Okay well I have been very lazy in the past and have not helped my mom . But it is time to step to the plate ( she has herniated disks so thats why she needs more help) I need help cleaning because we have relatives coming . We have to clean 1) A computer room with to many office supplies , games coats etc 2) A room with close to old and new and a foot of closet space 3) A room with things clean but cannot get organized due to lack of space so gets dirty really easily 4) two closets that are disorganized and small 5) a bathroom in shambles . We have relatives going to come live with us we have three days out of the entire week to clean how long will it take , I need tips tricks EVERYTHING ! thanks And a basement with a bunch of pantry items seasonal things and a heck of allot of unsorted old clothes and an un-used pet room Do one room at a time, walking round with a bin bag first and throw away everything that you don't need- be ruthless. Then fold up any clothes as that always clears space and put them away. Next move on to putting other things that are out, away. Things that have boxes, but them in there and stack them away.
Once everything that needs putting away is away you can move onto cleaning. Use a damp cloth to go over surfaces to get the dust and light dirt off, Use an old toothbrush to clean the dust out of the nooks and cranies of the office equipment.
The room with things to clean with no space can you move things into another room, this gives you a chance to clean them you will be able to clean the room once everything is out and arrange it better when you put everything back in.
With the closets take everything out, can you put things you don't need in underbed bags (there are good ones that you attach a hoover to to make them airtight and take up less room) or store them in boxes in a loft or garage?
For the bathroom spray bathroom cleaner on and leave to soak in, use the shower hose to wash down the bath. Remove all the shampoo bottles ect away to clean under them, hang fresh towels up (this always makes a bathroom look good). For the toilet poor fizzy drinks down the toilet as this gets rid of dirt, limescale and smells, leave it for as long as possible, overnight is good.
Open all windows to let as much fresh air in and don't hoover until everything else is clean. If you have dogs give them a wash along with their bedding to clear smells. When you cook wash up stright away, same goes for plates. Put your shoes and bags straight away when you come in so you keep on top of any last minute cleaning. Putting pot pouree around as the smell will make relatives think the house is always clean.
Good luck, and happy cleaning. Get boxes, label them:
1)Give Away to Charity
2)Garbage pile
3)Keep
Then box up and label the stuff you won't use in the next 6 mos and store it in a basement or garage.
Purple Heart or other charities will sometimes come and pick up big stuff like furniture or appliances.
Some you can set on the curb and people will come and take it.
The other "essentials" you can then put back in an organized fashion. Clear bins help you see what's inside if you need it.
The key is not not get overwhelmed with "decisions" bc it will take forever then. Once you start sorting quickly, then you can worry about the favorites/collectibles later, just box the buggers up for now and you know you still "have them," when you want them. You will be amazed how little you need for day to day living. I agree with the first post. The trick is to make sure that the keep pile is way smaller than the other two. I live by this simple rule of thumb....
If I have not seen it, used it, missed or am unable to wear it do to sizing issues, it in the last 6 months, it is time to get rid of it. This holds to pretty much everything from clothing to junk and really de-clutters things. If it is missing pieces or is broken in some way then it is time to trash it as well....none of that " well maybe I could use it someday" crap or it will still be a disaster. ok............. An easy way to get rid of items you don't need is to Freecycle them (it may take you a day or two to get signed up; it's free).
http://www.freecycle.org/
Or you can call a local charity to schedule a pick-up at your home.
If you have the time and cable, check out shows like Mission Organization, Clean Sweep, Clean House, and Neat for inspiration.
Other potentially helpful resources (if you have time to read them):
http://www.flylady.com/
http://www.peterwalshdesign.com/5faq/1_5...
http://www.juliemorgenstern.com/
I know it can be emotionally difficult to get rid of clothes that no longer fit you...but really...do it! They just hang around mocking you, reminding you of your size. You'll feel better if you get rid of anything that doesn't fit, and buy new when you do eventually reach the size you want to be. In the meantime, you'll have enjoyed all that closet and storage space, less emotional baggage!
