Tips to Keeping your Bathroom Clean and Organized:

Daily 2 Minute Tidy-up Tips:

·         If you take it out, put it in its home to avoid clutter on floor and counters.

·         Quickly wipe down the sink, faucet and counters with disinfectant cleaner.

·         Scrub toilet bowl with disinfectant cleaner and toilet brush. Wipe down seat, base of toilet bowl and handle with a damp paper towel and disinfectant cleaner. 

·         Check hand towel and replace it with a new one if it’s necessary.  I prefer to dry our hands on a nice bath towel instead of a small hand towel, while others like to use a roll of paper towels.

·         Clean mirror.

·         Empty trash can. 

Weekly Clean-up Tips:

·         If you take it out, put it in its home to avoid clutter on floor and counters.

·         Scrub sink, faucet and counters real good with disinfectant cleaner and sponge with scrub pad.

·         Scrub toilet bowl with disinfectant cleaner and toilet brush. Wipe down toilet seat, handle, base of toilet and around the screws and screw covers with damp paper towel/rag and disinfectant cleaner.

·         Clean tub and shower with disinfectant cleaner that will dissolve lime and soap scum.

·         Replace hand towel with a new one. 

·         Empty trash can and wipe it down. Put in a new trash bag liner.

·         Wipe down door, door handle, light switch, base boards, cabinets and window.

·         Sweep and mop floor.

·         Shake rugs outside or vacuum. 

Monthly Clean-up Tips:

·         Use a pumice bar and lime cleaner for rings and stains in toilet bowl.

·         Refill hand soap dispenser. Do not use bar soap; they are too messy and not sanitary.

·         Clean water build up off sink and faucet with cleaner that dissolves lime. 

·         Clean blinds and shutters.

·         Sweep dust from vents.

·         Wash rugs and bath mats if machine washable.

Every 3 Months/Onset of Every New Season Clean-up Tips:

·         Wash silk plants and décor on tops of cabinet.

·         Wash or wipe down drapes and valances.

·         Clean and re-organize cabinets and drawers.   

·         Soak shower head in lime cleaner and clean with brush.  

·         Wash shower curtain.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

Tips to Organize your Bathroom:

Is your bathroom a happy place or a sad place to be? If it is a happy place to be, then it is most likely clean, organized and beautiful; however, if it is a sad place to be than it is mostly likely dirty, unorganized and in need of attention. Everyone deserves a happy bathroom so here are some suggestions in organizing it.  I recommend every cabinet and drawer get lined whether you own or rent your home. I highly recommend to all, the Rubbermaid Smooth Top Non-Adhesive Easy Liner; PLEASE, NO MESH LINERS WITH HOLES IN THEM; THEY ARE INEFFECTIVE, INEFFECIENT, A WASTE OF MONEY AND SHOULD BE BANNED. If you can see through them then the dirt, liquids and grim will get through them as well, also they don’t stay in place; ergo, there is no point to these liners - don’t get me started.

When utilizing the space under the sink, we must choose organizational supplies that fit with the plumbing. Try an open rectangular plastic tub or a turn table to store shampoo, hairspray, cleaning products, etc. If you have large awkward items like blow dryers, curling irons or hairbrushes they would work well in a large drawer. If you don’t have one, you can add plastic drawers the size of a shoe box or boot box, stack them under the sink.  If you have small drawers put your small items in them, but first add drawer organizers for toothpaste, toothbrushes, cotton swabs, make-up, razors, hair accessories, etc.  If you have a medicine cabinet, then use it for small items that you don’t have many of: medicine, deodorant, bandages, etc.   

The bathroom can be the dirtiest room in the house; in fact, I can’t think of anything worse than a nasty bathroom; however, a beautifully cleaned and organized bathroom is certainly a blessing to visit and admire.  Before anyone comes over, I make sure my guest bathroom is presentable and my young boys have not gotten creative when doing their business. Bathrooms must be wiped down daily, especially if there is more than one person in the house. Cleaning the bathroom should be an assigned task for someone in the house daily, weekly and monthly.  It should only take 2 minutes daily to do a quick tidy up on a bathroom.  

