Sanctuary is all about peace, order and beauty. Today, we're going to jump right in to Order.
Because it's best to not think about it too long. Just jump in. Come on!
Confession: I can't say the word "organized" without channeling Wallace, from Wallace and Gromit's "A Close Shave."
As in, "Get yourselves OH-ganized down there!"
via youtube
That scene cracks me up EVERY TIME!
First of all, I know the pain of clutter and how it just wears. you. down. I know how difficult it is to pretend you have it all together when it took an hour to find matching shoes. I know how hard it is to function when you feel like a total failure.
I know what it feels like to struggle to get motivated to clean up.
And this is not just for moms with little kids at home. I can tell you as an empty-nester, that old habits, like precious memories- oh, how they linger.
I think there's a song about that.
ANYWAY. This is why I don't like to read blogs about organizing. It's because they are generally written by people who NATURALLY love to organize. They go to bed dreaming of how they will put cat food into a stackable container and label it....to go with all their other matching containers.
I just shake my head. smh
But I have learned that it's possible for messy people to be organized enough to function.
And that there is a level of clean that's "clean enough."
And it's possible to be clean and organized enough that your home really does feel like a sanctuary.
And living in a sanctuary feels very, very good.
So, let's begin. Here's the good news: If you struggle to stay organized at home, part of the problem isn't so much with YOU.
It's with your tools.
You've GOT to have the right tools, or it will always feel too hard to do anything.
For example, sometimes I think about how many times I've struggled with a standard screwdriver when the task called for a Phillips....or I've tried to to pound a nail with a shoe...things that should be simple and quick tasks become frustrating because I can't put my hands on the right tools when I need them.
The same is true for homekeeping.
I find that if I have the things I need IN STOCK - and HANDY - I can accomplish little tasks effortlessly, without the frustration and inevitable procrastination that comes when I can't find the tools.
As we start planning for an organized, easy-to-maintain sanctuary this year, the first place to start is with the right tools.....housekeeping supplies, if you will.
When I can reach under a bathroom sink and can pull out a pop-up wipe, I am waaaaaaay more likely to keep the bathroom tidy than when I have to search for a paper towel somewhere in the house, then locate the spray cleaner and then return to......wait.
Where was I?? What was it that needed cleaning? Hold on, what's Kelly Rippa talking about now? Oh, that's so funny. Let me sit here for a second and see what's happening on TV.
I'm not kidding, this is how I work.
That is unless I have tools, right then and there, that help me focus on the task at hand.
Now, Wednesdays are going to be our "Small Thing" Days. I'm going to assign an easy task for you to do (15 min or less) that will absolutely work miracles in your life.
But only if you do them.
Just thinking, "that's a good idea, I should do that sometime" doesn't work miracles.
Actually doing them does.
Today's Small Thing is to take stock of your cleaning supplies.
Make a list of the things you need, and have them ready to go...by next Wednesday.
Oh, Rachel, you're too easy on us.
I know.
I suggest keeping your supplies where you actually use them: under sinks (child-proofed, of course) or at the very least on each floor of the house or each end of the house. The best part of a cleaning strategy is simply to have your tools HANDY!
Get these at a discount store to put in a caddy per bathroom (or floor level). I splurged on some cute baskets from Walmart recently and love how they make me excited to put cleaning products in them. I opened my under-sink cabinets about 50 times to admire them.
Yes, I'm that dorky.
"Small Things" Supplies
Glass Cleaner
Surface Cleaner
Abrasive cleaner
Paper Towels
Sponges
Trash bags
Dust cloth/spray
Wisk broom/dust pan
Rubber gloves
Potty scrub-brush
Optional: Pop-up wipes (love these)
General cleaning supplies to have:
Floor cleaner
Vinegar
Disinfectant spray
Tools: brooms, mop, vacuum
Trash bags
Swiffers - oh so nice!
Starting fresh with the tools you need will give you power to spend time on the things you really WANT to do, instead of feeling victimized by all the housework.
Sanctuary is not just about cleaning, but it's about caring for your home and the people who live in it.
It's part of showing love AND helping your family members belong to the process of homemaking.
Today, take stock of what you have and start getting everything together. Be ready to make 2017 the year of "sacred spaces" by working smarter and more efficiently.
Give yourself permission to create a wonderful home sanctuary for yourself and your loved ones.
Tell me: what is your favorite cleaning product? Do you use "brand name" products, or generic ones?
