I quit! I’m not doing it anymore! Okay, that may be an overstatement. Let’s just say I’m not going to be doing it as often. Instead of doing my quarterly housekeeping checklist I am now doing a semiannual checklist meaning that I only do it twice a year. It's the same list, I just don't have to do it as often. I’d say that is progress!
Since I’ve simplified my home and decluttered a lot of things I was finding that most of the things I used to clean on a quarterly basis really weren’t that dirty. I was either cleaning clean things or skipping those items until next time. When that became a regular habit I decided to change my approach and stop running through my checklist every three months and have instead opted to do it every six months. Because of my regular daily cleaning habits and frequent decluttering sessions I find this is working out very well for me.
Surprisingly, things aren’t really any dirtier either. With this new routine I have more time to devote to getting each of these tasks done and I don’t feel rushed. Everything is clean, organized and tidy which makes it so enjoyable to live in my home every day. I don’t have that constant nagging in the back of my mind that something needs to be done because I am easily able to stay on top of things.
By switching to a semiannual housekeeping schedule I have more time to spend on outdoor projects, maintenance, etc. I also have a lot more time for fun stuff like crafts, hobbies, the great outdoors and spending time with my loved ones. It has been a nice change and I’m very glad I decided to do it.
I noticed that I was "cleaning the clean things" just because it was on my schedule and thought, oh no, that's a waste of my creative/rest time. So I changed it up! I also am following a yearly schedule of big tasks and I find that I can stay on top of the other stuff quite easily. The floors can be mopped when dirty, laundry done when the hamper is full. Depending on what I've got going on, it can be very flexible. The house stays mostly clean with just me in it. (:
ReplyDeleteThat is what I was finding as well. We have better things to do with our time.
DeleteFor the first time in27 years living in my home. I have hired a very reputable house cleaner starting in November. She is starting at my front door to the back and everything in between. All walls, ceiling fans, pulling out everything from the walls in all rooms doing floor boards. It might take her 2 months. I have a medical condition that prohibits me bending over. I am so excited. Not frugal at all, but $ that will be well spent. If it all goes well she might do it monthly for me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Good for you.
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