* Check out my next blog on daily, weekly and monthly suggestions in keeping your bathroom clean and organized.   

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
         480-296-1246

Tips to keeping your Kitchen Clean and Organized:

Keeping a kitchen organized and clean is a never ending task, in which case you must enlist each member of the household to do their part. Sit down and discuss the needs and assign everyone some chores daily, weekly and monthly. 

Daily things to do before you go to bed:

·         Wipe all counters completely with disinfectant cleaner and wipe under all small appliances.

·         Clean sink and faucet.

·         Clean stove and microwave.

·         Wipe down exterior of appliances: fridge, oven, dishwasher and toaster.

·         Coffee Maker: empty coffee and grinds and clean.

·         Hang towels to dry and replace with new ones daily.

·         Wipe off table and dry.

·         Sweep floor.

·         Keep all papers, bills, newspapers, magazines, homework and desk type materials in one section designated for that alone. Keep food, dishes and drinks in other sections of the kitchen. Try not to mix everything up. Be sure you have a clean counter and table before starting a meal.

·         Keep a tray or platter on the counter at all times for drinks. Put all the cups in dishwasher before going to bed. 

·         Fill dishwasher and run before bed. Add ¼ - ½ cup white vinegar in each load if your dishes, cups and glasses come out of the dishwasher with soap scum or residue. 

Weekly Tips:

·         Mop floors.

·         Quick wipe out shelves in fridge, butter area, wipe base of fridge.

·         Quick tidy up freezer, wipe base of freezer.

·         Vacuum throw rugs or wash them if they are machine washable.

·         Wash windows and doors.

·         Clean trash can and recycle can.

·         Sweep dust out of the vent cover under fridge.

·         Clean drain stops with brush and heavy duty cleaner.

·         Disinfect sponges: soak in strong cleaner.

Monthly Tips:

·         Deep clean fridge: pull out drawers, clean drawers and door shelves.

·         Clean garbage disposal rubber seal in the sink: remove it if possible and clean with a brush and heavy duty cleaner.  This gets nasty with food and grim and will smell if not maintained.

·         Clean blinds and shutters.

·         Clean water build up off sink, faucet and fridge water dispenser tray.

·         Run dishwasher with vinegar. Clean the rubber seal inside of dishwasher door.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
         480-296-1246

* Check out my next Blog: Tips to Organize Your Bathroom.

Ten “If You” Rules for the Kitchen:

How would you like to wake up to a clean and organized kitchen every morning? You are worthy of a this type of kitchen and can have it immediately! I can help you to organize your kitchen, pantry and refrigerator by consulting, coaching or organizing it myself with your assistance. Once we get your kitchen organized and labeled, utilize the following maintainence rules to prevent it from looking like the aftermath of a tornado.  Print it if you would like to teach your family or houshold members.  

1.       If you open it, close it. (Drawers, closets, dishwasher, fridge, peanut butter, and chips must be clipped, bread must be tied…)

2.       If you take it out, put it away. (Milk, bread, food, scissors, pens…)

3.       If you dirty it, rinse it immediately. I teach families my “rinse and put” technique: rinse the dishes in one sink, where the garbage disposal is, and then put them in the other sink or in the dishwasher.

4.       If you mess the counter, stove, microwave or floor, wipe it clean immediately.

5.       If you spill it, clean it up immediately. (Floor, table, counter, microwave, oven, fridge…)

6.       If you are preparing food or cooking, be sure the nearby drawers and cabinets are completely closed to prevent crumbs from falling in them.

7.       If you are going to the grocery store, clean out your fridge and tidy up your pantry first, then write your list.

