Simple organization ideas:the #1 cleaning tool we use

In our home we all have to help out with cleaning. I tend to do the most because I’m home the most but if I started getting overwhelmed and things pile up or laundry gets out of control my husband will pitch in and help out. We have also had Isabella start doing more things around the house. She has her list of chores that she’s responsible for and as she gets older what she needs to do will change with her level of ability. Today’s post though is a simple organization ideas post and what I want to share with you is the #1 thing that helps us get more done, especially me and Bella. You will probably be surprised at what it is.

For us that one tool is the microwave, well to be more exact the microwave timer. I will try to clean for at least two 20 minute periods a day. That way I know I’m going to get something done and it breaks up my day. I will be working for awhile then I will stop and do a little cleaning. Or if I watch TV I will watch an episode clean then go back to relaxing. I can’t physically be up for long periods of time so 20 to maybe 30 minutes seems to be my sweet spot. While you can’t clean a whole house in 20 minutes you’d be surprised what can get accomplished. Today in 20 minutes I started the laundry, purged some of my closet, picked up my bedroom, emptied the litter box and started dinner in the crock pot. The second time I did 20 minutes I did the dishes, picked up the kitchen wiped down the counters and stove, vacuumed the living room and picked up the couch and end table. Even if that is all I do for cleaning in a day at least I can feel good about that. Really for me dishes done and carpet vacuumed are the big things.

We also have started this with Bella. As part of her chore list she has to pick up for 10 minutes a day. That usually is enough time for her to put away any clothes she’s left out, take any dishes or trash to the kitchen. Pick up toys and art supplies. She really likes having the 10 minute time limit. That way she can look at the microwave and know how much longer she has left. She also likes to constantly tell me how much longer I have left on my time when I’m doing it.

So that is our super simple organization idea. It might seem really easy but having a set amount of time seems to make me more focused and productive. On some days when I really have a lot to get done I will maybe have 4 or 5 cleaning sessions so it will add up to over an hour but it’s much easier on me to have it broken up.

When the house is really chaotic and a big mess all three of us will set the timer for 20 minutes and all do our own stuff. Like I’ll tackle the kitchen Blake will put away laundry and Bella will pick up her stuff in the living room and other living areas. The three of us all doing it at the same time can really get a lot accomplished in not that long.

So there is the one tool that really helps us get a lot of cleaning done and I’m sure you have a timer in your home and a phone or just watching the clock works too.

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