In a blink of an eye our challenge is about to end. If you are opening up this page eager for the next assignment because everything is completed from week’s prior, you are better off than most (or me for that matter)! Let’s face it, we’re all super busy parents and it is hard to set aside time during the day to take care of these tasks, which may not seem like an immediate priority. Please keep in mind; I don’t set out making these challenges to make your life more difficult, rather so it is EASIER! So, if you are anxiously waiting to see where I am going to send you off this week with your bucket of hot soapy water and a micro-fiber cloth…please bear with me while I address the needs of the others. Read the rest »

This week we will be focusing on the often seriously neglected areas: Zone #6 – the garage and the basement. Read on for detailed instructions to clean and organize this space in plenty time before Thanksgiving.

We are working on our sixth zone this week. For me that is my garage and basement. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs. I understand that for many of us these two areas are major clutter magnets! My answer is very simple… do what you can. Our autumn overhaul cleaning missions are nearly at an end and the holidays are upon us!  After the New Year when the world quiets down a bit, you can focus more in depth with some of the area’s most in need. Keep in mind, these areas did not get overwhelmed with stuff in a week…so it is very unrealistic that you can correct the problem in a week! Read the rest »

We are working on our fifth zone this week. For me that is my kitchen. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs.

There really is no right or wrong way to clean. Whatever works best for you is great. Be very careful that you do not get stuck in the details of these projects. Do what you can and then move on! Don’t spend this week cleaning and organizing your spice cabinet. We’ll spend some time down the road de-cluttering this room and you can focus on those areas at that time. Your main goal for this room is to end up on Sunday with a clean, functional, and easily maintainable kitchen. Read the rest »

This week begins the second half of the 8 week challenge and focuses on Zone #4 – the living room, family room, and dining room. Check out detailed instructions to take back control of these rooms. Also, learn the tips on creating an atmosphere conducive to de-cluttering and cleaning! It’s not too late to join along…

We are working on our fourth zone this week. For me that is my living room, family room and dining room. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs. Read the rest »

This week we are working in Zone #3 – the bathrooms and entry way/foyer. Check out detailed instructions for a plan of attack in these rooms. Haven’t started overhauling your home yet? See the 1 hour turbo catch-up.

If you are either just joining the mission now, or have found yourself behind, please follow the turbo catch-up below:

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Turbo Autumn Overhaul One-hour catch up:

Straighten your Master Bedroom and Children’s bedrooms. (skip the Master bath for now, you can do that with your other bathroom(s) missions this week.

Set the timer for 1 hour
Change the sheets
Fluff all curtains making sure that spiders have not made nests in the folds
Wipe down all the walls (I use a swiffer sweeper and swiffer wet cloth)
Fill a bucket with hot soapy water and grab a microfiber cloth
Wipe down all furniture, doors, lightswitches, radiators, etc. etc.
Windex all glass surfaces
Sweep the floors

Ok… you are all caught up!!
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ZONE 3

We are working on our third zone this week. For me that is my bathrooms and foyer. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs.

Break this job into small tasks. Each day you should plan to spend between 15-30 minutes. I find I do best if I set the timer.

Below is a sample of my list: (Please keep in mind to break up your job into tasks however it suits you best)

Purge and clean storage areas (list each drawer, closet, cabinet etc., individually)
Dust furniture
Dust walls, ceilings, corners, ceiling fans
Thorough cleaning of the floors including corners and under furniture
Take down curtains and wash according to directions
Clean windows & windowsills
Purge and clean knick knacks
Wash baseboards, radiators, doors, etc.

Now break the large list into daily checklists however it best works for you.  Here’s a sample of my list:

Monday:
Purge and dust knick knacks, books, frames, etc.
Clean out cabinets from one bathroom

Tuesday:
Clean walls, doors, ceilings, baseboards, etc.
Purge and clean cabinets from another bathroom

Wednesday:
Clean out foyer closet (wipe down walls, sweep floors, purge and sort) - Do as much of this as you can. If this is a project that requires more than 1/2 hour, just write this down for a project to do when you have a chance. Don’t let yourself get stuck!

Thursday:
Take down curtains and wash
Clean the windowsills and trim
Windex windows and mirrors
Hang the window treatments/shower curtains back up
Purge and clean remaining cabinets

Friday:
Dust all the furniture thoroughly
Clean tubs and showers

Saturday:
Wash floors
Thoroughly vacuum the floors (don’t forget the corners)
Decorate for spring.. spring flowers, etc.

Sunday:
Free Day (or catch up)

Before you start any of the above projects, make sure you start with a straightened room. Place clean laundry away and dirty laundry in the hamper.

Some of the tasks may need more time than what you have this week. An example of this would be if you really need a thorough de-cluttering of your closet. For larger tasks, skip it for now (or do what you can without making a larger mess for yourself) and make a to-do list. At the end of our 8 weeks (or during, when you have the time) you can go back to the list to see what needs to still be addressed. I don’t want you to get stuck and lose your momentum.

Keep in mind that throughout the year we tackle many of these de-cluttering projects in a far more thorough manner, so only attempt to tackle what you can realistically do in 15-30 minutes/day. Your goal is to have a clean (and easily maintainable) home by Thanksgiving… NOT a perfect home.

Happy Cleaning!!
Betsy

We are working on our second zone this week. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs.

This week we are working in the children’s rooms. I know it may seem easier to do this job when the kids are at school, but children benefit from helping out! Break this job into small tasks. Each day, plan to spend between 15-30 minutes per bedroom. I find it very helpful to set a timer to stay on task.

If your schedule does not allow you to spend 15-30 minutes per bedroom, adjust the challenges accordingly. The true purpose of this overhaul is to break up large overwhelming jobs into smaller attainable tasks. Read the rest »

We are on week 2 of our 8 week pre-holiday cleaning and de-cluttering frenzy. This week we are working in Zone#1 – the Master Bedroom and Bath. Read below for the daily steps (and final treat) to take your bedroom from cluttered chaos to restful bliss.

We are working on our first zone this week. For me that is my Master Bathroom and Bedroom. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs. Read the rest »