8.       If you are going to empty your dishwasher, wipe out the crumbs in your utensil drawers and cabinets first.

9.       If you make a meal, tidy up while cooking and then clean the mess immediately after the meal. Rinse all dishes, bowls, pots and pans immediately and load them in the dishwasher, what doesn’t fit, wash by hand. In the morning, empty the dishwasher and put away all hand washed items.   If it is not possible to do all of this immediately, then just rinse everything in one sink and stack the dishes in another to wash later that day.  

10.   If you use the trash can, empty it daily.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

*Check out tomorrow's blog entitled: "Tips to keeping your Kitchen Clean and Organized."

Hoarding Begins in Your Thoughts

There is much awareness of Hoarders as of late on television and there are many stories of people who have even died under their rubble of falling magazines or newspapers, but what actually is a Hoarder?  A hoarder acquires things compulsively and saves them without discarding, organizing or maintaining them. It is a serious medical condition which is defined medically:

“Pathological hoarding: Excessive hoarding of material goods, a condition that affects up to 40% of people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Excessive hoarders, who fill their houses with accumulations of junk, usually newspapers, bags of old clothing and lists, tend to experience more anxiety and depression social disability than OCD patients with other symptoms. Hoarders are also less likely to seek help.  Pathological hoarders have decreased activity in the anterior cingulate, a brain structure involved in decision making and problem solving, compared with people with other OCD symptoms. The hoarders also show less activation than the healthy subjects in the posterior cingulate, an area involved in spatial orientation, memory and emotion. Hoarding may therefore have a distinctive basis in brain activity.”

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=32923        
                  

As stated above, hoarding is a serious condition of accumulation of stuff beginning in the brain. The brain is where most of our problems begin, if we change our thoughts, we can change our life.  Many hoarders have connected their identity with their things and feel that if they throw away their things, something bad will happen or they will lose a part of themselves. It is typically easier for them to donate it. One of the problems is that they believe lies about themselves. This is something that many of us do to an extent. If we dissect our thought patterns and write down all of our negative self-talk (the lies) and then write the positive self-talk regarding that statement (the truth), we can begin to change our thoughts. If we daily read the positive self talk for 21 days, our behavior will change.

One lie that Hoarders may believe is, “I’m a looser because I can’t get control over my stuff.”  We cannot identify who we are based on what we do. Rather, we should base our identity on who we are according to the good in our heart. Then take it a step further and consider where that good came from.     

Hoarders tend to feel sorry for things so they decide to take them into their homes because they are broken, run down, homeless or rejected items. This shows behavior’s such as caring, kind, patient and forgiving. These qualities derive from love, thus they are loving.  

Below is an example of a Thought Pattern Inventory:

Negative Self Talk (LIE):                                           Positive Self-talk (TRUTH):

I am a loser because I can’t control my stuff.       I am kind, patient, forgiving and loving.

If you are a hoarder, it is time to break free from the prison! Call me for help and I will walk you through the process of going through your things, sorting and organizing.  Then I will teach you new behaviors to keep it organized.  Hoarding is the result of a problem that begins in your mind, when you change your thinking to line up with the truth, then you can truly change your life.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

What’s Your Vision for Your Home or Office?

If you don’t already have a vision for your home or office it’s time to get one! I encourage you to think about what you would like your home/office to look like.  Who doesn’t enjoy an organized, functional home/office at least most of the time?  If you can perceive it, you can attain it. If you can’t perceive it, then I can help you.  Well the truth is that our visions do not get accomplished by themselves. It’s time for a moment of truth; this is where the rubber meets the road. You can clean your house all day, but if it isn’t functioning well for you, then you have some work to do. Ask yourself these questions:

·         “Is my home a functional and organized place of solace?” 

·         “Is my home all that I desire it to be?”  

If your answer to these questions is, “No”, then it’s time for a change. It’s time to take deliberate steps in a deliberate direction and you will be deliberative in thought and deed.  (Janice White)

·         What vision have you deliberately chosen for your home? Write it down.

·         What steps do you need to take to accomplish this vision? Write it down.

·         Write down your overall vision.

·         Write down your vision for each room.

