Day #5 - 5 Days of Organizing and Cleaning . . . when you don't feel like it - Keeping up!

Organizing and Cleaning for Moms with Chronic Illness- 

Some of you know - I suffer from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) so it is rare that I'd be "feeling like" organizing and cleaning - although it never fails to make me feel better once I've gotten things in better order. I'm sharing this week a step by step process to help you and me both get things in order and keep them that way: 

Day #1 - Set your mind and make a plan

Day #2 - Prepare your body - and a few ways to make it easier on you while you work

Day #3 - Organize your organizing and cleaning - gather supplies and tools

Day #4 - Action - jumping in - cleaning order step by step 

Day #5 - Keeping Up - simple ways to help you keep things in order

Our plan this week to help moms with chronic illness take control of the mess has entailed a lot of planning and preparation in order to get things in order. For those of us who battle pain and exhaustion daily - a pile of laundry can seem like an immovable mountain. Just knowing how much organizing and cleaning needs to be done - is daunting. I hope I've been able to spread a bit of hope and a little bit of encouragement throughout this series. 

I didn't choose to write on this topic because I have it all together - but because I'm down here in the trenches - with the pain - and the laundry. I'm fighting each day to accomplish the normal little tasks that it takes to run a home as well as working to organize the bigger projects. I have a long way to go, but I'm keeping at it. 

Little at a time, one day at a time - it's getting done! 

All week we've looked at tackling major organization projects in your home. 

Today we are looking at regular daily upkeep. I have a couple of suggestions to help you with the normal day to day organizing and cleaning: 

Strategically placed baskets and other clutter busters -  Everyone has particular places in their home where clutter tends to gather. You know the ones, the shoes piled up near the front door - or the mail piling up on the kitchen table. Find an attractive container (hopefully already on hand) that can be used to corral that clutter. 

                   

I use a basket by the front door to catch the thousands of flip flops we use and hooks on the wall for rain jackets - assess your home to see what simple touches would make a difference for your family. 

                   

Instead of letting books and magazines pile up (and spill over) everywhere - I use trays and baskets to help keep it neat. As a homeschool family, we use our books and the book shelves daily. With our homeschool spread out all over the house (we like to move from one space to the other)  - I try to keep it as attractive as possible. I want it to reflect a lifestyle of learning, while remaining homey.

                  

By mixing in a little art and a sea shell or splash of color here and there - it can be inviting and encourage learning at the same time! 

"A house without books is like a room without windows. No man has a right to bring up his children without surrounding them with books, if he has the means to buy them." 

Horace Mann

                     

Doesn't everyone keep scrapbook cubes filled with art and craft supplies in their living room? Our "classroom pets" are scorpions who live in those aquariums on the shelf. My joy over-floweth. :)

                      

For decorative touches - I use a bowl of sea shells here and a big bowl of fossils there to bring some beauty from nature into our home. We encourage games - and the boys are learning to play chess this week. I don't mind having it out and accessible - but I want it to be neat as well.

Don't fight it - work with your families style.  I use inexpensive canvas painters cloth thrown over my sofas because we live near the beach. I'd be fighting a loosing battle to try to pretend that our lifestyle is anything more than sandy and wet. By implementing a simple yet attractive design style - and working with our families hobbies and interests - I find places for the things we like to keep around us.

Look around at the things your family uses regularly and see if you can find ways to keep them accessible while working them into a design style you can be happy with. It's much easier to put things away when you know where they belong. It also makes it easier for the family to learn to help out!

            

15 min morning plan - in the mornings, after breakfast yet before we get started with our homeschool day - I have a simple routine. I let the boys know to take action while I put my face on and get ready to start the day. That means they are to gather up any dishes from breakfast or things they've left laying out and put them away. They are to get dressed for school and brush their teeth. 

Then, together we rush around and do some light cleaning. I start the dishwasher, and a load of laundry. I wipe off the stove and the kitchen counter tops - while they are cleaning up any clutter in the family room. 

When we sit down for school, I can look around and know that we are, at least mostly, descent and in order. I prefer to start off the day this way! 

Daily chart - once we are done with school and play. We do specific chores for that day. (OK, big confession) I have to get BACK to doing this - I've gotten off the wagon and I am so glad to be doing this series as this is one of the things I've let slide this summer. Boy, does it make a difference. If you clean the bathrooms on Mon, Wed, and Fri (3 boys) - Run the big vacuum on Tues and Thurs - and break up the rooms for dusting - it really helps to keep up with the regular cleaning jobs. Arrange your chart in a way that works best for your family! Be sure to assign the kiddos their jobs too. 

