back burner for months now, but I’m finally getting back into my rhythm. The thing that helps me the most is making sure I load the dishwasher before bed and unload first thing in the morning. Even if everything else is untidy, nothing beats empty sinks.
(((Hugs)))
So sorry you haven't been feeling well. Take good care of yourself.
Same!
That’s what I have also focused on! Keep up the good work!!
(Hugs)
I must comment on having your kids with you as you clean - genius idea! My mom was a do-it-alone person. She did cleaning when no one was home. Therefore, I have grown to the ripe age of 75 without feeling like I really know how to clean. I’m pretty good with laundry and, though I hate doing it, I can accomplish dishes. The rest of the stuff is just clumsy and “make-do” - very uncomfortable and emotionally draining. So - you’re doing a wonderful thing by including your children in the process - both girls AND your boys! At least they’re learning that it doesn’t magically happen when they’re at a friend’s or at Grandma’s or outside playing. Thank you for your real life example to so many people!
SAME! I had a stay-at-home mom, and everything was always 'magically' cleaned, cooked, decluttered, etc. while we were at school or outside. I grew up not knowing you HAD to declutter! These videos have taught me SO much about making good decisions and letting go of the bad ones. Teach your kids to DO stuff, people!
My mom was the same when it came to most of the housework.
I’ve been a professional cleaner for 30+ years and this is a great video for cleaning tips😊. I love the one about not leaving the room until it’s finished!
Melissa Maker from CleanMySpace has a great tip for all those trips. She carries a laundry basket around with her so that anything that needs to be put away goes into the laundry basket. At the end of the room, she’ll go put everything in the basket away. That has been super helpful in my rather large home! But I sometimes use a folding wagon instead.
yes she's awesome, and perhaps the OG toilet brush trick?
Another tip is to let the products do the work. Spraying and walking away for a few minutes gives time for the product to do its job. We have 3 bathrooms and I spray counter tops, toilets and toilet bowl cleaner in one and move on to spray the others. By the time I walk by and tidy up other rooms on the way back to the first bathroom the product has done most of the work.
Same. Works great!
Agree!!
Yes!
Cleaning products need “dwell” time.
Yes !
I can tell I've been watching Dana, because when you hit the flour and the devotionals, I thought, "that's when you're supposed to ask yourself where I would look for it first?" Thank you all for the work you do. It's been about four months since I started decluttering in my bedroom and all the public areas of my house are so much better, plus my bedroom. I hope to finish the whole house by the end of 23, but if I don't it's okay because my house is consistently better than before.
When I was a professional house cleaner for a local company, we always started in furthest area from the main entrance (Rec rooms, bedrooms, office etc) and if there was a washroom in that area, It was the last space done before we moved to the next section of the home. Multiple washroom homes definitely required more supplies and time but were physically less tricky to clean than single washroom homes.
I’m a pro cleaner and I just start where everyone isn’t 😂 😂😂 and I prefer one or two small bathrooms over several any day of the week 😅
I realized the other day, when my kittens were watching the broom and mop intently , that they were acting as my body doubles. Cleaning is def a lot more fun with kittens, even if they do make some things a bit more difficult ...like sweeping and mopping.
Our cats do the same! Makes every task so much more enjoyable.
they're the "best" at helping make the bed, or fold laundry! lol
😁
Thanks for all of your videos, I do enjoy watching them. One tip to consider when cleaning a toilet is to use paper towels only (on the toilet), and then throw them away, that way you do not have the transfer of germs.
That is what overwhelms me is the picking up of all the stuff before I can even start cleaning.
I’m the worst at cleaning! But thanks to you, Cas, and Dana, I’m better at picking up and decluttering!
I challenged myself to clean our very messy after-Christmas kitchen during the 23mins of this video and I got it done just in time, yay! :) Thanks for your help today and throughout the last couple of years!
