20 Minute Pick-Up

I'm going to try to post more about how I clean as per request. So Allie, this one's for you!

So I am going to clean through the whole house in 20 minutes (because then I have to go to the library for storytime). Short time works well because no one wants to clean all day. Boost your energy and be fast paced so you can do something fun after. Deadlines work well because then you can focus and have positive stress influence you. I also have music or a conference talk on. I'm only straightening so I can vacuum. I have a large box. I got throughout the whole house (room-to-room) and pick up anything that doesn't belong in that space. I spend two minutes in each place and get the floor cleared. As I'm picking up I am noticing future cleaning projects in the room and mentally make a note of it as well as where the kids' attention/stuff is concentrated so I can rotate toys or switch things up to keep it all fresh. After I'm done vacuuming I'll look in the box and sort what stays and what gets trashed. Okay. Ready, set, go!

Note--This was written hours later: I was thinking about how some people would get frustrated or overwhelmed and not be able to get past two rooms in 20 minutes. Never fear. Just do all you can in 20 minutes and take a break. Come back later and try again. I can pick it all up in 20 minutes because of other good little habits built-in, like kids picking up rooms before bedtime, and kids putting things away after they get dressed in the morning. I usually like to do a little pick-up before bed. All those pick-ups add up and make the work lighter for what I'm talking about above. :)