I think a lot of our housekeeping problems could be solved if we just learned to pick up after ourselves. Of course, that also means teaching your family to do the same.
You have probably heard the phrase, “Everything has a place.” It really is true. The key is finding that place and then maintaining it. Maintenance in a home is done by the simple act of picking up and putting away.
Think about the little ways this can be done, which could really add up. Or perhaps it would help to consider how not picking up the little things can add up.
Instead of putting the dirty dishes immediately into the dishwasher, you set them on the counter. Instead of putting the book back on the shelf, you leave it on the coffee table. Instead of throwing your dirty clothes into the hamper, you drape them over a chair.
If I were to go on with 20 more “instead of” you would soon find yourself in a messy house that would take more time to clean than it would have, if you had immediately picked up. It is all the little actions that add up to much.
Get into the habit of immediately putting things away. Just setting something down for a minute is the wrong thought to have. Tell yourself to put it back into its place. And if something doesn’t have a place, create one.
At the same time, you should teach your family to do the same. Habits take time. So be patient. Gently remind your family members when they have left something out.
With a little self-discipline, motivation and determination, you can help create a more orderly and
less messy home. Adopt the motto, “Everything has a place and I will make sure it is put there.”
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Photo by Seiya235 in Flickr