Steps to Organization

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned before that I have this huge little thing with organizing. Ok, maybe my clothes are organized by color but I don’t space the hangers exactly 2.5 inches apart (fine, yes that’s only because I have too many clothes but let’s overlook that) so it’s just a little problem.

Anyyyywhoooo

I really like to be organized, I feel very balanced and in-synch when everything is “in its place”. However, being the world that it is and the fact I’m not perfect (I so hope my sisters notice I said that!!!) things can get out of balance and unorganized.

Since the paper clutter issue I’ve been on a quest to really pay attention to my actions and get to the root of the issue. I figure the only way you can solve a problem is to really know the cause and develop a solution from there.

You know the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”?

Lies!

Words can be very harmful. I’m talking about these little words “I’ll get to it later”. Don’t look away; you know what I’m talking about…… You bring the mail in; you sit it on the ______ (fill in the blank) and walk away thinking “I’ll sort it out later”. You’re finished with a craft project while the glue gun sits there and you walk away thinking “I’ll put it away later”.

I never realized how much I actually say or think those words, but I’ve since noticed it’s a lot ……… and the cause of my organization issue.

It always starts with that one “I’ll put it away later” item, then another and another and another till it’s this ugly pile (or drawer) of mess that you don’t want to even look at and know will take F.O.R.E.V.E.R to put away.

Now the duh moment.

Why not just put it away to begin with? I know, easier said than done!

At the start of my observation I had a few of those ugly piles (and drawers) around the house that I just couldn’t pretend didn’t exist anymore. They were really starting to taunt me, it wasn’t pretty. The change was when I tackled the piles this time, I actually paid attention to how long it really took me to clean up and put things away.  We are talking hours. Add in the stress of the clutter, the frequent sidetracks and the “I really don’t want to be doing this right now” and it just isn’t worth it.

I’ve decided to change my thinking from “later” to “now” and attempt to put everything away after using it, or bringing it in the house.

Wish me luck! I’ll report back with the results.

Shine to an UGLY Floor

Maybe you recall this post?

I’m sure you do, it was a post with it all… anger and a catchy tune, that’s like a good movie right there.

Anyways, before we even start I still have to state upfront that linoleum and I are not on good terms! I am however quite happy with this little bottle of “thank goodness a product that does what it claims”.

Now don’t get me wrong my floor isn’t perfect (by any means) and I’m still looking to replace it, but in the mean time while I wait for the funds for that to magically appear….If anyone knows a magician who can perform this please by all means contact me!… this little inexpensive bottle has really saved me.

My linoleum is quite a few years old and even after a good Cinderella style scrub it still looked disgusting to me, I realized it was because the floor had no shine to it………… at all.

I hit the cleaning isle in hopes that some shining light would direct me to my saving grace. There it was, the fluorescent lighting bouncing off the label.

Ok ok, maybe it didn’t happen exactly like that but go with me here.

The label had the two words I was looking for, quick and shine.

It’s so easy to use, you simply start with a clean dry floor, rinse your mop, squirt it on the floor and do a quick push around the area. Let it dry for 15 minutes and you’ll see a gloss to your floor you haven’t seen in awhile.

I LUHVE it!

 

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated by the manufacturer of this product and do not endorse said product. I am simply sharing my experience and/or opinion of mentioned product. Use of said product is at your own risk.

I Hate Linoleum

Today was my big clean everything in sight day and I must say I hate linoleum!

I know hate is a strong word, but in this case I can’t think of a more appropriate term.

Maybe I should be more specific and say I hate white linoleum with little divots for texture.

Maybe I have a little OCD and the fact that it never looks sparkly “I could eat off the floor” white bothers me but come on. Who really thought that “texture” was going to do anything other than collect yuck!

I honestly think it’s time to replace it with something that doesn’t make me itch just thinking about it. Till then I’ll continue to play Cinderella scrubbing the floors on my hands and knees I guess.

