When we flip that calendar page to November, many of us switch to full holiday planning mode. Although I tend to be a rather last-minute Christmas shopper, I do like to think about the state of my house as soon as possible. Because it's not always pretty around here. In fact, if you were to swing by unannounced, there's a strong likelihood you'd note our general lack of housekeeping skills.
Just in case you are hopelessly overwhelmed in the housekeeping arena (ie. with too little time and all too much to do), I offer up some inspiration. I have gathered helpful homecaring tips from knowledgeable Canadian lifestyle and home decor bloggers who probably have cleaner homes than mine. But maybe not. I think most of us are just doing the best we can.
Just in case you are hopelessly overwhelmed in the housekeeping arena (ie. with too little time and all too much to do), I offer up some inspiration. I have gathered helpful homecaring tips from knowledgeable Canadian lifestyle and home decor bloggers who probably have cleaner homes than mine. But maybe not. I think most of us are just doing the best we can.
10 Cleaning & Organizing Tips From Lifestyle & Decor Bloggers
1. Cynthia of Recreational Decorator recommends keeping necessities in arm's reach. "Stock up on cleaning supplies and liberally scatter around the house so you can clean as you go - under the kitchen sink and all bathroom sinks, in the hall closet and in the mudroom cupboard."
2. Bette of Bette's House offers up a strategy for fighting my nemesis - paper clutter! "Deal with your mail as soon as it arrives," she wisely suggests. "Assign an action to the mail (ex. to pay/reply/read) and automatically drop unwanted junk mail into recycling bins."
3. Kristi from Making It In The Mountains writes in this post about how de-cluttering has completely changed her life. "The less you have to keep organized, the less work it will be to keep it all in its place," she notes. Ain't that the truth!
4. "I do a 5-minute clean-up a few times a week," says Jennifer of Rambling Renovators. "It saves time and controls the chaos until I have time for a deeper clean." Read this blog post for more about her process.
6. Colleen from Lemon Thistle admits that her house "is less than orderly and clean most times." One strategy that helps her family big-time is the 10-minute tidy. "The kids and I do a 10-minute tidy before my husband gets home from work, then once they're in bed my husband and I do another one. It's amazing what you can get done in a small amount of time if you know it's only 10 minutes." I love that she gets the whole family involved. It's too hard for one person!
When you're stocking up on cleaning supplies (see tip #1 above), go for fresh-smelling cleaners with pretty packaging. I find a refreshing scent does wonders to motivate me (as well as covering up unpleasant dog odours). Good news for Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day fans - the company is launching a whole line of household products in Canada this upcoming January.
If you have sampled Mrs. Meyer's products before, you know that they smell incredible - like, you might actually want to start cleaning as soon as you open the package! Washing dishes will be a pleasure, doing laundry will be a joy, cleaning the bathtub will be fun...too much? Okay, these cleaning products take jobs that kind of suck and make them more manageable.
Mrs. Thelma A. Meyer is a homemaker and an avid gardener who had the idea of creating cleaners that smell like your garden, but "still work like the dickens on daily dirt and grime." She believes in a happy medium between perfectionism and a happy, "lived in" home. I think we can all agree on that goal.
7. Heather of New House New Home has advice for taking care of a job many of us avoid completely - cleaning between the glass panels on an oven door. Read how she tackles unsightly spills with ease.
8. "On busy days - read most days - I use the stairs as a place to signal where things are going," says Ariel of PMQ For Two. "Each room gets a step, and on your way up or down it's easy to grab stuff." Ariel aims to clear the stairs each night, encouraging her hubs to help. "I feel like getting it to where it's going is half the battle."
9. If you are getting out your lovely silverplated items for the holidays, be sure to check out my quick method to clean silverplated flatware.
10. Sometimes the house is in such a state, you don't know where to begin. (Been there more than I'd like to admit.) On those days, don't beat yourself up. Take baby steps back to order by tackling one space at a time. Start by clearing clutter off the dining room table or the kitchen counter. Get stray items back to the rooms where they belong. Do what you can do in the time that you have and then sit back with a cup of tea. You'll take a couple more baby steps tomorrow!
When you're stocking up on cleaning supplies (see tip #1 above), go for fresh-smelling cleaners with pretty packaging. I find a refreshing scent does wonders to motivate me (as well as covering up unpleasant dog odours). Good news for Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day fans - the company is launching a whole line of household products in Canada this upcoming January.
If you have sampled Mrs. Meyer's products before, you know that they smell incredible - like, you might actually want to start cleaning as soon as you open the package! Washing dishes will be a pleasure, doing laundry will be a joy, cleaning the bathtub will be fun...too much? Okay, these cleaning products take jobs that kind of suck and make them more manageable.
