D.L.F.B.
So, I’ve been trying to get myself out of this crazy/messy house funk for a while now. I do better for a while, get tired, let things slip, get mad at myself for letting things slip, loose all motivation to make it better, sulk around for a day or two, then slap myself back into reality. If this sounds at all familiar to you, let me share a little idea I found randomly one day on the good ole internet.
I can’t remember what link I followed to get there, but I found this blog where a woman is trying desperately to get her house/life/family in order. She has a friend who has been there, done that, and found a way out of the hole. She is contributing posts to the blog to offer advice and cheer everyone on. Here is how she suggests to start:
Dishes, Laundry, Floors, Bathrooms
The idea is that if you can spend a small amount of time touching each of these areas each day, your house will gradually become easier to maintain. It also helps you keep from getting overwhelmed with the amount of cleaning you have to do. I hate those days when I feel like I’ve hardly played with the kids for all my attempts at cleaning. Especially when I look around and still see so much that needs to be done.
Now off to empty the dishwasher while Little Lamb naps!
Depeche Mom 
October 18, 2007 at 4:15 pm
This is such a great tip! I never know where to start and it just ends up more and more overwhelming. Thanks!
October 19, 2007 at 7:18 am
That is exactly what it all boils down to, isn’t it? I might add “paper” in our own home – which is everywhere. 🙂
October 19, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Sounds like a simplified version of Flylady and who doesn’t appreciate simplification?
October 26, 2007 at 9:52 am
Girl, this is about all I get done around here lately! I love the ordering though…that’s way more likely to get down than bathrooms then floors for me. I always vow never to clean again by the time I’m done in there! =]
October 28, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Good advice… sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all the mess around me, I skip it all… I’m a perfectionist, so if I don’t have time to do it all perfectly, I can’t even make myself start. But piecing it one by one is a better way to look at it. Thanks for passing it on!