How to Make Doing Household Chores Faster, Easier, and Much More Fun
Before you get started on your spring (or summer, or fall, or winter) cleaning, take a break, read on, and have fun!
Making it Fun Makes it Go Fast
Turning housework into fun and games.
Mom: "Come on, kids, let's hurry and get things cleaned up around here."Kids: "Who's coming over?"
Ever hear that dialogue around your house? I have. Seems the best motivation for cleaning the house is company, especially company who's on their way to visit right now!
How about this dialogue.
Mom: "Come on, kids, it's time to do chores."
Kids: "Oh, boy! We get to use the timer!" "Can I pick the music?"
I can't promise you that using timers and other fun tools will make your family excited to do their chores, but it couldn't hurt. In fact, using music and minutes as motivation is something that is appealing to me as an adult having to do housework on my own, without the company of my now-grown children. Even I like to play games, and games make housework much more fun and make the time go by a lot faster. While the reward is getting to look around and see floors and tables shiny and clean instead of dusty or dingy and kitchen counters clear instead of cluttered with dirty dishes, the fun can be in the getting it done.
Here are a couple of motivation games you can play with yourself or with your family. First, use a timer. Challenge yourself. See just how much you can accomplish in 15 minutes as the timer ticks down the minutes. Chances are the dishwasher will be loaded (or emptied and the dishes put away), the stove and countertops will be wiped clean and shiny, and even the floor will have had a quick damp mop before the buzzer sounds. Don't believe me? Start that timer and get moving. Move like you're in a race with every intention of winning. Plan a reward at the end if you accomplish your goal.
Do the same thing with music. Put on your favorite CD, something with upbeat songs that you can move to, then get moving. Can you finish folding the laundry before the last note? See how many shirts you can iron before you and Carrie finish singing "Before He Cheats" ('cause you get to sing along!). Before you know it, your work will be done and you'll still be smiling and boppin' to the beat. Try it. I think you'll like it!
Timers to Help You Get the Job Done
Wow! These timers have it all!
Learning Resources - Time Tracker
This is advertised for kids, but I want to play, too! Put this timer in a central area where you (or the kids) can see it - and hear it - count down the time left for your quickie pickup. How motivating is that??
Here's the product description: It's never been easier to keep kids on track! Lighted sections of this unique electronic timer alert kids to time remaining. Program green, yellow and red sections and 6 sound effects easily to indicate that time is running out. Features 180%uFFFD viewing, large, easy-to-read LCD display; volume control and pause feature.
If you'd rather have something made for adults, something a little more sophisticated or subdued, check out this awesome Polder Digital Timer with Vibrating, Audible, and Illuminated Alarm. It'll help you get the job done, along with any other timing chores you can think of.
Kitchen Karaoke
My favorite music to clean by.
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection Vol. 1/The '60s (The Best of the Temptations)
The Temptations didn't sit still and neither do I when I put this CD on while I'm cleaning the house or washing the dishes. I can get a WHOLE lot done during the 2 minutes and 45 seconds of "My Girl," cleanin' to the smooth rhythm, singin' along in my private kitchen karaoke.
This is the CD, but you can make your own mix by downloading each individual selection if you prefer to MP3 it. If you're not familiar with The Temptations, click to listen.
More Favorite Music to Clean By
I'll get the list started with some of my favorites.
Rather listen on your ipod? Click here to get MP3 downloads of your favorite music!
The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary
One of the most enduring acts in American music, P more...1 point
Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection
Jimmy Buffett may have made his millions, but that more...0 points
Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition
I grew up with them and know all the words!0 points
A Place for Everything . . .
(all together now) . . and Everything in Its Place
It's true. When each thing you own has a place where it belongs, it's much easier to put it away, not to mention much easier to find it the next time you need it!But how about if you have too much stuff and not enough room to put it all away? That's called clutter and what you need is clutter control. I must not be the only one in this world with a packrat problem because multiple bestsellers have been written about how to tame the clutter monster. When it gets down to the bottom line, it's really a matter of three things: Do you use it? Are you going to use it? And if you haven't used it, toss it.
For clutter control you need three boxes. Label them PUT AWAY, THROW AWAY, and GIVE AWAY. For the THROW AWAY box, you might want to try to recycle as much of the contents as possible, but otherwise put it out with the trash.
For the GIVE AWAY box, if you haven't worn that outfit for the last two summers, you probably aren't going to wear it this summer either, so load it up take that box to your area Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other thrift store and bless someone else with it. You might also look online to find a local Freecycle chapter and post there the items that you have to give away. You may not be able to use them, but somebody else probably can.
Now for the PUT AWAY box. Every item in there needs to have a home in your home. Since you've given away or thrown away everything you don't need or use, take some time to organize what's left. Section off your closets and drawers, and your children's, to make putting clean clothes away a quick and easy job. Have a bunch of books that you aren't willing to part with? Buy or build shelves and store the books by subject or fiction books by author. Consolidate those tools in the garage, guys and gals, on a new tool rack or use a sturdy, weighted garbage can to contain them. You'll make it easier to find them next time you need them, and you'll make it simple to put them away next time you use them.
