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I am not a neat person by nature…at all! However, that doesn’t mean that I like living in a messy home and chaos!
For years I’ve tried to find the magical solution to homemaking and every once in a while find a few great tricks but I am still looking for the magic wand that can clean my home for me! In the meantime I have found 3 ways to simplify homemaking that I hope can help you, too!
1. Tidy up!
I recently started reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Can you imagine what a haven your home would be with only items that bring joy to your life?
Some of Kondo’s tips include the order that one should tidy (clothing is first), to sort items by category and not location, and to discard first and worry about how to store your items later.
2. Create white-space in your schedule!
I have a long way to go in implementing this one (but I am consciously working on it)!
White space (free time) equals freedom. In regards to homemaking, white space in your schedule allows freedom for doing those projects that have been put off because you didn’t have time before! After you tidy, you will automatically have more white space because your stuff will fit where it’s supposed to and you’ll no longer be picking up or cleaning extra items.
3. Have realistic expectations.
I don’t have 4 hours a day to have a detailed list that includes dusting the ceiling fans and baseboards. However, I know I can usually spend at least 30 minutes beyond the basics of dishes, changing laundry, and wiping down the counters.
When you are realistic with your time, you can get to work and plan ahead. By having a plan you know what needs done! If you want to finish a project but can’t find any extra time could you get up 20 minutes earlier to finish that project or delete something from your schedule?
What are your best tips to simplify homemaking?
I have shared this post at the following link parties:
The Chicken Chick, Monday Madness, Mommy Monday Blog Hop, The Creative Collection Link Party, & Mommy Moments!
‘Create white-space in your schedule’ What a wonderful way to describe it. Just the thought sounds calm and serene.
I am (ever a slowly) working on tidying up and getting rid of stuff. It’s a slow process!! I would like to pick up that book. Maybe it would give me the extra push I need 🙂
Creating “white space” in my schedule is the hardest one for me to master, but I have been doing good with being realistic. I make a rotating schedule of only 3-5 tasks to clean every day in order to stay realistic regarding what I can actually accomplish.
I love the idea of creating white space in your schedule. I feel like everything in my life could use some white space, from cleaning/crafting to my marriage and time with friends. Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes forgetting to have ‘realistic expectations’ is what trips me up. i can have a huge list in my head, or on paper, and I’m so focused on plowing through it, I forget that other things need attending…like eating, using the bathroom, sitting my pregnant body down for a few minutes, and playing with Baby Boy.
On those days where there’s ‘white space’ though, things always work out better. Likely because my expectations aren’t as high, of myself and others! 🙂
Stopping by from Mommy Monday!
For me, making sure all things have a home. Before I retire for the evening everything is done and put away so I can start fresh the next day. It is much easier when your kids are grown I have to admit.
Sometimes I’d like to throw everything out of my kids’ rooms that doesn’t bring me joy!
Seriously, though, i love your tips, especially the one about scheduling in some white space. I’m horrible at that, packing just a LITTLE more than I can realistically do even if nothing goes wrong – and of course something always goes wrong because that’s life and I have 5 kids.
#mondayformoms
I am definitely one of those people who becomes stressed when surrounded by too much clutter. So I am good about de-cluttering, but you spurred me on in the clothing department to keep things I love and discard the rest.
I liked the suggestion to find 30 minutes to do something above and beyond cleaning counter and such as I definitely need to be more diligent in the deep cleaning department. lol. It’s a lot easier to let that go.
Thanks so much for sharing these tips! 🙂
Please pop over to Monday Madness link party this week you have a nice surprise waiting 😉
Thanks so much! 🙂