Day #2 of Decluttering and Organizing

So it's Day 2 and I realize that we haven't done any actual decluttering or organizing... or have we? How does your sink look right now? Don't remember?? Go have a look. If it doesn't look spotless and shiny - stop reading now and get 'er dun! I will show you mine again at the bottom of this post!

I find that starting somewhere and making that one little chore a habit quickly spreads. I am kind of starting over in a lot of ways right now - it has been an insane couple of weeks. But I let myself have these times where things aren't as organized and I just remember - getting back into it and having a lovely organized home isn't that many steps away and I can do it.

The Flylady (see previous post) would tell you to set a timer for 15 minutes and just see what you can get done, as fast as you can, before the timer goes off. Pick a room and make a game of it. She's totally right. I got a good timer at the grocery store that is nice and loud... and it starts to beep a few seconds before time actually runs out so you can race to the finish. It's pretty fun and if you have kids - they TOTALLY love this part of the game. Like, who can put all the shoes in the hall closet before 2 minutes runs out? Or who can get all the toys back in the toybox in under 3o seconds? They are aged 5.5 and almost 8 and still going for it...

But there is more lovely suggestions out there besides Flylady - although I do LOVE her - I have this book as well which I purchased a few years ago.

I won't give away all of Linda's secrets but here is a short one for you:

"Carry out these few tasks on most days and you'll find your life running smoother than you could imagine. Miss a day... well, the dishes will still be there tomorrow.

• Make beds
• Put dirty clothes in the hamper
• Hang up clothes
• Clean up spills
• Wash dishes
• Wipe counters and stovetop"

And of course, I would add -- SHINE your SINK!

I have 2 chores for you today -

Find a box or a garbage bag and a corner of the house where you would like to store things you are ready to donate to charity. Label the bag and place it in the designated spot. Don't leave it in the middle of your living room - somewhere tidy and out of sight. Over the next few days, try and find one thing (no matter how small) in each room of your house that you would like to recycle, throw away or donate. Then - and here's the kicker - throw it away, put it in the bag to give away or get it in the blue bin. Do it right away... Don't think about it for later.

Second chore, go and shine the sink in (one of?) your bathroom(s). Just try and prevent it from spreading... Go ahead - try it!

Ok - here is my kitchen now. Remember the messy counter I posted last night?

Here it is - I got it done!!