Throw away, give away, and put away. Declutter your life. The peace of mind that will bring is well worth the time and effort to do it in the first place. Need a little more help to get the job done? Take a look at the books below. Choose one, read it, then act.
A Serious Approach to Decluttering Your Life
It's no fun to live a life where the clutter problem begins on the inside.
One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good
Regina reveals her magic formula for organizing anything, plus her method to stop the chronic cycles of clutter, misplaced items, and lateness. Whether you're living in chaos or just looking for new ways to simplify, this essential book will help you get the whole household organized--and stay that way.
Don't let the "one year" part of the title put you off. People who use this book and Regina's method see change right away. If you like step-by-step, week-by-week instructions, or if you just need to get really serious about getting rid of the clutter in your home and in your life, this is the book for you.
Favorite Books to Help Us Cut the Clutter
Here are some great books and resources for learning to organize and declutter our homes.
Strange things about these books. The authors make them so much FUN to read!
See your favorite on the list? Click on the up arrow to give it a vote and move it up the list.
Get Your Act Together: A 7-Day Get-Organized Program For The Overworked, Overbooked, and Overwhelmed by Pam Young, Peggy Jones
The SLOB Sisters are back after the phenomenal suc more...1 point
Sink Reflections: Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? The FlyLady's Simple FLYing Lessons Will Show You How to Get Your Home and Your Life in Order--and It All Starts with Shining Your Sink! by Marla Cilley
Fly Out of CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) more...1 point
Organizing Plain and Simple: A Ready Reference Guide with Hundreds of Solutions to Your Everyday Clutter Challenges by Donna Smallin
Desk drowning in papers? No room for the car in th more...1 point
One Thing At a Time: 100 Simple Ways to Live Clutter-Free Every Day by Cindy Glovinsky
Simple, effective ways to put things in their plac more...0 points
Where's My Stuff?: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide by Samantha Moss, Lesley Schwartz
Everyone's got stuff, but between school, work, sp more...0 points
Clutter Control: Putting Your Home on a Diet by Jeff Campbell
Learn how to make the most of available space, set more...0 points
Clutter's Last Stand: It's Time To De-junk Your Life! by Don Aslett
The book people say belongs on the shelf right bes more...0 points
Sidetracked Home Executives(TM): From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young, Peggy Jones
Peggy and Pam were two desperately disorganized si more...0 points
Spring Cleaning is a Huge Job! How Can You Make it Easier?
Especially for moms. Dads welcome, too.
Is this possible? Can you really get everything organized, cleaned, and freshened in a weekend or less? Click on the book cover to find out more.
Now That You've Decluttered, Organize Your Stuff
Storage and Organizing Items for Your Home and Garage
Pyrex 14-Piece Storage Set with Lids
Eliminate the guesswork about what's lurking in yo more...0 points
Rubbermaid Configurations 4- to 8-Foot Classic Custom Closet Kit, White, #3G59
Configurations 4' To 8', Classic Custom Closet, A more...0 points
Rubbermaid 72-Inch Five-Shelf Shelving Unit #7086RNMICHR
Keep valuables up and off the floor with this Rubb more...0 points
Rubbermaid Tool Tower Storage Unit
*(Rubbermaid-7092-04-Utilty Tool Storage Rack)* - more...0 points
Hanging Jewelry Organizer - 80 Pocket by Whitney Design
Simplify jewelry storage & selection with this more...0 points
NEW Ceiling Mount Bike Hoist - Bicycle Hoists
There?s no such thing as not enough room for anoth more...0 points
4-TIER GAMING TOWER
GAMEKEEPER 45506019 4-TIER WIRE GAMING TOWER ORGAN more...0 points
Typhoon Wood/metal CD/DVD Storage Spinner
Atlantic is the pioneer in the home storage indust more...0 points
3 Bin Recycling Tower
Store your recyclables out of sight with this Thre more...0 points
Casabella The Grook Organizer - 11"
Specially designed rubber pressure clamps and grip more...0 points
Use the Proper Tool in the Proper Place to Get the Job Done Easier AND Faster
Honey, where did you put that extension cord?
One of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard about cleaning is making sure the vacuum cleaner has a long cord, even an extension cord, and plug it into an outlet in a central location. I used to have to stop and unplug and re-plug the sweeper halfway up the stairs. Is that silly, or what? When I discovered that I could just use the plug at the foot of the stairs and it would get me through three rooms and all the way up the stairs, well I wish I had a dollar for every time I don't have to unplug and re-plug now!That's part of what I mean by using the proper tool. Of course if you have a robotic vacuum cleaner, the cord might not be the issue (I need to get one of those little robots). Another thing that I finally did was buy a handheld vacuum cleaner for the furniture. I have lots of attachments for my upright, but to use them I'd have to get the long hose and add it to the short hose and find the furniture attachment. . . Forget all that. Now I have a wonderful handheld vacuum that I can use for all the furniture without lugging accessories around. I love it. Plus, it works great on the carpeted stairs.
