Mission Impossible: Clutter Versus Mom

Tonight I've accepted a self appointed mission: the mission is to combat clutter, filth, dirt, and debris left by all the children. Is it impossible? Sometimes it sure feels like it when you are the homemaker and you have trails around the house left by your precious brood of children. I finally have gotten over the fact that my home will never look like Martha Stewart's pristine tidy and tight house- mostly due to the fact that Martha had one child to raise and I have seven.

There are certain times in our lives when turmoil has taken over residence in our home in place of the serene calm of schedules and organization. Instead of the house being easily maintained it becomes a shambles. During times like these, I have reason to believe that if children were left to do as they please and we left them to their own devices, the habitat in which they live would be filthy, cluttered and a case of "gum-shoe" would overtake the floors on which they walk. Most children enjoy living in clean homes, but doing the cleaning themselves needs constant teaching and reminding.

Is getting your house back in order really an impossible mission? Even though it feels like the answer is yes, the answer really is NO. It is not impossible; it just takes a little time and effort. Here are some suggestions on how I clean up and organized quickly and efficiently after my seven children have run amok.

The Basic Tools

The basic tools needed are: a bucket of warm, soapy water with a washcloth and sponge, a broom, dustpan, vacuum if you have carpeting, and trash bags.

Begin to Clean

Start in one room in the corner of the house and you make your way across to the other end of the house-bottom to top if you have stairs. Fill the trash bag with trash, clutter, and items that have been lying around too often (these items obviously aren't too important).

Throw laundry into the second bag. Put other items to be returned to other areas of the house into a third bag. Wipe down all surfaces with your washcloth. Sweep, and mop if necessary. Move to the next room.

Continue until you are finished. Throw away the trash bag. Sort and put the dirty laundry in the hamper and put away the pile of items collected from the rooms.

You can always do finishing touches like polishing mirrors or glass or dusting after you finish with the bulk of the work. It is recommended, if you are so inclined, to have your family help you. You can do it in half the time if you have willing helpers.

Having a family is joyful and rewarding. It also means messes and dirty houses. If you feel like it is impossible to do, don't despair! Follow these suggestions and in no time you will win the battle! Your next mission, should you decide to accept it, is to combat clutter, filth, dirt, and debris left by all the children. Best wishes in your battle of Clutter vs. Mom.