Tips & Tricks

A few tips and tricks for those who might not thrive on tidiness as much as I do, yet wish their homes were neater. (Please don't take this the wrong way! I just thought I'd share some "secrets" -- that really aren't secrets-- to help others who would like to be better housekeepers [another person's phrase, not mine].)

*Do the dishes/ clean the kitchen right after dinner. I know, you'd rather play with the kids or have a few minutes of downtime. But, if you know that you'll be even less likely to do the dirty work after the kids are in bed or you've had some time to relax, then do it first. That way, they aren't waiting around until the morning. (Or, if you're fortunate enough, have your spouse do the dishes. I have several friends who are blessed by their husbands in this way!)

*Open and sort the mail as soon as it comes in the house. Put items where they belong (bills by the computer or checkbook; magazines on the coffee table; junk in recycling or trash) rather than allowing them to pile up.

*Designate a spot for items to be returned and keep all such items there. For us, it's the bookcase in the kitchen. Placing an item there serves as a visual reminder that it needs to leave the house. (This also applies to items that belong on a different floor. I put items that need to go upstairs on the steps. Then I just grab them on my way up.)

*Pick up before bed (you could enlist the kids' help on this one). To be honest, I do this when I put the kids down for a nap and before we leave the house (though sometimes not as thoroughly as at naptime) so that the toys won't accumulate throughout the day. Though enlisting the kids' help often prolongs the process, it's well worth it; the kids learn responsibility for their toys as well as respect for me. (And it's so cute when Hunter starts singing the clean up song!)

*When it comes to toys, designate sections in the toy room/ family room. In our family room, we have a bookshelf for movies and books; one for games, puzzles, and early readers; and a shelf for toys. If, like me, you really want to be organized, you could then sort and group toys (all vehicles in one bin; dress-up in another; miscellaneous in a third); however, I understand if that's a bit much. So long as all the toys belong in one general place, the kids will know where to find them/ return them after playing with them.

*Plan a time to clean/sort/ plan meals/ do laundry/ complete house projects. I know, where's the spontaneity? Plus sometimes you won't feel like tackling what's on your list. (I feel that way every time I have to sit down to plan out our meals.) BUT... think of how you'll feel after you've completed the task. There's just something about crossing it off the list. If you really want to be organized when it comes to your tasks, you could (like me) assign one to each day at the beginning of the week. However, if that's too specific, try assigning the tasks to the week in general. Then you know what you have to accomplish by the end of the week.

Obviously, each of these involve a little time and forethought, but if you make them a daily habit, you'll be amazed by what they'll do for your homemaking abilities!