The 15 minute pick up
Lately I have been swamped in housework, and the only time I seem to have time to do it, is when I have free time, usually when the kids are asleep. I don't feel like doing it at that time, I feel like doing something fun and relaxing. 80 percent of the time I choose to relax, concluding I'll be a better mom that way. Anyhow, the clothes still sit there, the dishes still sit there, etc. etc. So I decided to give myself 15 minute time frames to do a task. I've tried it, and I get a lot done in 15 minutes! I just folded and put away three baskets of laundry!
What can you do in 15 minutes? What creative ways do you house clean or do the things you don't want to do?
posted by kddub at 10:52 PM
10 Comments:
That's a good idea. I know I often feel overwhelmed with stuff to do but when it's broken down into little tasks it makes it easier to take on.
I also like to have my kids help. Perhaps being girls, they're more willing than boys might be to fold laundry or mop the floor.
Since I'm not a perfectionist, having them help works really well for me. I know some people might have issues with their towels not being folded exactly right, but for me, "not exactly right" is better than "not at all." :-)
9:36 AM
Cleaning to music is fun....or more fun, anyways.
I like putting on old records, like Nat King Cole, or Ella Fitzgerald. Or rockin out to Ben Folds.
But if I had sweet babies sleeping like you, I would most likely need to use the Ipod with the headphones. One earbud in to hear the music, one out to listen for crying little ones.
1:48 PM
I am "allergic" to housework of any kind! My kids are old enough to be a big help with things too. My son is in charge of the kitchen, trash and the lawn. My oldest daughter the laundry and unloading the dishwasher, and the two younger ones, table clearing, general pick up and gardening. That's the way they earn their allowance. Extra chores mean extra money.
Beth
4:49 PM
I wash and dry laundry all day and then at night when the kids are in bed I fold it while watching tv. It makes it more fun to fold the laundry and I feel less guilty about watching tv. I also have a friend that does a quick pick up before she leaves the house so that when she gets home it is not such a mess. I have not done this yet but I think it is a good idea.
5:25 PM
I do the same thing, only I set my timer for 20 minutes! It really works, doesn't it? Seems to make the tasks less overwhelming. I also do what urban mama mentioned above--make sure to do a quick pick up when we're leaving so the house feels less chaotic when we come home. I can relax much more easily if the house is "tidy" (it doesn't have to be spotless!). :)
8:17 PM
Kat~ yes having the kid's dust etc. is so nice! I've even got my 2 year old helping load the dishwasher.
and yes, having it done not exactly right is just fine with me!
Fancypants~ music makes anything better I think. You can get lost in it, and forget what you are doing. I always put on really fast music to speed me up too!
Beth~ I am looking forward to those days, I already know what their chores are going to be! I think Brody is ready for them to mow the lawn for him too!
Jessie~ That is a good idea!!!! I will do that.
Lisa~ How do you do that before you get out the door? I have a hard enough time getting everyone fed and dressed, that I am not sure I could do a pick up before too! How long before you leave for somewhere do you start getting ready?
2:50 PM
I came back to see if there were any more good ideas--I can always use some new ones! :)
I don't have to start too early before I leave the house, really the key is keeping the kids busy so they don't start pulling out more toys! :) Often I'll put the boys in the car (buckled in!) and let them listen to a tape while I do a quick walk through/pick up of the house. But also I will make a game of it and we all pick up the house together. We "race" to see who can get done with their job first!
3:56 PM
Cleaning? What's that?
I'm joking, of course. I usually pop in the "Clean Up The House" episode of "Bear In The Big Blue House" and have my son help me (and "Bear") tidy up. Unfortunately, the toys are usually out of their storage boxes soon after we're done dusting and cleaning.
Lisa, do you really strap in your guys? Now that's creative.
5:34 PM
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7:32 PM
I must be lucky because my boys play with trains, trains and well, trains. However, I do pick up through out the day so by the time evening is here there's not a huge mess, if needed. The kids and I usually just stay in the boys' room to play, which means most of the toys stay in there, too. I will do a quick pick up before leaving like Lisa, too, if needed. Although, I make sure I have plenty of time to get myself and the kids ready without rushing. Rushing isn't fun !!!
7:34 PM
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