My husband and I are very busy between work, school, and our toddler. We have a really hard time keeping the house clean and organized. Does anyone have suggestions on how to be more efficient?
2007-09-08 05:31:21 · 9 answers · asked by MDJ 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
My husband and I both work full-time and we have 4 children very busy in school and sports. I have just implemented (with the new school year) what I call the 15 minute tidy. After dinner, while I'm cleaning the kitchen and loading the dishwasher, I set the timer for 15 minutes and all the kids have to run around and pick-up and put away everything they see that is out of place. I have four children (ages 11 and under), two are on each end of the house. It was the best thing I ever started!!!
2007-09-08 06:31:24 · answer #1 · answered by Jenny~♥ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whew, tall order, when you're so busy and have a little one.
Limit what toys are available. Have a big basket where they all go, and make available no more than what fits in the basket. Your toddler will often pick up after himself or herself if asked.
Eat only at the table. Food doesn't leave the kitchen and dining room.
Dishes are rinsed and stacked (or put in the dishwasher) at the conclusion of each meal by everyone who ate except the baby.
People pick up their own dirty clothes.
Once a week, get a sitter and give the house 3 hours of your undivided cleaning attention, both you and your husband working. Then give yourselves a one-hour date. Good for the house, good for the marriage.
Remember, when your toddler is grown, he or she won't remember the dirty house but how much of his parents' time and love he had.
2007-09-08 12:40:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you do clean only work in one room. I do most of my house work like this. I set my alarm clock to go off in 15, min´s time , I see how much I can do in this short amount of time. Trust me you can do a lot. I never waste time taking thing´s back to their rightful homes I leave them outside the room I am working in , then take them back when finished . Once the alarm clock goes off I sit down and have a rest ,or I carry on the same way. I set the clock for another 15 min´s. Sometimes after a long hard day at work ,it´s best to rest on top of your bed ,only 1/2 hr , this will relax your body and you will be ready to clean And the golden rule is, no matter how little cleaning you do in one day , always reward yourself
2007-09-08 12:49:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tough question. Hard when you are that busy. Pick up after yourselves. Each one takes their own plate to the sink. You might take turns, say if you don't have a class tonight, then it is your time to cook and clean up, or the other way around.
When one takes a shower or bath, clean the tub or shower when you get finished. I keep a swigee in our shower and who ever showers, wipes it down. Hey don't laugh, my shower is always clean. Same way with the sink, if you use it, then you wipe it down. Each pick up their own clothes.
I have found if you can keep the laundry done, and the dishes done, then the rest kinda takes care of itself. The last one to leave the house might put a load of clothes on to wash. The next one to come home, might put it in the dryer, and then who ever folds them.
I probably didn't help, but !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I tried.
I wish you guys the best of luck
2007-09-11 19:30:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just find it refreshing how equal you make it sound between you and your husband. In any case, try to do a little bit each day, it's easier when things don't pile up. concentrate on hygiene issues, like the kitchen and bathroom and try to not worry too much about little messes that are a neatness issue. Prevention helps too, when taking off you clothes put them straight into the hamper than on the floor. Just doing things consciously helps.
2007-09-08 12:38:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even living alone I've tried making it a rule to never set anything down where it doesn't belong. If you have a place for everything and keep it there you aren't moving things twice. Flylady is a good idea. One of these days I'm going to check that out myself.
2007-09-08 13:20:11 · answer #6 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pick up things right away instead of waiting for them to build up. If you have a few dishes in the sink, do them right away, do small load of laundry..and keep everything neat...that way it won't get out of hand..or hire a housekeeper.
2007-09-11 15:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself to the Flylady site and have a good read!!
2007-09-08 12:37:06 · answer #8 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like the 15 minute tidy.... great idea!
2007-09-08 21:20:23 · answer #9 · answered by Mary G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