·         Write down the supplies you will need to accomplish this vision for each room.

Now begin one room at a time and accomplish your vision! If this is an still an overwhelming daunting task or you simply do not have time, please call me for help. I can bring your vision to higher levels.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

*Check out tomorrows blog entitled: "Hoarding Begins in Your Thoughts."

 

Organizing Tip: Get Rid of 1 to 3!

If you bring one item into your home, get rid of one to three.  This is an important rule of thumb if you want to keep your home clutter free.  Many of us have a space in our home which is dedicated to mail, incoming papers, files, kids’ schools work etc.  These spaces usually begin small and neat, and then before long they double and sometimes triple until our belongings increase in number and if not controlled can multiply until they become an overwhelming infestation of CLUTTER CLUSTERS!  So I want to reiterate, if you bring one item into your home, get rid of one to three.  

* Please call me for help with any project great or small.

 

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

What to do With the Items You're Sorting

When going through a specific area of clutter, I suggest that you make a decision about what to do with each item so the rampant clutter problem stops right now.  If you are not intentionally decisive on each item, the clutter will continue by showing up in another pile down the road. So stop the madness by asking yourself these questions and when you arrive at an answer put the item in the suggested location immediately.

1.      Is this item a valuable and useful tool (i.e. scissor, screw driver, cords) or household item (i.e. book, remote control, electronic, sports equipment)?  If the answer is yes, then go to number 2.  If the answer is no, then go to number 4.

2.      If this item is indeed a valuable tool or household item, then ask yourself if you will actually use it within the next 1-2 years. If the answer is yes, put it in its proper place, or if necessary create the most sensible home for it and label it if in a container.  If the answer is no and it is sentimental, then go to number 3. It may be sentimental.  If the answer is no and it is not sentimental then go to number 4.

3.      Does this item hold special meaning and have sentimental value to me such as a photo, greeting card, gift or heirloom?  If the answer is yes, put it in its proper place or if necessary create a “special things” box and put all your sentimental items in it, but sure to keep special papers, awards and photos in a separate container i.e., a folder, 3 ring binder, scrap book, photo album/box and label it. If the answer is no, then go to number 4.

4.      Could someone else you this item? If the answer is yes, then say goodbye to it and donate it or sell it so it will benefit another. It’s ok really, someone will love it. If the answer is no, then it must be broken, stained, stale, outdated, a kids meal toy or just plain ugly, so toss it!

Well done, way to take control over that clutter; you are stepping out of clutter, confusion and chaos and are becoming an intentionally decisive organizer!

Please call me for further help on your most challenging spaces.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

How Do I Sort This Mess Out?

Whether you have rampant clutter throughout your home or just in one area, the best thing to do is to choose one specific area, then simply DIVIDE AND CONQUOR. Be sure to be prepared before you begin by getting several open bins/boxes/baking pans that you can use temporarily just for sorting items. You will also need 2 trash bags, one for trash the other for donating. Utilize the bins just to sort all your things into like piles. For example you may find these types of items in your pile: papers to file, bathroom items, kid’s toys, garage tools, laundry room items, junk drawer items, photos… After you begin the process of sorting and grouping you may want to label the bin/box/baking pan temporarily with a sticky note so it is quick and easy to see what’s in it while sorting.

Once the entire area is all sorted into like groups, then go through each bin one at a time and put them where they belong in your house. Jot down on a shopping list anything you may need to keep your items organized. If you need something to put your photos in, then jot down photo box or photo album.  If you need a junk drawer organizer, then measure the drawer and write down the measurements on your shopping list. If you need a tool box, write it down. If you need a place for all your papers, write down portable file box, file cabinet or basic 2 pocket folders.

The goal is for everything in your house to have its own home just as you do and then take it a few steps further by organizing and labeling it. Just as you are in a specific home, your things need to be in an organized specific home as well: your books belong on a book shelf or in a basket; you paperclips in a small container, you get the idea. Organizing is simple, just break things down into like groups and put them into an organized home and label it!  

