Organizing Tip #11

Do a 5-minute nightly sweep.

Before bedtime hits, ask all family members to participate in a nightly sweep with you. Perhaps provide little ones with a bag or basket so they can more easily contribute. To make the whole "sweep" more fun, suggest to the kids that they pretend like they are "hurricanes" moving quickly through the house/apartment cleaning everything in its path. It sounds a little cheesy I know, but through experience I've learned that little kids love cheesy :) I'm a firm believer that contributing to the overall cleanliness of one's home is everyone's responsibility.

To take it a step further, you can read more here at the Clutter Control Freak blog. The name says it all.




Recap

#1 Make your bed each day
#2 Clean out your closet (take out everything not worn in past 12 months)
#3 Clear off kitchen counter tops (remove anything you don't use 2x weekly)
#4 Clean out your car
#5 Unclutter your mind--start writing thoughts down right away to relieve stress
#6 Find ways to organize in one minute or less (purse, drawer, etc.)
#7 Place a pretty dish on dresser tops and nightstands to collect jewelry, loose change, and pocket paraphernalia.
#8 Gather up recipes and clipped magazine pages and throw them all into one accessible binder for easy meal-organizing.
#9 Sort mail immediately...preferably over the trash :)
#10 Clean out your car weekly