This is part 4 of the series on Becoming Un-Overwhelmed as a Homemaker. You can start with part 1 here: A Tale of Two Mothers. Today we continue with cleaning & maintenance.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Once the de-cluttering is complete, you’ll need to do some basic cleaning. Large scale decluttering, no matter the original state of your home, will always create the need to clean.
I recommend doing your typical weekly cleaning. If you haven’t been cleaning your home weekly, you would start by cleaning the bathrooms:
- Shower/bath
- Sink
- Toilet
- Floor
Clean you kitchen as well:
- Sink and counters
- Stove top
- Floor
Clean the bedrooms and living room/family room by dusting and vacuuming, and add in any other rooms you have. Once your home is deculttered and clean, there will be maintenance. Maintenance is the daily, weekly and monthly upkeep on your home to ensure it doesn’t get to an overwhelming state again.
This isn’t a spring cleaning or a deep cleaning, although you could opt to do that! This is just to get your home to a state to where you are ready and able to begin maintenance.
Everyday Maintenance
Each day you will need to go through the mail, and everything else that comes into your home. Do you need it? If so, put it away or take care of it that day. If you don’t need it, throw it away, give it away, etc. Sometimes you may be gifted with clothing from friends at church. Try to go through it soon and bless another family with what you won’t use. Here are a few things that will need your attention daily:
- Newspapers, magazines, etc
- Dishes
- Laundry
- Cleaning off the table (Don’t allow it to get piled upon. Keep it breakfast, lunch and dinner ready
)
Weekly Maintenance
- Sweeping, vacuuming, etc.
- Cleaning bathrooms
- One deep cleaning activity
Monthly Maintenance
- Cleaning the refrigerator
- Windows
- Vacuuming under couch cushions
- Going through toys and clothes
- Dusting (Some may need to do this weekly)
So, there’s my “in a nutshell” list of what to work on to maintain your home. If you do the basics and general upkeep on your home regularly, it won’t become overwhelming. It really is easier to maintain a home, than it is to let it get out of control and try to get it back in shape again.
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