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

*Check out tomorrows blog:  What to do with the items you're sorting.

"I'm Gonna Sort You Out!"

Tell that pile of clutter, "I'm gonna sort you out!" Then schedule a day to go through your pile. Be sure to be prepared with the appropriate solutions to the clutter with bins, folders, containers, labels and a marker to put the remainder of your things into. Also, grab 2 bags: one for trash and one for donations. Lastly, get a box or open bin to put things that belong in other parts of the house. Now sort it out into like piles, once it is all sorted out, put the things you really want into its new home and label it. Well done, you sorted it all out!  If you want help contact me.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
        480-296-1246

*Check out tommorows blog on sorting tips.

Declutter Technique

When using the O.H.I.O. rule, (Only Handle It Once) continually remind yourself when you pick up an item, make an immediate decision about where it belongs.

1.       If it holds value to you, then put it in its proper place.

2.       If it doesn’t have value to you, yet someone else could use it, then put it in a box to sell or a box to donate.

3.       If it is damaged put it in the trash.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
 480-296-1246

* Be sure to check out tomorrows Organizing Tip on Sorting

Organize your Recipes

Do you have recipes papers that seem to procreate? Are you tired of sifting through these pile just to find the one recipe that you need? If so, then I have a solution for you! Imagine all your recipes in one highly organized book and finding your next recipe in a snap! It will take some time, but you can do it in 10 easy steps! The following is a list of items you will need to make a Recipe Binder:

1. Items Needed:

• 1 - Three -Ring Wide 3" View Binder (high quality) 11 -5/8- H x 11- 1/4-W
• 3 Ring Hole Puncher
• 1 Box of Three -Ring Standard Sheet Protectors (50-100)
• 2-4 Packages - Three Ring Index Dividers: 5 Tab with Pockets (Width 9 3/4" including tab) *(Bring your ruler. Most Avery's divders are too small)
• Ruler
• Glue Stick
• Scissor
• Copy paper ( 8 1/2 x 11)
• Paper clips

2. Once you have gathered the above items, then organize your recipes into categories for example:

• Main Dish
• Mexican, Italian, Oriental... (if you have a lot of any of these categories)
• Seafood
• Soup
• Sandwich
• Side Dish / Vegetables Dish
• Salad
• Appetizer
• Dip
• Sauce
• Breakfast
• Bread
• Dessert

3. After you have sorted and organized the recipes into categories, paper clip the categories together until the are put in the binder.
4. Label the Index Dividers according to each category, be sure they are in your order of preference before you label them. Then put the labeled index dividers in the binder.
5. Put all your recipes that are already on a single sheet of paper in a sheet protector and put them in the binder one category at a time.
6. All recipes that are on cards or smaller papers and have print only on one side, you can glue to a single piece of copy paper or you can re-type them up. Then put them in the sheet protector and then in the binder.
7. The recipes that are written on both sides of the card, you will need to re-type over so that the recipe is completely on one side of the paper. Then glue it to a copy paper if it is small or just put in sheet protector and place in binder.
8. Type and print a title page for binder: "Mom's Recipe Book"
9. Place extra sheet protectors in the back of the binder for later use.
10. To maintain be sure to put all new recipes in a sheet protector and place in your new binder under its proper category.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
 480-296-1246

Rule to Minimize Clutter

Here is a quick rule of thumb to minimize clutter. Remember the O.H.I.O. rule, Only Handle it Once. If you are going through papers or anything that becomes clutter, remember if you pick it up then put it in its place immediately and the pile will never grow.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
 480-296-1246

When Mom is Out of Commission: Family Contribution List

It may seem like everything is flowing well, everything is in its place, dishes are done, laundry is done, house is clean until the day that MOM IS OUT OF COMMISSION. It is times like these when Mom or the main caretaker of the home is sick, that even the most organized of them all realize there there's abreak in my system when suddenly the hampers are over flowing and you have to dig through a sink full of dirty dishes to find a pan… ugggh! So what do you do when you find holes in your cheese and it isn’t Swiss?

