Now, I’ve kept you waiting long enough. It’s time for the first of my messy-proof methods to jump start your cleaning.
The Fifteen Minute Method
| Method: The Fifteen Minute Method How it works: Spend 15 minutes cleaning in each room. Purpose: To make large areas of the house functional and presentable in a short period of time. |
Doesn’t it seem like we can clean more in the 15 minutes before someone comes over than we do all week? We have a sense of urgency and a sense of purpose that pushes us to get a lot of cleaning done really quickly.
When I need to clean large amounts of house in a short period of time, I try to mimic that situation. I set my kitchen timer for 15 minutes, and get to work. I spend 15 minutes in each room, starting with the kitchen, and I challenge myself. Can I get the dishes done, counters cleared and floor swept in 15 minutes? Amazingly, I usually can!
Then, I reset the timer and move to the dining room. As fast as I can, I clear the table, sweep and vacuum.
Next, 15 minutes in the living room and finally, 15 minutes in the bathroom and entryway.
In 1 hour, I can get the first floor of my house functionally clean.
| Before: | 15 minutes later: |
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Sticking to 15 minutes will force you to prioritize and clean the most important things. This is NOT the time to reorganize a cupboard or sort your craft supplies. Those things also need to be done, but not in this 15 minute time frame.
I used this method a lot when I was pregnant with Isaac and exhausted. I would do 1 or 2 15 minute sessions and then rest. I also liked this when I was working full-time. I could spend one hour on Saturday morning spiffing up, and then enjoy my weekend. I still use this method a lot when I get overwhelmed with the day-to-day messes that two little boys (and their mom and dad) can create.
Have you tried the 15 Minute Method? Leave some feedback here or on my facebook page.
I think I need an demonstration in my own home to see exactly how it works. (I'm a visual learner) ;-) Great ideas; now to get my butt up and start moving. Allergies and no coffee are really slowing me down this morning.
ReplyDeleteOk, I tried this and did fairly well.... until I took something to the kitchen that belonged there and then got sidetracked fussing with the mess in that room. Going to keep at it again today, after I go back to bed for at least two hours, and see what I can accomplish! "If at first you don't succeed........" ( Call Merry Maids right?) I don't think they even travel this far without extra fees included! :-P
ReplyDeleteI'm SO glad that you tried it! Two things:
Delete1. STAY FOCUSED!
2. Did you make a dent in one room? I find that 15 minutes, spread thoughout the house, doesn't make a noticeable difference. But a FAST 15 minutes in one room makes a big dent. And that dent will motivate you to keep going!