The Impossible Task of Clean

Are you drowning in unfolded laundry? Has your kitchen counter been lost? Are the dust bunnies beginning to threaten the dog? If so, there's a good chance you are an overwhelmed mom. I, too, struggle from a bad case of housecleaning blues. But I have been working to come up with solutions to dig my way out of the clutter.

Several months ago, I did an entry called Is There Rest for the Telecommuting Mommy? Although I have often swayed from my own advice, the one I keep returning to - the one that really works - is the list on the refrigerator. I had offered that making a list with only one housecleaning task assigned per each day of the week would make it a lot easier to keep up on the usual vacuuming, laundry, and general cleaning. I still find this very true. As long as I do my one little chore each day, Saturday is no longer the clean-till-you-drop day. And when, say, Monday comes around, I know that's when I vacuum. If the ironing isn't done, too bad. Ironing isn't for Monday. I'm off the hook!

One suggestion I've heard many times, one I'm now really taking to heart, is this: Whenever you pass through a room, look for something to take with you. For instance, you're on your way to the baby's room and you notice a baby sock (why do those end up everywhere?) on the coffee table. Take it with you. You're that much ahead for later. I am home all day, and I move a heck of a lot. I've really noticed that when I stick to this little tip, it's amazing what gets put away - and what I've overlooked for an embarrassingly long period of time. (Like that 9-volt battery on the end table. What the heck was that for, anyway?)

These sorts of tips sound great, but they're even better if you commit to them. With a small amount of effort, you can save yourself from running in frustrating circles later. Who knows? You might even be able to knock off a few of those mutant dust bunnies!