On a side note, my husband took up sourdough bread baking two years ago and since then, his flour collection has taken over one of our large kitchen drawers. He currently stores 18 types of flour in there! 😂 But we get home made bread almost on a weekly basis, so that's worth it I guess. ;) Also, he's the cook of the family and I'm not allowed to declutter his drawers anyway... 🤭
Your never ending professionalism and work ethic are impressive. Please know you are respected and admired. The best to you and your loved ones this Christmas. Please stay safe during the big storm. 🧤
As this year comes to an end, I want to tell you how much I appreciate all you’ve helped me accomplish this past year. It has literally been 5 years since I’ve decorated for Christmas. My house/stuff was so overwhelming I just didn’t want to bring more stuff in (decorations). Well this year I worked at decluttering, with your help, and while I’m not “done” I can see the finish line! So all the Cmas decorations are inside and put out while all the unused decorations have been taken to the Salv Army🙌🏼🙌🏼. I have the bins set aside for these decorations to go into when the holiday is over. My heartfelt sincere gratitude for all your work this year helping me and so many others get through all the extra stuff in our lives! Merry Christmas and God bless you!!! ❤Tammy
Awesome job!!! Woo hoo!! Enjoy the season!! Merry Christmas. 🎄
So proud for you & your family. May God bless you with much less clutter in 2023!!!🙏🏻☝️✝️Happy New Year!
There have been so many times I have been grateful to you for your emphasis on keeping the kitchen cleaned up and clutter free as much as possible - when we have had people stop by unannounced, or when we didn't have much advance notice of their visit. With my kitchen clean in our open concept living area, it has made such a big difference in my calmness during a visit, and my ability to go ahead and enjoy my company. I have not been so nervous from trying to shove items behind doors in a last ditch effort to clean the house before they arrive, or suffer immense embarrassment over a messy house. Instead I can whip up come coffee or snacks instead. Thank you again for all your practical tips!!
This!
You were wondering where to put the Chapstick, I was like on top of the fridge! So funny how I know we’re stuff goes in your house better than mine lol
I was thinking the same thing 😅
For sure Tom will look there!
I keep my chapstick in the kitchen junk drawer, bathroom makeup drawer and one on my night stand.
Every time you do a cleaning video, I get the urge to clean too. I cleaned “along” with you during this video. Thank you Dawn.
Me too! Cleaned the kitchen and scrubs the pots and pans! So satisfying 😊
If I know I’m going to have a cleaning day, I’ll use the day before to declutter everything. It doesn’t take long and the cleaning goes so much faster.
I always "Basket Clean" I start with a basket set outside the door of the room I am cleaning. Anything that does not belong in that room (clothes, dishes, paper, etc.) gets put in the basket. I never leave the room until I am done. Then I head to the next room. I place anything out of the basket into the room and put anything that does not belong in that roo. Into the basket. I usually finish in the kitchen because I always find clothes and dishes to be the most misplaced items. I would then run anything left to the proper CLEAN room to put away. I have done this since the 90's when raising 4 kids. It really makes cleaning easier.
I love your cleaning videos! I’m so scatterbrained, I can’t stay in one room while I’m cleaning! Thank you for reminding me!
First of all, I need to thank you after years trying to declutter and get rid of stuff nothing was working. I tried different things,
I watched a lot different TH-cam videos, and nothing was working. But something about your videos just clicked and it’s helping me to finally get rid of things and it feels so good. I don’t think I will ever be a minimalist, but I definitely can live with less stuff and be happy.
Thank you.
I am so deeply grateful for your videos. I despise and dread cleaning when I’m depressed and overwhelmed but feel so satisfied doing it when there isn’t any clutter. YOU are my cleaning buddy as you stay in my head setting the examples of what to do next. Merry Christmas to the “cleaning mom” I never had ❤
Hi Dawn 👋
It is amazing how quickly I can clean the house when everyone "gets out of my way". 😅 But it is nice to have help sometimes.
