Ten Steps to Easy Housekeeping and Organization

To keep up an attractive and healthy living environment, cleaning should be done regularly. Certain tasks are done daily, and others noted as weekly or even monthly chores. No matter the type of cleaning you are doing, organization will make your project a much more productive and enjoyable experience.

What You'll Need:

• Cleaning supplies
• Large bucket
• Large waste basket and trash bags
• Storage bins
• Odor eliminator spray

Steps:

1. Send everyone away. An empty house is much easier to clean.
2. Gather all of your cleaning supplies before starting. Going back and forth to grab cleaning supplies, or worse yet, having to run to the store to pick up some will only slow you down.
3. Place cleaning supplies in a large bucket. This will make it easy to transport them from room to room.
4. De-clutter. Go through each room and discard of unwanted or unused items. Either place items in a trash container or load them in the trunk of your car to take to the nearest donation center.
5. Remove sheets and bedding and begin to launder. Spray mattresses with an odor eliminator and let dry before making beds.
6. Clean most difficult rooms first, that is while you have lots of energy. This includes the kitchen and bathrooms.
7. While cleaning, use organizational tools such as storage bins, shelves and trunks to give everything a place.
8. Commit to cleaning for a time, (i.e. from 9 a.m. to noon) and don't allow yourself to take any telephone calls, watch television or do anything else outside of cleaning.
9. Dust furniture before cleaning floors as dust and particles may fall to the ground when cleaning.
   
10. Sweep, vacuum and mop floors last. Mop backwards working your way out the door.
    

When your cleaning time is complete, reward yourself with a small treat such as a visit to the ice cream or coffee shop. Such rewards make great inspiration for future cleaning projects.