15 min afternoon plan - at the end of the day - just before daddy gets home - I like to do a quick run through the house - have the kids pick up any toys they aren't using - and clear the counter tops then start dinner. We try to move a load of laundry through at least another step in the process each morning and afternoon - so we do a load or 2 from start to finish each day. 

I pray this series will encourage you that your home doesn't have to be perfect - you don't have to be perfect. But, by implementing some good plans, setting your mind, and taking care of your body - 

Little at a time, one day at a time, you can do it! 

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Day #4 - 5 Days of Organizing and Cleaning . . . when you don't feel like it -

Organizing and Cleaning for Moms with Chronic Illness- 

Some of you know - I suffer from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) so it is rare that I'd be "feeling like" organizing and cleaning - although it never fails to make me feel better once I've gotten things in better order.

Day #1 - Set your mind and make a plan

Day #2 - Prepare your body - and a few ways to make it easier on you while you work

Day #3 - Organize your organizing and cleaning - gather supplies and tools

Day #4 - Action - jumping in - cleaning order step by step 

When it's time to get started, put on some praise or family favorite music and jump right in! Your mind is set, and you've physically prepared. You've made your list and checked it twice. You have a big picture plan, and you've broken it down into smaller goals. You've gathered your tools and supplies to have on hand. The music is playing - and there is no better time than today. 

According to your plan, you've already chosen an area that will have a big impact, and you are prepared to start sorting. I like to go ahead and pull everything out of one area at a time to begin that process.  A couple of tips I use can help you work through the stages: 

• Clean an area from top to bottom - including the tops of shelves and the baseboards 
• Clean from left to right - don't leave the area and get side tracked until it is finished 
• Clean in order as follows: 

1. Sorting - clutter and belongings 
2. Dusting / scrubbing / wiping - empty shelves, fans, window sills, furniture 
3. Vacuum - floors, corners, baseboards 
4. Replace items on shelves and such where they belong - bins, baskets, drawers 
5. Floors - may not be needed if you have carpet - I usually like to give it a last go over 

(some people like to vacuum before dusting - there are situations that may call for it - adjust as needed) 

Print the Cleaning Order Check list Here 

 

One step at a time - one day at a time - you can get the job done. 

You can turn your mess (like above) into this: 

Even when you just don't feel like it - putting your home in order can be done - and once it's organized - once you have a system and a place for things to go - it becomes much easier to keep it that way. 

Especially for those who are living with chronic illness - there will be times when you cannot keep up. There will be times when you feel as though your home has "gotten away from you". The strategies in this series are tried and true ways to help you get and stay on top of things. It's a great feeling when your home is running smoothly. If you can dig in once or twice a year to organize in a big way - the rest of the year will be much simpler to keep up. 

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Day #3 - 5 Days of Organizing and Cleaning - when you don't feel like it - Organize your organizing and cleaning

Organizing and Cleaning for Moms with Chronic Illness- 

Some of you know - I suffer from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) so it is rare that I'd be "feeling like" organizing and cleaning - although it never fails to make me feel better once I've gotten things in better order.

Day #1 - Set your mind and make a plan

Day #2 - Prepare your body - and a few ways to make it easier on you while you work

Day #3 - Organize your organizing and cleaning - gather supplies and tools

Being organized in your organization and cleaning makes a huge difference. Do the prep work. When you've set your mind and made a plan, you've recruited help or arranged to keep the children occupied, you've fueled your body and prepared it to work, the next steps are to gather what you'll need for the job.

Free pdf  to help you Organize your Organizing and Cleaning :

Having the right tools and supplies is critical - I like to keep a bucket on hand to tote my cleaning supplies around in with a pair of rubber gloves. I have a lightweight vacuum for quick and easy clean up, and a better vacuum with a long hose and handle with attachments. I use stepping stools for safe and easy access. It's obvious to use them to reach up for something - but, as a mom with chronic illness, I often put it to good use by sitting on it while I clean.

More prep work for digging in - Use at least 3 bins to help you organize your big projects:

• Keep 
• Give Away 
• Trash 

A good rule of thumb when you are organizing any space is to place like things together. 
Remember, you've already paired things down by sorting. As you group your keep pile you are placing things that go together in the same area. For instance, in the kitchen, that may mean you clear a particular cabinet strictly for your pots and pans.