I don’t remember exactly when I found your channel, but I feel like it’s been about a year ago. I feel like it really has helped me to not hold on to so much. I like to joke that I’m four bins short of being a hoarder! Haha! Not really though, but the ideas you have given about how to let go of things have really helped me. I love all your videos, your cute laugh and “ I love you” at the end always make me smile. Thank you for all the work you put into doing this and I hope you, your family have a most wonderful and blessed Christmas.❤
My Mother passed away a few years ago she was a depression baby so she kept everything although her hoarding happened much later in life when she was diagnosed with Dementia through your wonderful videos and coaching and having dealt with already a personal hoarding situation with my mom I have become a minimalist I am much happier and cleaning is a breeze keep up the great work your helping so many of us God bless you and your family
For years now, I make my bed first thing and it makes such a difference in feeling productive right away and making the room look put together. Recently, I added “toilet bowl switching” to my daily routine. I keep a toilet brush in each bathroom and after I use the restroom, I give it a quick swish (takes probably less than 20 seconds) and my toilets never need an exhausting, “elbow-grease” scrub. They were pretty yucky when I first started this, and now they always look like they were just cleaned.
Yes, I do this too. I sometimes take a moment to admire my toilets!
You may want to put your flour in the freezer for at least 72 hours (I do a week) to prevent any pests if you intend to store it for any length of time.
I was told 9 days minimum. I usually put it in for two weeks. I just write it on the calendar.
@@sidneyoverland6869 do you do that before you store it or before you use it after storing it?
Yes, I was thinking that, too! I put it in the freezer for 3-4 days as soon as I get home from the grocery store.
@@rutheis I do it before storage before I put it in the pantry or for long term storage. If you have flour you need to bake right now just check it and if it’s okay, use it. Then freeze the flour before you forget.
@@sidneyoverland6869 oh ok, makes sense! So you are trying to freeze anything that might already be growing before you store it. Thanks!
my goal is to use up most of my cleaners that I have over-collected. Then I am narrowing down to basics ...only what I need.
I’m 74 years old and I just clean parts of the house each day. It works for me. There is only the2 of us so we keep the house pretty clean and neat. Love all your videos. Very inspiring!
This video about the speed cleaning is just what I need! I have been unhappy with the way I have or have NOT kept up with cleaning. I'm 63 years old and really just trying to get the hang of it better. I think there was a time I did better. It's been awhile. Thank you so much for making this video and all of your help through this videos! You are a blessing! And your sister! Merry Christmas to you and your whole family!🎄🎆
Had a thought for the items that don't belong and when you don't want to leave the room before you clean, bring a laundry basket with you to put the items in so you can take them with you after you finish the room and a way to carry a bunch of little items. Leave the basket just outside the door or space so it's not in your way while you clean. Once you leave the room, you can take the items where they belong so when you go to the next room the basket is empty again.
My Gran won't leave her home unless it was tidy she would double check that appliances were turn off. So 😋 Everyday I use her Great Advise. Love ❤️ You Two
Cleaning is something I can control. I need that these days.
How often do you get to the bedrooms? Mopping? Watching you clean is so much better than cleaning my own house, thank you!
I have had my kids learn to clean, cook and do laundry from the time they were little. By 12 they did their own laundry. My thoughts are parents are doing a disservice to their kids to not teach them how to take care of a home. When they were little we would make a game of it. I never criticized their work. It was just that they learned and contributed. They also make better partners as adults. My favorite to the complaints of little ones was ‘why the hell do you think I had kids?’ 🥰 Happy New Year!
So funny, when you found the Chapstick in the kitchen and wondered where it should to, I said in the box on top of the fridge...then you said the same thing. You have me trained!
🧹🧽 My favorite everyday cleaner is a reusable spray bottle and a couple drops of Dawn dish soap. That and a microfiber cloth cleans about everything in my house. I’m still using up my old method cleaners. I do like glass cleaner for a quick shine in the kitchen and bath. 😁
Edited to add Vinegar and baking soda for the tough stuff like hard water residue.
I add vinegar to the dish soap/water mix.
So the only thing is, soap is basic and vinegar is an acid. I don’t understand why people mix them, when it neutralizes it to closer to 7 pH? Like doesn’t it need to be basic enough to clean, or acidic enough to clean?
@@KR-os6nn I don't think that's the case. Soap is fairly neutral at 7 or 8. Vinegar is acid at 3 or so. So I'm guessing it will be slightly acid still, but I imagine it depends how much of each you put in, and where your tap water falls on the pH scale. But I add vinegar for its antibacterial properties, though I wonder if there's enough in the mix I use.