Mrs. Thelma A. Meyer is a homemaker and an avid gardener who had the idea of creating cleaners that smell like your garden, but "still work like the dickens on daily dirt and grime." She believes in a happy medium between perfectionism and a happy, "lived in" home. I think we can all agree on that goal.
The range of Mrs. Meyer's products coming to Canada in the new year includes an all-purpose cleaner, a multi-surface concentrate, dish soap, hand soap, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. I cannot stand artificial scents - I feel woozy when I walk down the cleaning aisle in the grocery store. That's why I love Mrs. Meyer's products. They smell delicious thanks to essential oils from flowers and herbs. Look out for cleaners with scents such as lavender, lemon verbena, basil and honeysuckle.
And guess what? These products are not tested on animals, so you can enjoy using them without thinking of cute little bunnies having products smeared in their eyes. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products are also made without animal-derived ingredients, and they're biodegradable and phosphate-free. Get more information and DIY project ideas at mrsmeyers.com.
Join the conversation using the hashtag #MrsMeyersCA.
What's your best cleaning or organizing tip?
And guess what? These products are not tested on animals, so you can enjoy using them without thinking of cute little bunnies having products smeared in their eyes. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products are also made without animal-derived ingredients, and they're biodegradable and phosphate-free. Get more information and DIY project ideas at mrsmeyers.com.
Join the conversation using the hashtag #MrsMeyersCA.
What's your best cleaning or organizing tip?
Enter To Win Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Products!
To celebrate the upcoming launch of Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day in Canada, the company is giving the full line of household products to one lucky Woman in Real Life reader. Canadians may enter to win six products from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day using the rafflecopter below until November 29th. Thanks for entering!
*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are authentic and my own. Thank you for supporting the awesome companies that partner with Woman in Real Life.
Store out-of season clothing in storage totes to maximize closet room.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I need to get the summer jackets out of the foyer closet actually!
DeleteLOVE these products
ReplyDeleteI think they're actually addictive, they smell so good Colleen. Haha.
DeleteI use vinegar and water to clean my guinea pig cage (not really a cage, more of a resort). =)
ReplyDeleteVinegar is great for so many cleaning tasks. :)
DeleteMusic to lift the mood and make it fun!
ReplyDeleteSoooo true! I always need music to motivate me when I clean!
DeleteMy best cleaning tip is to have a routine - I try to make it as enjoyable as possible. And break it down into chunks. Bathroom and kitchen one weekend. Rest of the house the next.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome plan Meagan!
DeleteSet aside time each week to focus on cleaning!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is that a solution of baking soda and water works great as an all purpose cleaner! (about 4 tbsp per 4 cups of warm water)
ReplyDeleteI use baking soda frequently. I sprinkle it in the toilet instead of using toilet bowl cleaners and I scrub sinks with it.
DeleteMy best tip is to bring things with you every time you leave a room, to put away where they go in other rooms!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm always carrying something with me Heather. Lol. Isn't it so funny how desperately we try to keep things "picked up."
DeleteMy best tip is get the kids to pitch in and help ��
ReplyDeleteFrom your lips to God's ears, haha.
Deletemy best tip is to schedule cleaning into your day and get the kids involved.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to put things away once you have finished with them!
ReplyDeleteYou are sooooo right! Everything in its place. Our problem is we don't have enough places for all the stuff!
DeleteMy tip is to clean from your front door and make your way around your house.
ReplyDeleteI am a horrible cleaner/housekeeper, much to my chagrin! My tip would be to start small; concentrate on what small area at a time, and keep working outwards; make a list of where you want to begin, and cross items off as they are completed.
ReplyDeleteYou probably just find more interesting things to do with your time. :)
DeleteMy tip is to clean from top to bottom so you don't end up having to clean surfaces twice.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to get into a routine and do a little each day so you stay on top of it. These sound like great products to try. (Judy Cowan)
ReplyDeleteconsistency. If you can keep on top of the mess, it won't get outta hand!
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning tip is to clean regularly so that dirt doesn't build up and become a big job. Only use natural products and do not bring products that include harmful chemicals into your home.
ReplyDeleteI clean while I'm waiting for the kettle to boil, or the microwave to ping. It's amazing what you can get done in a few minutes. And it tricks me into actually cleaning :0
ReplyDeleteHaha. I have my microwave in the basement (because I don't like the radiation in my kitchen) so I tidy up the basement while it runs. My husband plays the drums while he microwaves. I'm always like, "Do you know what you can get done in 3 minutes?" Different philosophies. ;)
DeleteDo a little bit everyday so you don't have to spend a whole day cleaning!
ReplyDeleteGet rid of clutter - it's more difficult to clean if stuff is in the way.
ReplyDeleteMake a chore chart and assign chores to certain days. That way you don't have one overwhelming day of cleaning.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Brenda!
DeleteMy tip is to clean up your mess as you go. Keep on top of your laundry daily.
