Tools to Get it Together - FAST!

Ever get a call? A friend wants to have an impromptu coffee date? Your sister is coming over, last minute? Your husband is bringing a guest for dinner, in about an hour? This doesn't have to create a sense of panic. It is ok! You can use one of the following ideas to get things together, FAST!

10 Minute Tidy: 

This is exactly what it sounds like. I actually prefer to do this several times a day to avoid chaos. I did it when my children were younger so that EVERY SINGLE TOY THEY OWN wasn't out at the same time. As I've said before, I don't do well in chaos. I need a sense of peace. When I see clutter, my mind is cluttered. Don't get me wrong, my kids had fun. They built forts using couch cushions, they played playdoh, they played with many toys - all the time. BUT - a couple of times a day we would take 10 minutes to rescue things before they got out of hand. 

Typically, before lunch, we would set a time for 10 minutes and bring the main living area back to a safe place. Toys go "home." Cushions are back in place. I may have been working on some things and all of the sudden had to walk away, so these things get put back in their homes as well. 10 minutes is longer than you think and if you bust a move - you can get a lot straight in 10 minutes. Perfect for the friend who is on her way over for coffee! Trust me - I've done it.

This doesn't involve a vacuum or dusting - just basic tidying up! 

20-30 Minute Shuffle: 

This is what I do when I'm out of routine - which (SURPRISE!!!) does happen! Again, I am a HUGE advocate of a timer, in fact, I'm using one right now while I take a moment to work on my blog. This 20-30 minute block of time can allow you to tidy an entire area of your home, putting all the things back where they belong OR you can focus on one room and get it vacuumed, dusted, and company ready. Sometimes, I'll do a couple of these throughout the day to catch up when we have a "sick" day or have had a busy season. Make it yours, but set your timer. Only plan what you can accomplish in that time frame. LISTS ARE KEY! I try to make a list from most important to least important and work as hard and as fast as I can!

For working moms - this could be an easy way to get things done after work yet not let the housework rule your entire evening. Do it WITH your kids - then the reward is some downtime together before bed! 

And finally - and my biggest lifesaver EVER - 

1 Hour BUST A MOVE:

I have a weekly plan. I plan to do a chore on each day so my weekends are free to be with my family in a fairly clean/tidy house. BUT. LIFE. We sometimes have incredibly busy weeks. Or we have been sick. Or we just haven't felt it (rainy days can definitely slow down productivity). So I (also involving the kids) make a list. There is NO deep cleaning on this list. Just basics. And simplicity. For example - my last list looked like this: 

I simply set my timer and MOVE! You'll be so surprised at how much you can get done in 1 hour! Your husband's dinner guest will think you are a marvelous housekeeper (or even that you have a paid housekeeper). Your husband may even be surprised! Haha!!!!

These are my tips and tricks that keep me on track when I fall off the wagon! I hope they help you stay motivated and in "control" of your home. This is, after all, your sacred safe space - let's keep it together!

xoxo - Dee