If you don't feel happy about how you look in an item of clothing, or if it's too big, small, scratchy, stained, ripped, out-of-style, faded, ETC., just get rid of it! If you don't like something for whatever reason, it's okay to get rid of it, even if it is "perfectly good." It doesn't mean it's good FOR YOU. Bless someone else with it. So what if you paid good money for it? Why should it "steal" your space as well?
Don Aslett's de-cluttering books can be very inspirational reading; check your local library.
http://www.cleanreport.com/Books-by-Don-...
When you're organizing, think "like with like." Group different categories of items together, ideally near where they will be used.
I have found it to be extremely helpful to label everything, because otherwise I tend to forget the system I have set up. I use a Dymo LetraTag handheld labeler, but there are other styles and brands, which should be readily available to purchase locally.
http://global.dymo.com/enUS/Categories/E...
Think which will suit you best in different areas: clear containers so you can see the contents, or containers which hide the contents? Think about what will be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. But don't buy containers until you 1) organize like items together, and 2) purge, so you have much less left.
If you are keeping some things only for sentimental reasons (stuffed animals, for example), consider taking a picture of the item: keeping the photo and letting the item go. A picture takes up much less space! I agree with Wolf Wisdom. You can do this. Please put on some of your fave music while you do this work. It will help the time go quicker.
Take care. Well, if you have relatives coming over for company. It would be a nice idea to really clean the areas that they will be using and seeing.
If you have time- start getting rid of things that you no longer use. Donate them to GOODWILL./SALVATION ARMY etc... Just remove them from the house ! OR store them neatly elsewhere until you can get them out of the house. You can also use FREECYCLE.ORG and someone will pick them up ! Just POST your offers and set up a pick up time.
1. In the comp. room start by sorting through paperwork.. That's usually the most clutter central in the office ! If you are NOT sure what stays or go's. At the very least you can pile it together and "stash" it in a file/drawer to check out when company leaves..... Office supplies- get some cheapie containers from the dollar store to "stash" pens/pencils/erasers... Put them in a label with tape... Also you can use a container for scissors, stapler/staples etc... Stack neatly... In a pinch a nice glass or tumbler will work for pens/pencils and still keep them organized ! A crate, a copypaper box... etc... You can wrap with contact paper and use for a multitude of storage.... You can use it as a file box. You can store copy paper.. Office supplies, inks/toners... Stash it under the desk... It's useful and looks nice ! Or in a closet out of the way !
In you have lots of books.... Go through and keep only the ones you need. Anything else either donate or sell to a used book store/library etc.... Arrange leftovers on a shelf/bookcase.
If you have lots of coats... If you can hang them in the closet... If you don't have room... .Buy a coat tree or install coat hooks on the wall OR they have coat hooks that "install" over the top of a door !
GAMES check for ALL the pieces... If they are NOT complete or not played you can FREECYCLE them... If you want them ... Store neatly in closet !
Bathroom..... CLEAN IT ! START from the top and work your way down.... Take all towels, rugs and curtains.. .Toss in the wash...
Wipe down tub/shower with a good cleaner.. Let it sit for 10 minutes and wipe down with a sponge/rag... Crack a window for ventilation.... Clean toilet inside/outside. Wipe down countertop/mirrors... Clean sink... DO NOT mix products.. .Like BLEACH/AMMONIA try to stick with one basic cleaner like SOFT SCRUB/COMET and clean the mirror with diluted vinegar/water.... Make sure the extra bath has clean towels, new soap for guests...
Sweep or vacuum bathroom floor and mop throughly ! Anything like make-up, hair accessories etc.. .Remove and store in a linen closet or under cabinet... Stock bathroom with plenty of toilet paper and empty the trash and replace liner..
Make sure the guest room or your own room wherever guests are staying is neat/clean.... Vacuum all carpeted areas AFTER you dust...
Good luck Get rid of anything old, musty or has not been used in 6mos or more. find any papers and put them in one place. you can always go through them later. clear counters. stock bathroom w/ fresh soaps, shampoos, etc. any magazines can go in br. helps w/ clutter and give guests something to read. |