By keeping all of your bake ware together - and maybe another area or shelf for your plastic storage containers your kitchen system will begin to take shape. It doesn't need to be complicated, just figure out what will work best for your family.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. If you need to use the dining room area for homeschool - jump in and transform the area to suit your needs. It can still be attractive as long as it is organized. Keep in mind - it's always darkest just before the dawn. It will be well worth your efforts when the job is complete.



No matter what space you are working on, you'll want to have the things you use regularly on hand for easy access. If you have young children in the home, you might consider providing a spot where they can reach their own drinking cups or plates for snacks. Teaching them at a young age to put things where they belong is a huge step in the right direction to keep your family organized.

Decide on a set amount of time to tackle your project and stick to it.
When the time is up - stop and rest your body.

Balance yourself by planning quiet movie time or with a dip in the pool afterwards.

Plan ahead to have your husband pick up dinner and bring it home - or throw dinner in the crock pot early on. By organizing your organization and cleaning you will save both time and energy. For moms who suffer with chronic pain or other illness - it makes a world of difference and can help you stay the course!

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Day #2 - 5 days of Organizing and Cleaning - when you don't feel like it - Prepare your body

Organizing and Cleaning for Moms with Chronic Illness- 

Some of you know - I suffer from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) so it is rare that I'd be "feeling like" organizing and cleaning - although it never fails to make me feel better once I've gotten things in better order.

Day #1 - Set your mind and make a plan

Day #2 - Prepare your body - and a few ways to make it easier on you while you work

Organizing and cleaning when you don't feel like it - is all about getting things done when you suffer from chronic illness. An obvious component - which cannot be overlooked - is to take care of your body.

You've set your mind. You've set your goals and laid out your plans so it's time to get started -

Fuel up! Eat protein, take your vitamins, get the coffee going and dig in.

Remember not to become discouraged if you have a set back or things don't go perfectly according to schedule. One of the most difficult things for me to deal with in my illness has been the fact that when I schedule something - I know in the back of my mind there is a chance I will have to reschedule. Chronic illness has a way of taking over your life. The trick is to learn to roll with it! 

Consider meeting with a nutritionist - my friend Carrie @YoungLivingOilLady has loads of information about using essential oils and nutrition to help your body perform at it's highest best level.

If you aren't doing well, despite your best efforts, congratulate yourself for trying, do what you can, and get over it. If you waste time beating yourself up over it - you will only get further behind and have less drive to continue with your plans.

Use good common sense. When you exercise, you know to stretch and hydrate. Big projects in the house can be just as taxing on the body (if not more so) for those who suffer from chronic illness.

A few tricks I've learned along the way help me when I go to tackle those big projects. Remember:
A little at a time is all it takes - if you keep it up - eventually it will get done -  Don't quit! 

(printable card for inspiration) 

One day at a time, one room at a time, one goal at a time - You can do this! 

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Day #1 - 5 Days of Organizing and Cleaning . . . when you don't feel like it - Set your mind

Organizing and Cleaning for Moms with Chronic Illness- 

I'm excited about this series because it always helps to light a fire under me - if I'm expected to teach or write on a particular topic! Nothing like a little pressure to whip me into shape. 

Some of you know - I suffer from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) so it is rare that I'd be "feeling like" organizing and cleaning - although it never fails to make me feel better once I've gotten things in better order.

So, for Day #1 of Organizing and Cleaning . . . When you don't feel like it  we are going to focus on the all important first step of setting your mind and setting your goals. I might prefer to spend all 5 days on this portion - but then the rest of the organizing would fail to get done.

Setting your mind: 
Decide what needs to be done and tell yourself you can do it! Consider printing out the Bible verse card below and place in a prominent spot where you can be encouraged through God's Word.

Claim that Bible verse for your theme verse and begin to set your goals.

Setting your goals: 
Step back and look at the big picture - decide what you can do that will make the biggest difference and then break it down into smaller, achievable, daily goals. Lay out your plan on paper.

 Use the free printable planner I created to help you to break down your goals:

Share your plan: 
Recruit the help of your family. Let them know what your plans are. Explain how important it is to you and then ask them for their support and their help.If you have little ones, try to schedule family or friends to keep them while you accomplish your goals. At the very least, plan ways to keep your little ones occupied while you work. Children can help in small ways that make a big difference (and keep them busy while you work). Consider giving them a chart they can mark off as they go.

Finding Joy in Depression is an ebook by my friend Amanda Pelser. I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with chronic illness whether you consider yourself depressed or not. It's chock full of common sense tips and insightful wisdom to help you in your journey and help you stay on track.

One day at a time, one room at a time, one goal at a time - You can do this!

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