I do the same only I add a couple of drops of orange essential oil. I kept buying all the cleaners that people were recommending online, but I'm allergic to most smells and they gave me a headache, so I decluttered them. I can use my DIY cleaner on all surfaces and it saves me a ton of money!
Been watching you while doing the kitchen. Before I started, my thought was, “and when I am done, I can feed my sourdough starter!” So funny you did the same! And now that I am finished (with the video just over)… on to feeding my starter! 😋
Simplifying our belongings has been such an incredible blessing! I had been in the habit of decluttering for a few years before I found your channel, and your videos are super motivating and the ideas you share help with tricky items! Thanks for all the work you do with your videos!
Thank you, I really associate this!!! 🥰 Merry Christmas!!
@@TheMinimalMom Merry Christmas to you too!
Thank you for the reminder and simple tips for keeping your home clean. A tip about flour that learned the hard way, you should freeze the flour for a while to kill off any bug eggs. There are bug eggs in flour and they will not hatch if you freeze it for a while. Also if your flour is already ground, it might be best to keep in the freezer to avoid it going stale before you use all of it.
Thanks for the video Dawn. I've learnt so much from you and now my cleaning routine is super easy after decluttering and I have fell in love with my home again . I actually love cleaning now as it only takes half the time. My house has never looked so good. Merry Xmas to you and yours xx
That is awesome!❤❤❤
We're having family over tonight after driving around and looking at Christmas lights. It took me 1 hour to clean the entire house and then another hour to prep food. Thankful for our simplified peaceful home. Merry Christmas ☃️
I can't wait till end of next year when we finally have our old farm home (built 1886) finally redone. It has been a total remodel, wiring, plumbing, windows, stripping all wood trim, removing all plaster & lath & so forth. We have done it all ourselves little at a time over 23 yrs. So ready to declutter & actually have it go from a house we live in to a home. We arent getting any younger (57 & 64) so will be glad to FINALLY have it all in order. Love your videos & hope to put your ideas to good use soon
Upbeat music is so helpful for energy to keep cleaning 😎
It helps to know that you still deal with finding places for all the stuff that comes in (even if it's something what we want)!
Hate cleaning, but love a clean house. Love that you're doing sourdough. Lisa inspired me to do it too! Idea, I bought some manageable sized totes and put my flour, and sugar, and rice in them and store them downstairs in my pantry. Might that work for you too?
I literally just looked at everything I need to clean and became instantly overwhelmed. As I was avoiding the tasks at hand; I saw you had a new video (how serendipitous!) and I’m getting up to get going 5,4,3,2,1…. 🤓. Thanks for the reminder is doesn’t take as long as I think it will…. 😘 Merry Christmas! Thanks for the gift of videos that keep on giving!❤️
I’ve decreased our home inventory a lot and your tips have helped. I have a bit more to do but cleaning is SO much easier than it was before! Thank you! 😊
I make Crusty Bread. Mix 4 ingredients in the morning. Cover and forget until time to bake for supper.
We don't asign cleaning zones but we all have an assigned weekend each month to clean the bathrooms. It has taught my kids not only how to properly clean bathrooms but also to be neater in there to start.
Your awesome, Dawn. Never failing to brighten my day 💖🌞💖
It was fun watching you clean your home Dawn, I'm motivated now knowing that i'm not alone. Wishing you and Tom a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2023!
Could you, at some point, talk more about the "household-membership-tackeling-zones" 😄 How do you come up with them or decide who takes care of which zone? And how/when do you adjust and so on. How do you keep track, guide or look after them? Really really curious. My kids are 5 & 7 and it would be cool if I could implement that as "their" task 😉😊
I love cleaning. It helps me in so many levels... my husband knows what I'm feeling by the intent of my cleaning. If I move furniture, he takes our little one and goes for a ride. Lol. If I'm just tidying, he stays and we chat or play 20 questions.
Lol- hello twin!!
