The Potter's Hand

Sep. 20, 2006 - Organizational tidbits

The kids and I worked hard today getting things back in order. Not every room was tackled, but we do have some semblance of order again.

Thought I would take a minute (an excuse to sit down!) and share my cleaning schedule. I could use the accountability and who knows, it might actually inspire someone. Ha!

Monday - Laundry, Vacuuming

Tuesday - Bathrooms

Wednesday - Sweep/mop floors, make grocery list

Thursday - Laundry, dust

Friday - Change/launder bedding, iron, grocery shopping (every other week)

Of course we also do the dailys - pick up rooms, make bed, keep the kitchen clean, etc. The boys each have their own set of chores as well.

I have set up each chore on my MSN calendar as a repeating event. Each morning MSN sends me an e-mail reminder of the days chores. Since checking my e-mail is something I do each morning, I have no excuse. The reminders are a little trigger for me first thing in the morning.

I don't have a schedule for the deeper seasonal cleaning and projects that need to be done. At this point they seem to get done when I happen to notice and have a few spare minutes. This is not a highly effective system.

There are many great resources for scheduling weekly or seasonal tasks - Large Family Logistics, Flylady, Emilie Barnes, Mrs. Catherine at Loving Our Homes. I've read them all. The trick is taking the head knowledge and assimilating it in a way that works for our family. While I work at getting back into a routine, I am prayerfully considering how best to put the knowledge into practice.

I'd love to hear how you run your home. What are your favorite resources? What system works best for you? Please share!

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Sep. 20, 2006 - Just What I Needed!

Posted by EEEEMommy

Moving into a significantly larger home (PTL) is a blessing, but I have to figure out how to manage it and keep it at least somewhat tidy in addition to the homeschooling (always a challenge especially when you're a messy to begin with). This kind of basic routine would work well for me I think. Thanks!

The other resource that I've used in the past is Sidetracked Home Executives (SHE) which I think inspired Flylady. Everything's on notecards. I've been trying to figure out how to convert it to a To-Do List on the computer/Palm pilot and haven't yet figured out the best way to do that.

You're right though about adapting the tips and techniques to suit your own style, family, house, schedule, and personality. Rigid gets you nowhere.

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Sep. 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by JustGiveMeStarbucks

We've (I've?) been on the reorganizing/decluttering track, too, lately. Where does this stuff come from? Finally, I'm at least able to use my desk again -- three weeks into our school year!

Thanks for posting those sites! I'm familiar with Fly Lady, but didn't know Emilie Barnes had a site. I've been a fan of hers for years.

Have a great day!
Sally

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Sep. 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

How funny, I just finished "Simple Steps to a Beautiful Home" (I think that's it). I have to tell you that Sandra Felton got me thinking differently, too. Her book "Smart Organizing" is very good. She was a "messy" for the first 23 years of her marriage, but now she's a "cleanie".
I ordered a chore chart from www.Doorposts.com and am in the process of setting it up. The children are quite capable of pulling more of their weight around here. It's good for them anyhow. After all, aren't we supposed to be teaching them to be adults someday?
Look for an amazing scone recipe post soon. I made them this morning and they were phenomenal! Holy smokes they were good.
Jennifer :)
www.homeschoolblogger.com/JennLovesJesus

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The daily, sometimes hourly, musings of a homeschooling mom of four surviving on prayer, friendship and lots of Starbucks. Some days my cup runs over and some days it all spills out the cracks...and I wouldn't have it any other way.