A dream is a wish your heart makes, when your scrubbing the linoleum, no matter how your knees are aching, if you just keep cleaning the dream that you wish will come true.

students.ou.edu

Paper Clutter

onlineorganizing.com

Ok ok you guessed it, that isn’t actually me her problem is small in comparison! but for the sake of this post lets just pretend since I’m too embarrassed to take actual pictures.

I have a paper clutter problem. There I said it, I feel so much better. Actually I don’t, admitting the problem means you have to fix it and really a blind eye is so much easier.

I don’t know where all this paper comes from, I’m starting to think paper may be in the bunny family because it has to be mating and reproducing somewhere in my home!

My goal is not only get the current situation under control but get a procedure in place that will keep it from being a reoccurring issue. I’m thinking the HB’s current mail “fall where it may” process may be a key source to the issue, oh and the paper mating!

Do any of you have the same issue? What tips have worked for you?

I’m giving myself a couple days to attack the problem and hopefully I’ll have some pictures I’m not ashamed to publish.

Green Cleaning

TDC is have a cleaning party so I figured I’d join in.

I have to admit cleaning isn’t exactly on the top of my fun list, is it for anyone, other than Martha Stewart? I don’t exactly hate it so if I had the choice of cleaning or the flu, I’d pick cleaning. I tend to do regular upkeep cleaning and then break out the big guns when the DEEP cleaning mood strikes.

Here are some of my favorite cleaning products or tips.

Vinegar!!!!

LOVE IT! Not only can you clean a kazillion and one things with it, but you can cook with it, it’s non-toxic and you can buy two jugs of it at Costco for like $2. You can’t go wrong.

Don’t you love to clean the oven? No? Yeah me either. It’s a cramped area to get to, the chemicals they sell to clean it are toxic, all around, it’s just a pain. TILL NOW (I had to, it felt like an infomercial moment)

When I purchased my condo the oven came with it, needless to say I didn’t realize I had purchased the past tenants burnt and caked on grease. I sprinkled the door and bottom with baking soda and then added vinegar, it bubbled and fizzed for a bit and I let it sit. After a few minutes I took a kitchen sponge and just wiped it all up, I was amazed that even the tacky grease came up.

I have linoleum floors like the picture above, oh how I hate them, and oh how I REALLY hate those little dimples in it. You know dimples are cute on a person, not so much when it’s a floor that collects yuck in those little dimples. The floors are just one more place that vinegar becomes my special friend, it cleans the floor well and I don’t have to worry about any residue being left behind.

I use vinegar in the sink as well. I could go on and on about vinegar but I fear the relationship may start sounding a bit unhealthy with all this dependency so I will move on.

I find I clean the toilet more often then almost anything, ohhh no don’t get the idea it’s because I enjoy it, after all, it is the toilet, but more because I can’t stand the idea of catching a stomach bug and having a non clean smelling toilet. You get me?

I used to use this oh so wonderful product, I loved it, it worked wonders. I mean I didn’t even have to scrub, that’s great in my book. Then came green products, I am all for this idea (part of the reason I love vinegar). I honestly don’t think we have any choice as a nation other than to be more conscious and green about the products we use. Sooooooo I tried this new product.

I really wanted to love it, I did, but it just didn’t work like I expected. I’m still holding out hope for a green product for the toilet and I’ll let you know as soon as I find one.

The shower/tub is another area I used to really dislike cleaning, mostly because I couldn’t get it as clean as I wanted. I’m fairly picky about the tub being able to sparkle! Soap scum is the enemy!

Till I found Kaboom I had tried everything from scrubbing bubbles to bleach. Now, I spray Kaboom on, go spray the other tub/show then come back and do a quick scrub and rinse. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have to scrub but I have issues. Did I mention I’ve actually tried waxing the shower? Issues, lots and lots of issues.

Finally my Stock.Up.On product and always have around

 

I can’t say I prefer one over the other, just whichever one Costco is currently stocking. I use these to wipe everything, clean up any spills, blow my nose…. ok maybe not that last one but everything else. I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself a germaphobe but knowing that everything has been disinfected is great.

I would love to hear about any of the products or tricks that work for you so please leave a comment.