It’s time to enlist the troops and create a back-up plan! For the families who operate with some sort of a chore list for all in the home, congratulations well done! For those who don’t, I will give you an idea of how to implement one with a backup plan for when Mom is sick.

1. Get a 3 ring binder and a hole-puncher and sheet protectors.
2. Get a large pad of paper and a pencil. Label one page with each person in the households name: Dad, Mom, children, teens, grandparents, roommates… so that everyone has a separate sheet of paper.

3. Call a family meeting and give them an analogy that they can relate to. For example, tell them that this household is like a plane and this plane can’t fly without a pilot, co-pilot and a crew. Stress that each member of this family is a vital part of the team and the household can’t run without each team member and when one team member is down the others must pick up the slack. Let them talk about what they think it takes to run the house and then ask them which apart of this they would like to contribute. Take notes on each ones page or ask them to write down on their own page.

4. Offer incentives to getting their contributions done without being asked or without complaining, for example allowance or pizza night. Be sure the incentive plan is more rewarding than not, this will encourage follow-through. Vote on the reward system and after everyone has agreed on it, type it up with specifics: Jacob will get $20.00 per week for all his completed contributions, minus $3.00 per day that the contributions are not done, or done with complaining.
5. If you choose an allowance, discuss what their allowance should be used for: tithing, savings, entertainment with friends, clothes…

6. Type up a title page, “Contributions to the “Your last name” House.”

7. After you have each compiled a “List of Contributions” for each member of the household, type it up and print two copies, one for the binder and one to post on a bulletin board or a central location or for all to see. Here is an example of a list for a teenager:

Jacob's Contributions:

Daily Morning/Before School:
• Take out trash
• Make your bed

Daily Afternoon/After school:
• Do homework
• Empty dishwasher
• Pick up after yourself
Weekends:
• Help with yard work
• Clean your room: dust, vacuum

Summers:
• Sweep pool daily

When Mom is out of Commission or Working:
• Do all your own laundry
• Clean the kitchen after dinner

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
 480-296-1246

Procrastination Leaves a lot to be Attained

Here it is my first blog, thank you to my neighbor Deb who helped me in creating a blog page! It is truly exciting after many years of “Clutter Be Gone!” to finally be on the WEB! Needless to say I’m not the most computer savvy of them all, but here I am! Although I am one of many “Clutter Buster’s” in this world; I do empathize with any of you who have not worn that hat well. I understand that “thing” that humans do well… PROCRASTINATION. Encarta dictionary defines Procrastination: “To postpone doing something, especially as a regular practice.” So we should ask ourselves “Why?” we postpone doing something or “Why?” we avoid doing “it” regularly. Is it because it’s not enjoyable? That may be true to an extent, but there are many things that I do regularly that I don’t particularly enjoy, for instance, brushing my teeth, paying bills, putting gas in my SUV.

So what’s the difference? Why do we do those things that we view as important if they are not enjoyable? I brush my teeth because I like the feeling of clean teeth and do not want my teeth drilled on. So I brush my teeth to avoid the leftover particles of food from mixing with the bacteria in my mouth, because I know that turns into decay! Consequently, I perceive the result of not brushing my teeth so I am very motivated to brush. So then it is safe to say that we do the things that we do not enjoy due to the perceived result. This motivating factor minimizes the level of procrastination in our lives. So if we are procrastinating doing something, then it may be because: we either may not see the result or we could be just at an utter loss. In which case, we need to ask for help from others who have expertise.

Deb saw a website where there was none; I see order where there is chaos. If you can perceive it you can attain it. If you can’t perceive it you may need help from others. I am here to offer practical solutions to a vast array of problems that occur with clutter and teach you how to maintain.

~~Your Clutter Buster~~
clutterbegoneaz@gmail.com
clutter-begone.blogspot.com
 480-296-1246

*Check out tomorrow’s blog, “When Mom is out of Commission.”

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