I have a confession to make… I haven’t cleaned in a while… I feel guilty but it’s summer, it seems like all of our normal routines DIED when the last school bell rang!
I don’t know if you’re like me but I have a hard time keeping to schedules and routines once the summer hits. Getting pictures of me cleaning this summer is about as likely to happen as someone taking a clear picture of a Sasquatch.
This is evidenced by my bedroom floor last night!
In my defense, I asked the kids to get their clean laundry out of my room (I sort & distribute from here) and of course, they didn’t. They said we’ve been “too busy having fun” to do chores (and yet they managed to destroy the somewhat organized chaos, this morning I tidied up, it was my 13 yr old clothes & towels mainly). It is kinda true… we’ve barely been home, when we’re not camping, we’re driving kids back and forth to camp or to sleepovers at friend’s. I haven’t exactly been the enforcer on the issue either.
I can’t believe I’m showing you this… deep breaths… this is a no judgement zone right?!
Big Gulp!
SEE! Without a schedule – I am completely and utterly lost! I used to make fun of my hubby who can’t seem to remember to do anything without a “TO-DO” list but the truth be told… I can’t either!
If you want to survive the summer without losing your mind in the clutter… my advice is to set yourself up with a chore-list that includes the kids helping out. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean doing chores takes a break too. OK now I’m preaching to the choir!
It’s important to write out what you want to get done, make it clear & specific, in big block letters if you need to, so that it can be read on the run. It’s amazing how many things get accomplished when they’re written down!
If it’ll help… try unplugging from the TV, laptop, gamer machines, handheld WiFi devices until things get crossed off that “To-Do” list… go old school for a while.
I saw this on Facebook first thing Monday morning and it made my day, this mother is brilliant!
A little incentive to keep to a chore schedule can be the motivation everyone needs!
Another great tip: tidy as you go, clean up a little piece of your house every day! I promise it will make it easier and then you won’t be so overwhelmed by the end of the summer.
I’m all about making life easier!!!
I can honestly say that I use Lysol products like the disinfecting wipes and the fabric mist because it makes it easier for me to CLEAN. It doesn’t feel like I’m not doing any WORK and this Summer-Lovin Housewife can ENJOY her lazy days again.
You are one brave woman to show that photo. We too cannot keep the place clean in the summer (or ever) – but then all the socializing, the drop-by's for a swim etc makes it so embarassing. The only thing we have been doing is a mandatory living room tidy before lunch and dinner – we don't eat until everything is put away. – Sara, who couldn't be bothered to sign in 🙂
You are beyond brave… where do you live can I come help clean… okay coming out now… I am a bit OCD … everything must be in its spot all the time. I am glad you are having a good summer.
ohhh I love the idea of a wifi password each day! Sept is going to be rough with waking up early and packing lunches again, not looking forward to it
Hey, why you posting pictures of my bedroom?! My house, is the same. We did a big clean the other day and let's just say, it didn't last. Laundry room is full of laundry needing done, kitchen is covered in the dishes needing done, bedrooms, ya whatever!!! But hey, at least my yard and gardens are all pretty.
Ah, enjoy summer while it lasts I say. Soon enough there will be schedules and routine. Who sees your bedroom besides you, DH, and your kids anyway? Oh right, you just posted that picture. LOL!
But yes, I do a little each day. That way to doesn't seem too daunting.
My bedroom floor LOOKS better only because there is less floor space so the stuff is stacked so we can walk around the bed LOL.
I have actual been doing more cleaning this summer because I have more time although my house still looks like a mess. It's more spring cleaning type stuff I've been doing.
Don't worry, I can relate with you! lol. I've been trying lately to stay on top of my cleaning because otherwise, it will look just like your photo does hehe. Glad you're enjoying summer 🙂
wifi password….BRILLIANT!
That is such an amazing idea! I need to have a new wi-fi password every day for my husband! LOL!
I am soooooooooo happy you posted that photo! Our master bedroom looks like that at the moment and I've started getting bummed about how far behind things have gotten. With work and child, and farm and Summer…Eeeeeeeek! My house is suffering 🙁
I don't have clothes laying around, instead I have DUST BUNNIES everywhere! In my defense, I have a cat that is shedding like crazy, and a dog that is almost as crazy.
But still … it's summer, and I'm enjoying it too.
And my dining room table, with all my scrap booking stuff on, under and around it — Yikes!
Bahaha! I love you! I made myself do cleaning the last week, off and on, or I would *never* post a pic of my house! At the moment I am not embarrassed to open the front door wide and say, 'Step inside'… but for weeks I would have had to swallow my pride to do that. (That's when I resort to opening the door a crack and peeking out, standing back as if I'm not fully clothed. That way they dont't want to come inside. lol!) I feel human and good, having read your blog. Thanks for keepin' it real. My philosophy is, I'll have a perfectly clean room in heaven, why would I spend all my time here trying to create that, when I can do kingdom work instead?! Bless you, my friend!
Well thanks for making me feel good. We don't fold laundry here. It all sits in hampers on my bedroom floor and we pick from it each day. As long as I can get to my bed I am happy. I did get our room spotless last month but it's back to covered with hampers. I am ok with that. It's the boys rooms, living room and kitchen that I try to stay on top of.
You know I was a fanatic with cleaning, working FT and everything in it's place, I went crazy if it wasn't just right! But about 6 years ago I learned my lesson, I came down with medical issues and have no mobility so I can't even clean my own house but all the fun things are gone too, so my outlook now is if you and your family are enjoying the weather and having fun that's ALL that counts because at the end of the day that's what is important in life and a lesson I learned to late:)