For Jan 1, I’m making up one of those cleaning checklists where you rotate rooms by day to do a thorough clean in 45 min. I’m making up my own based on other lists I’ve found to perfect it for my family. Then I think I’m going to make it the first thing we do after breakfast and before we start school (we homeschool) and actually put on a timer so we build the habit, but don’t get overwhelmed. Maybe we can even beat the timer lol. It can be such a struggle to keep on a schedule and routine, so that’s half the point as well lol.
Sometimes putting on a timer helps, because you will glance at it and realize you've only been working for 2 minutes 😄 even though it feels like forever. Has motivated me before at least with studying, to keep going.
Thank you for that…the predator floor explanation…genius!👍I just finished and your suggestion TOTALLY MADE SENSE AND THUS MADE IT EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVELY FASTER TY,TY THANK YOU!!!!
I have an old gardening bag, with lots of pockets, that I keep loaded and ready to "grab and go" on cleaning day. It does help to have everything ready and waiting.
Thanks for the quick and easy tutorial on how to clean. I've been decluttering for a few years now and, while I still have too much stuff, it's way less than 7 years ago when I moved into this space. Cleaning easily overwhelms me but I've managed to get the bathrooms to a regular (when they need it) schedule. Now to get the kitchen and bedroom into the same state. Congratulations too on the sourdough, it looks great. I started that in 2019, but with me it seems to be a fall, winter and spring thing.
I did a whole lot of window cleaning around the house today while the family were out; so satisfying! 😊
YES! Inspired by Lisa who makes you feel at ease trying... I started sourdough this year. In fact, that was my first bread baking experience and I even bought a grain mill, which was on backorder for a while, so there was time to practice before it arrived. I will say, I love scooping grain and have it mill directly into my mixing bowel rather than wrestle with a flour bag and worry about storing flour. Who would have thought this was all so simple?! There were times I thought I totally ruined a loaf, it turned out great! I will say too, freshly ground, even unsifted flour tastes amazing and turned out better than whole wheat flour from the store. Soft, moist, not bitter, so delicious and so full of nutrition! We tried whole wheat, sprouted grain bread from the store for a diet once. We got it to taste good with the toppings we put on. I never imagined whole wheat could taste as good as it does. It is so good just as it is. It really does taste like a food on its own. It is so misrepresented by what is in the store.
But sourdough in general, you almost cannot mess up! It's all way easier than I ever imagined. I hope more and more families try.
Thanks for sharing! That’s really great.
I clean houses for a living- 19 every 2 weeks. Start at the top n work down
I have each client use norwex enviro cloths n window cloths. No chemicals except toilet!! Bar keepers friend for sinks n stove tops
Use only one cloth for just toilets- do not cross contaminate
Toilet brush for each toilet- save time. Don’t back track
Now to get out my bread machine
Merry Christmas to all
I really needed this today as I’m preparing for tomorrow. Love and blessings from Texas.
Just listened to my favorite worship songs on Pandora while I did dishes, it was actually fun! I was singing and dancing while I cleaned 😃
what i have found to be faster as a pro cleaner is anything that does not belong put outside the door and put away when you are finished cleaning and leave the room. also paper towles are more sanitary in the bathroom and kitchen and will eliminate more germs. I know that may not be green but nessary. Rags should only be used for dusting. Another tip never use a broom you will keep your dust down and clean less if you vacuum.
Daiseys Cleaning Services LLC
Thanks for another useful video. I enjoy watching you and like all the helpful tips.
Dawn, you're light in a gift box!
As I watched the first part on speed cleaning the bathroom, I got all motivated to start and ended up spending half an hour there... well, not as fast as I hoped, but it really needed a deeper scrub. So, I did what I could in the kitchen, following Dawn.Dana.Cas 5 min pick-up, where would I look for it first, take it there now, tidying from bottom up, trash bag, donate box... wow! You ladies are the best! Thank you so so much! Cheers from Brazil. ⚘
No way - I recently started making sourdough bread too, and love all of Lisa’s recipes and videos! Actually I’ve done bread, cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies!
