Total Home Makeover: Week 2

A miracle has occurred… truly.

This morning I went looking for a load of laundry to throw in while we ate breakfast, and there was none! We have less than a full load of clothes/diapers/towels dirty!

I half expect Jesus to return today. ;)

Phase Two: Transform Your Family

If you are just now joining me in this post series, read the first one to find out what the Total Home Makeover is all about.

We’ve finished Phase One (Transform Yourself), in which we created the daily and weekly routines that have allowed me to get caught up on my laundry! Now in phase two, the goal is to bring the family along on the journey.

I definitely don’t have to coerce my neat-and-tidy husband to join in! It’s difficult for him to get motivated to clean up others’ messes, but he doesn’t make any of his own. And he’s super-excited that the dishes and laundry have been done consistently.

It’s more difficult to fold in the children considering their ages (infant, 2, & 4) as it requires a good deal of organizing and reminding on my part. If I were good at that, we wouldn’t have these troubles to begin with, would we? :)

Renee has provided a chore chart for the kids for free, but we were providentially blessed recently to be handed down a more interactive one from a friend.

Truth be told, my kids like routine more than I do. They appreciate knowing what comes next. I appreciate not being tied down to what comes next. Having a chore list works for all of us though because we don’t have to do them at set times; they just have to get done!

Aidan has enjoyed folding clothes with me, unloading the dishwasher, putting the dog outside, and “sweeping” (we’re going to have work some more on that one).

Cora helps me vacuum (she can pick up any small toys in the way, and puts her hands on the vacuum as I push), feeds the dog, and carries her dishes to the sink.

Alex just cheers me on.

(I’ve been waiting for an excuse to post that photo for weeks! lol!)

I’m excited to report that keeping the house organized and tidy has become a little addictive!

To be transparent, though, I’m still struggling with the cleaning part. Organizing I can do, laundry and dishes have been mastered (hallelujah!), but I still dread the actual soap-and-water work.

I think it’s going to take me focusing on one area at a time and making it a habit. Rob used to get worked up over the fact that there was always food splashes/spills on the stovetop. He got frustrated enough one night to call me over and show me how little time it actually takes to clean it up. I admit that I was *not* grateful for the show at the time, but it did make me realize eventually that I was making a mountain out of a molehill.

So, I need to buckle down (what an odd expression… english majors?) and tackle the bathtub, toilet, windows, floors, countertops, and walls (fingerprints, food smears, and pencil marks have been largely ignored in this house). I think I gained a little victory over the sink this week. :)

Phase Three: Transform Your Home

On my Facebook page, I shared that I did some organizing and purging this weekend. This is my kind of work! I LOVE giving things away, throwing things away, and working on “projects.”

Phase Three will go through each area of the home and get it organized. I love that her goal is to help us make sure that what is in the area belongs in the area and is accessible & organized.

The focus of the first area, on Day 10, was the porch and foyer area. I thought I’d get a free pass because I don’t really have either of those, but her tips covered the elements that most homes have regardless of space: doorstep, shoe & coat area, etc. That’s an area that is pretty organized in my home thanks to a coat closet and a nice shoe organizer.

I also took care of our keys getting misplaced by creating a pretty hook last year. I blogged about it here.

Renee did get me thinking about the outside of our home and how it looks as you walk in, though. I’ve always likes the idea of a seasonal wreath and/or nice welcome mat, but haven’t ever gotten around to them. I might have to get creative. I’m thinking about making a wreath for a baby shower I’m organizing, so I’ve been thumbing through ideas.

I’m looking forward to going through the rest of the book and seeing what she has to say about each area. It’s not too late to join me! Grab a book and dive in!