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As a busy mom of five, I’m always on the lookout for ways to streamline our home and make cleaning and organization easier. Let’s face it – trying to keep a tidy house with kids is like trying to brush your teeth while eating Oreos! But through trial and error, I’ve discovered some amazing innovations that have truly transformed the way I think about cleaning.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying areas of friction and finding solutions to reduce chaos is key to a smoother running household. Simple changes like organizing keys in the order you use them can make a big difference.
- Implementing smart systems and habits allows you to maintain a relatively clean home without constantly cleaning. This frees up time and mental space to focus on what really matters.
- Being open to trying new approaches and adapting as your family’s needs change is essential. What worked last year may need to be tweaked as schedules and activities evolve.
Finding the Friction Points
I was really struck by an Instagram post from Cedric Thompson, Jr. that got me thinking about identifying and addressing “moments of friction” in our everyday lives. He talked about organizing his keys in the order he uses them – house key, car key, etc. – to streamline the process of leaving the house with his kids. This simple tweak helps prevent the chaos and frustration that used to happen as we were rushing out the door.It got me wondering – what are the areas in my own home that feel chaotic or messy, not necessarily physically, but in the way they’re managed? Where are we constantly fighting against friction and wasting mental energy? By addressing those pain points, I knew I could create more calm and organization throughout our entire home.
Automating the Mundane
One big area I focused on was laundry. As a mom of five, laundry can feel utterly endless! I implemented a few systems to help automate it as much as possible. First, I assigned each family member a color-coded laundry basket, which makes it easy for them to sort their own clothes. I also set up a simple routine where everyone is responsible for stripping their bed and washing their sheets on the same day each week.
These small changes have been game-changers. No more huge piles of unsorted clothes or hunting for missing socks. And rather than constantly nagging the kids to do their laundry, they just know it’s their responsibility on their assigned day. It’s amazing how much less mental energy I expend on something that used to drive me crazy!
Rethinking Cleaning Supplies
Another area I’ve streamlined is our cleaning supplies. Instead of having a jumble of different products under each sink, I’ve pared it down to just a few multi-purpose cleaners. I keep these in a portable caddy that I can easily grab and bring with me from room to room. This prevents me from wasting time searching for the right bottle or running back and forth to the supply closet.I’ve also transitioned to more eco-friendly, plant-based cleaners that work just as effectively as harsh chemicals. Not only is this better for the environment, but it gives me peace of mind knowing my kids aren’t exposed to potentially harmful ingredients.
Creating Consistent Routines
Finally, I’ve found that having consistent daily and weekly cleaning routines has been crucial. Rather than trying to do a big, overwhelming deep clean every so often, I tackle smaller tasks in bite-sized chunks. This could be wiping down the kitchen counters every morning, doing a quick tidy-up of the main living areas in the evenings, or running the vacuum once a week.
These routine habits mean I’m never starting from scratch and our home maintains a baseline level of cleanliness. It frees up my mental energy to focus on the fun, meaningful parts of life instead of constantly worrying about keeping up with the chores.
Staying Flexible and Open-Minded
Of course, as with anything involving family life, I’ve had to remain flexible and adapt as our needs change. What worked wonderfully last year may need a tweak this year as schedules and activities shift. I’m always on the lookout for new tips and tricks that can help streamline our home even further.At the end of the day, my goal is to create a calm, organized environment that allows us to truly enjoy our time together, rather than feeling burdened by endless cleaning and chores. These innovations have been truly transformative in helping me achieve that.
Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ways-to-reduce-friction-when-cleaning-37388429?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+main