That’s so cool!! Adeline is super excited to help try the cookies and cinnamon rolls ❤️
Lego bricks on the floor ARE a threat.
Funny - I had gotten my bread in the oven and then was cleaning my kitchens while watching your video 😂 you were my body double!
I have spoken to so many family members about decluttering and how easier cleaning would be. They never listen. I am so glad I watch your videos and have gone on the declutter journey, so I have a cleaner house all the time. Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone Sourdough is amazing!! I make her sourdough sandwich bread and sourdough pizza crust weekly!!!
It would have been interesting to see how you clean the shower/bath tub/tiles. Maybe next time? 😁 It does look much easier to clean that the house is clutter free. I have your first book, so will need to get my butt in gear.
Dawn, I have watched tons of your old videos and enjoy your new ones each week. You are so encouraging and I love listening to you as I declutter, organize, tidy, and clean! I'm a new-ish mom to an almost toddler. If you're ever looking for new ideas for content, I would love some advice about decluttering/ being minimal with a babies/toddlers/little kids. I know your household is past that stage, but maybe it could be some kind of collaboration with Diana? I felt like I had things under control before baby, but now, lol, idk. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Yes I would appreciate this too. ❤
Years ago I came up with a cleaning schedule based on how often specific tasks need to be done. I manage it with the "Remember The Milk" app, and have adjusted it periodically according to changes of life seasons. When all four kids were young, it took me maybe 30 minutes per day keep the house "clean enough" . Now it's far less, but I've kept the system because it still works.
I’m sure you thought about this, but would it be handy to store your flour in your basement pantry vs the other bedroom? Just a thought.
GREAT video!! Thank you.
Agreed, upbeat music really helps. I've tried listening to podcasts. Nope too slow and I tend to stop and sit too much.
Oh my gosh, when you said that you spent so much time on the stuff, that you didn't get to cleaning, I feel that in my soul! It's 100% me! Especially when I go into paralysis over decision making or where to start. I also realized last night that one of my HUGE hang ups, is "I COULD use this ...........on the hutch, in my bedroom, in my bathroom" but it never has an actual home, just a dream of where I COULD use it. So I would like to change my thinking to "I WILL use this ....... on the hutch."
I love that you are getting into sourdough! And Farmhouse on Boone is AMAZING!!! I love The Clever Carrot blog for easy sourdough ideas. Cleaning, decluttering, and sourdough… ahh, this is the place for me
❤❤❤
I love that blue on you're kitchen cubards
Your Sourdough is another living addition to your family, haha! It'll take over your life if you let it.
Tip: always keep some dried so you don't have to keep it going all the time. (When it's peaked, paint a cookie sheet size piece of parchment paper full/thin layer, and let it dry until it breaks apart. It might take a day. Then bag it and you can always rehydrate again when you want to use it. Take it when it's peaking within 4 hours so you won't have to spend days feeding to get it up to par when you use it next.)
Keep your extra flour in the freezer. It gets old or rancid if it is whole wheat. Have containers for all-purpose and whole wheat in the cabinet and take out your freezer when levels get low.
I completely agree about not needing fancy products. We use vinegar in a spray bottle for 98 percent of our cleaning. The last 2 percent is the bleach we very occasionally have to use on mold, as we live in a damp climate. I love the vinegar!
Perfect timing for this video 😊
Merry Christmas Dawn to you and everyone in your families💙💙💙
Thank you Liz!! Merry Christmas to you, too!!! ❤
I am fortunate that I have an amazing husband who bakes bread! He can make just about any kind too; and we do save some money because bread is getting expensive. Thanks for the cleaning tips! I liked the one about using the microfiber towels mostly; that does save money and time of not having to take a paper towel to the trash. I am working my way toward minimalism, slowly but surely. Thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas 🎄🎄
Fantastic video, tips are great! Love the drip dry toilet brush 👍 Great job! Exciting you exposed your viewers to modern day Mom’s way of bread making. Brilliant, it’s homemade just the same, cheap once you have initial start ups. I store my bread flours in bins w/front slanted doors. Each holds 50-75 pounds of flour - one for all purpose, another Bread flour, bulk buy is cheaper - bins stack & seal tight. It’s great you expand to cleaning & cooking tips = anything that helps a busy Mom, wins 🥇 🎉
Ooh! Love the tidy from the floor up tip!
