Someone coming over and you want to feel like you have it all together? Here is a plan for getting that house straightened up–pronto.
Sometimes, we look at a room and wonder “Why does this room feel messy?” Or, we say “I gotta clean up a bit, but I only have a few minutes. What can I do to neaten up the place?”
We compiled a list of things that you can do quickly, and that have a big impact.
Or, if you’re lucky, this can be a guide for your helpers for those times when they want to help but have no idea what needs to be done.
- The entrance to your home is the most important place to keep clutter-free. It sets the tone of the home. Ideally, set up your entrance in a way that has less surface area so that less clutter accumulates. When cleaning up: Put any briefcase/coats/hats away. Make sure the area looks empty.
- Sweeping is magic. Use your broom or a Clorox broom. You don’t always need to mop a floor, even though it might look like it needs it.
- Push in and straighten all chairs. It takes 2 minutes and makes a world of difference.
- Close cabinet doors. This is something we hear our moms’ voices telling us―and they were right. Open doors make for a messy kitchen.
- Consolidate all piles to one area. Piles of mail that needs to be attended to, piles of returns. Ideally, designate a cabinet or a bag for it. (Hide it!) (But not too well so you don’t forget it.)
- Someone called that they’re on the way over? Check the bathroom that a guest might be using and quickly freshen it up. Clorox wipes are your friend here!
- If you have stairs in your house, move that pile on the bottom of the steps to the second floor (you know, the one you keep piling up hoping someone will take upstairs. Well, you just did).
Take an empty laundry basket! Quickly gather the toys and clutter from floor and table and couches and put in ur shower to deal with later. Straighten pillows. Voila!
Any recommendations for a really good cordless all-in-one vacuum/mop?
Tineco is the BEST. I have the S5 one version.
Recently had 60 seconds notice of guests arriving, BH there was a tablecloth on the dining room table I rolled it up with everything on it – empty hot cups, papers, pens, books, etc. and stowed it upstairs for later. A clear clean table in seconds! Lol
I honestly don’t enjoy going to people’s homes that look perfect.
When I enter a messy home I feel like I am around more genuine people — which makes me feel more comfortable to be around them.
Yes!!! BH kids live in my house! I’ve really had to work on myself to not feel judged when people walk in and things aren’t as neat as I’d like them to be. I’m grateful for the bracha of a messy house. Obviously I try to keep things reasonably neat, but if someone is coming last minute or if I’ve had a hectic day, it is what it is. They’re not coming to check my housekeeping skills, they’re coming to spend time with us.
100%
Why do we always have to ‘come across as perfect!’
Children make messes and it’s normal..
An older women just told me over a Shabbos what she used to tell people when they came to her house in her younger years with children growing up. “I acknowledge the mess!” – I know it’s there – It’s not a dysfunctional house where they don’t acknowledge the mess and it’s a problem! It’s a healthy happy home!
Any ideas for a home that doesn’t have a defined entry and opens into the LR?