A Place For Everything | The 15 Minute Workout

A Place For Everything: All the Right Moves to Make A Place For Everything

Regain control of your space and get yourself moving again.

The 15 Minute Workout:
to Begin Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning means different things to different people...washing and scrubbing, or sorting and purging? Why not combine them?

Act like you're moving. You wouldn't take your clutter with you...would you?

Step One – Analysis 5 minutes

It costs $$$$$$$ to pack, load, and unload your clutter. Look at it this way...would you want to pay to move ALL those books (they are very heavy).
  Decide what room needs the most attention…inside; the family room…outside; the       porch
  Decide what item in the room to attack first
  Decide when you are going to make it happen
   Gather your resources if you need help to make it happen – hubby may need to       help you in the garage (a dumpster may be in order)
   While you are at it, decided what “green” cleaning products you will use to clean       while you go

Step Two – Create a plan of attack                                      5 minutes

Gather your supplies and your resources. You do not want to be in the middle of your project and have to halt because you don’t have what you need.
  Take the drapes (in that room) to the cleaners, or laundry room if washable.
  Rent your carpet cleaner. Find your floor duster/mop.
  Have push broom and power nozzle ready if the porch is your focus
  Have your cleaning/dusting bucket ready and full of green cleaning products (don’t    forget the rubber gloves)

You’ve decided to attack the family room – the gathering place for the family. Each member adds it own little touch to the personality and cleanliness of this room. Ask those with the most personality to grab their stuff and take it back to where it belongs.   We’ll choose the bookcase (because I mentioned books above) and its decorative items that might be surrounding the entertainment center.
  Have book boxes available for the donations to the library (you can ask for them at your local bookstore).
  Schedule time on your daily calendar to clean up the bookcase (I’ve said this    before, and I will say this again). If you need 15 min. intervals then block out 15  min intervals throughout your weekly calendar.

Step Three – make it happen – Do It 5 minutes

  Begin by clearing each shelf.
  Dust and polish the empty shelves. Looking good already.
  Be ruthless. Put back your “treasured books” only and the treasured decorative items to enhance the look of the shelves. Don’t forget to dust the books and the accessories as you put them back. You might want to clean the glass on any picture frames you are using as accessories.
  Remember less is more.
  Step back and enjoy. You have eliminated the clutter and cleared the air………anyone in your family allergic to dust?

Bring the boxes (plural) of donated books to your local library. If they don’t need them they will use them in their book sale.

This 3 step 15-minute workout can take on a life of its own. Others may want to join you. Feel good, stay healthy.

TIP: Don’t forget, if it takes 15 minutes or less…..try to do it now!