Happy new, bright and tidy year to us all!
I ALWAYS look forward to your videos; I REALLY appreciate your content and your warm welcoming voice when it comes to The Mundane, Normal and Practical Issues of Life. THANK YOU!!! 💛
I love that you are research oriented, and explained that the brain perceives things on the floor as a 'threat', wow!! Knowing that really helps me focus on the red flags!!! thank you so much. your vids are helping me so much.
Your house looks so peaceful, cozy and comfortable!😍 Merry Christmas!🎅🎄
Things on the floor can be viewed as a threat. That is wild and so true! Toys and random clutter on the floor instantly stirs that anxiety tidy muscle.
I have also been watching one of your friends that says a lot "If nothing else, DO THE DISHES!" I have you said before "It isn't going to take as long as you think." Last night I already had clean dishes in the dishwasher and the dish drainer. However, from making dinner and cooking extra ground beef at the same time, I ended up with some plates on the counter.(I had to wash them before lunch and dinner by hand). I had 2 sinks full of a large bowl, small bowls and 4 different kinds of pans I used between all of that. I told myself that it won't take as long as I think. I set a timer for 15 minutes. I did somewhat hurry but I got done, including putting some food away and wiping the counters, and emptying the dish drainer. I washed all of the things in the 2 sinks in about 12 minutes! I was so surprised and somewhat proud of myself. This morning when I got up I was so happy to see it had all been done the night before! Dawn you are the first one I ever watched on decluttering and the 5 min tidy. You have helped me a great deal.
Loud music keeps me from getting distracted - If I start decluttering or pondering or wandering, it is a huge reminder that it is CLEANING TIME!!!!!
The year before my husband died I asked for a toilet brush for my birthday. I found one I liked at Sam's Club(it was actually 2 brushes and holders). It made me want to clean the toilet haha. I love it so much!!
It is true, starting with the area you’re thinking is the worst in the house first is so energizing. Ask yourself, what would I feel the most accomplished and free of mind thinking if I accomplished that task? That way, when it’s done, anything else will be bonus or you can rest easy and celebrate 🙌
Works great for those with chronic fatigue syndrome or any autoimmune disorders.
Another one is to set a timer, like 3-5 minutes, for things like unloading the dishwasher.
Or, starting tasks after you’ve done prayers and prioritized your day, then throwing in a load of laundry and unloading he dishwasher.
I like to rest when I need it so that I am energized when cleaning and take breaks, it’s so much kinder and more gentle for myself.
Putting essential oils in a diffuser is a nice way to humidify the air, but also I wouldn’t recommend it as a cover up for cleaning actual smells. It’s nice to have a clean house and surfaces, it makes it so much more fun to enjoy and be creative!
Another task is to get rid of the odds and ends and I don’t know what’s that take up bandwidth in putting them away from the dishwasher. That way it’s easy and you don’t have to think about it.
I also really enjoy putting on peaceful or Christian music, or some music that has some grace in it, so if I’m feeling low, it’s addressing true internal cleaning along with the outside.
Also, meditation and prayer, and having a good cry out, or an epsom salt bath help in between.
Cycle syncing! Ladies, menstruating women, did you know that you can sync tasks not only for time of day but for your menses cycle as well? Ovulation tends to be the higher energy time for getting tasks done, finishing up by the week before your period or a few days before, so that when hormones tend to fall, you can rest easy and enjoy that epsom salt bath :)
I used to clean the whole house at once prior to kids. But that became impossible with littles. I finally broke it up into three big pieces that I can fit in over three days -- Day 1 I tidy everything and dust. Day 2 I do the bathrooms and kitchen. Day 3 I vacuum and mop.
We just bought a cordless vacuum - located in a great place - we grab it and use it often for quick clean ups.
Micro fibre cloths I use blue on gas’s then on the sink , red on the toilet, green on the kitchen benches and sink, orange on dusty surfaces and yellow for polish