ReplyDeleteFlorence C
I have a goal of daily laundry too, but often I let it fall by the wayside. :(
DeleteUse a cleaning tote so that you can carry all your cleaning products, rags and paper towels from room to room.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to always put things back when you are finishd with them,so things stay nice and tidy. Clean up a bit each day so theres isn`t a big job to do.
ReplyDeletemy best tip is to clean one room a day, this way things do not pile up and always pickup after yourself
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning tip is to tackle messes as they happen. It is the only way i can keep my sanity.
ReplyDeleteI refill 20% (food-grade) vinegar, which can be diluted 1 part vinegar to 3 parts vinegar to make lots and lots of natural fabric softener, vinegar for consumption, toilet cleaner, all-purpose cleaner and removes odours in the air by boiling. Dirt cheap too!
ReplyDeleteI love using vinegar too!
Deletekeep those old toothbrushes for crevices
ReplyDeletejan
when you see something that needs dealing with, do it. then they won't accumulate to big jobs. thanks
ReplyDeleteDry your windows after washing with crumpled up newspapers to get a streak free shine.
ReplyDeleteI remember my mom doing that! I just don't wash the windows. Haha.
DeleteMy best tip for cleaning is to do a quick tidy more often.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to work room by room. Don't try to take everything on all at once!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to wash windows going side to side on one side of the pane, & up & down on the other side of the pane. Then you know which side the streaks are on! :)
ReplyDeleteGood thinking!!!
DeleteClean with the music on!
ReplyDeletei like to blast the music, seems to help
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to try to do one organizing thing a week. One drawer, one closet. It eliminates exhausting marathons.
ReplyDeleteenlist help from a partner/family
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning and organizing tip is to take it easy. If you are thinking of doing a big project do it in little parts as to not get overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteClean while you're chatting on the phone with a friend! I find that after the conversation I've gotten a lot done & it didn't seem like such a chore.
ReplyDeleteInteresting Krista!
DeletePut on some upbeat music and make it less of a chore. Products with lemon and lavender are great too!
ReplyDeleteI looove lavender Shauna! :)
DeleteMy cleaning tip is to wear gloves so you don't wreck your nails ;) and a glass of wine makes the job less daunting!
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning tip is to save money on window cleaners by making your own with a mixture of water and vinegar. Works well for mirrors too.
ReplyDeleteBest tip is start in one room and stay there until it's done.
ReplyDeleteI Just tackle at least one household chore everyday to keep ahead of the curve so to speak. I like using lemongrass oil as a room freshener too.
ReplyDeleteMy cleaning tip is lemon, baking soda, vinegar and hot water. Cleans everything.
ReplyDeleteA little bit of cleaning everyday so it doesn't get overwhelming!
ReplyDeleteI clean while I'm waiting for the microwave to ping or the kettle to boil. I can get a surprising amount done in those few minutes, and sometimes it's enough to trick my brain into carrying on with the cleaning :0 Sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHave a cleaning schedule and baking soda and vinegar can clean a lot of things :)
ReplyDeleteGet a label maker and label all containers with what you have inside. I also like to buy clear bins so I can see what's inside.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is "just do it" putting cleaning off just doesn't work. After you are done you feel so good, too.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to do one room a day!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of getting rid of all unused items - clearing space although mostly I just love the idea - practice has been less than perfect!
ReplyDeleteKeep a basket a the bottom of the stairs. Anything that you find on the main floor that needs to go upstairs gets put in the basket. That way you only have to make one trip and items actually get returned to where they belong.
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning tip is to set a timer and work for that set time only.
ReplyDeleteI use hot lemon water to clean my microwave. Heat the lemon water up in the microwave then use that water to clean the inside of it.
ReplyDeleteLoving that idea!
DeleteI use vinegar and water to clean , start at the top and work your way down , clean one room at a time :) Treen Goodwin rafflecopter name :)
ReplyDeleteClean 1 room at a time because it will give you momentum and a sense of accomplishment (Suzi)
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning tip is to hire someone to clean your house. Lol. I have a neighbor who literally LOVES cleaning so she only charges $85 to clean a 4 bedroom house from top to bottom. She even cleans baseboards. I love not having to do it.
ReplyDeleteI think this is my favourite idea so far! Lol.
DeleteClean a mess right away as it's much harder to clean later when it sticks or stains.
ReplyDeletebilliondollarprincesss @hotmail.com
I am not very organized, but things have to be clean. I deligate.
ReplyDeleteStart & stay in one room until you're done, don't jump from room to room.
ReplyDeletemy tip is to vaccum before mopping
ReplyDeleteMy best cleaning tip is to clean one room at a time.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to put on some up beat music to help motivate you!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to clean as you go. It makes it easier to keep things presentable if company stop by unannounced.
ReplyDeleteBesos Sarah
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