Another excellent tip that I've learned is to have a set of cleaning tools and cleaner in every bathroom and on every floor of the house. There's no reason to run downstairs for the toilet bowl cleaner when I have a second bottle in the upstairs bathroom. A variation on the theme is to use a handy-dandy carrier for all the cleaning products and tote them from room to room as you clean. That works well, too. The cleaning tote is an excellent tool, just as important as the cleaners inside.
I also keep a roll of paper towels in every bathroom, handy for quick wipe-ups when I just want to throw away the towel and not wash and reuse it. I actually like that better than keeping them in the tote since they're always right there when I need them (or when the cat throws up on the bathroom floor). Of course I have plenty of old dishtowels in the "rag" container that can be used and rewashed for other jobs.
One thing I don't have, but I would have if my kids were still young, is dustmop slippers. We have wood floors now and I would dearly love to put those on my youngsters, put on some good music and let them skate through the house and clean the floors at the same time. In fact, I could do that myself, couldn't I? (Note: I'm ordering mine today!)
So, extension cords, cleaning totes, and paper towels and toilet bowl cleaner (and a brush) in every bathroom are just part of the list of convenient cleaning tools. You know what you like and what you use, so keep them handy and see how much time you'll save on your chores.
Making Floor-Cleaning Fun (Yes, you can!)
Dust mop slippers - wish I would have invented these!
Evriholder Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers
How fun is this!? Pink is my favorite, but they come in bright lime green, too, and you can get a similar style in blue and another with a great tartan plaid.
You'd better order more than one 'cause everyone in the family is going to want their own! (Click the pic to read more about it.)
P.S. I got mine! What fun! I love 'em!
My legs. My jeans. My feet. My floor. My dust mop slippers!
The pink ones!
I really did get a pair of these for myself.
Cleaning Tools to Make Your Life Easier
Some of these are even fun!
Evriholder Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers
Just slip on Slipper Genie and they'll do the clea more...2 points
iRobot 5800 Scooba Floor-Washing Robot
Floor-washing robot that preps, washes, scrubs, an more...1 point
Black & Decker RV500 Zoombot Remote-Control Vacuum
Cleans wood, carpet & tile automatically --- w more...0 points
Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers-1 Pair
As seen in "O" Magazine! Just slip on S more...0 points
As Seen On TV Deluxe Blue DUST MOP SLIPPERS,NEW just in!
Dust mop slippers and mitt pick up dirt, and dust more...0 points
Hoover U5172-900 Fold Away Widepath Upright Vacuum
Fully assembled - just lift the fold-down handle a more...0 points
Child's Hoover Upright Vacuum
This Child's Hoover Upright Vacuum looks and acts more...0 points
Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Deluxe Kit
Kit includes one Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Hard Flo more...0 points
Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster
With unsurpassed sucking power and the convenience more...0 points
Roomba Rapid Charger Fits All Roomba - P/N2004
The Roomba Rapid Charger charges a Roomba Battery more...0 points
Euro-Pro Shark 13-Inch cleaning path 3-Speed Cordless Sweeper
Cordless, rechargeable, and light enough your 3 ye more...0 points
Homax #GGSL2 2OZ Sticker Lifter
2 OZ, Sticker Lifter, Quickly Removes Price Tags, more...0 points
A Favorite Cleaning Tool: The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Have a tough cleaning job?
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power Cleaning Pads, 4-Count Boxes (Pack of 4)
More powerful to easily cut through even tougher soils - just add water.
Textured cleaning surface and contoured shape for comfort.
Try it out wherever you find tough dirt: ranges, refrigerators, plastic patio furniture, floor tile grout, athletic shoe soles and much more!
Cleans scuff marks and dirt from walls, floors and doors.
Breaks up tough bathroom soap scum.
Clean Green!
How to make housework environmentally friendly.
Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home
There is a revolution going on in America-a green revolution. The latest front is the home, as households across the country adopt new ways to keep their homes clean and healthy-and ways to do it that are good for the environment.
Green Clean is the definitive, step-by-step guide to cleaning better while using nontoxic, ecofriendly products. Room by room and stain by stain, Green Clean breaks environmentally conscious cleaning into simple principles and easily mastered techniques that let readers set their own goals and develop their own cleaning plan.
Also included are recipes for safe, simple, and economic cleaning solutions and the lowdown on the best eco-friendly cleaning products on the market today. Green Clean is an indispensable reference for today's home.
Green Cleaning Products
Environmentally Friendly Household Products from Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation offers a complete line of natural household products designed to work as well as their traditional counterparts, but use renewable, non-toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable ingredients as often as possible, and are never tested on animals.
Seventh Generation products are healthy and safe for the air, the surfaces, the pets, and the people in your home--and for the environment outside of it. Every time you use Seventh Generation products you make a difference by saving natural resources, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment, and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.
Save an extra 15% with Subscribe & Save: Subscribe for automatic reorders and get these items delivered every one, two, three, or six months - your choice. What a deal! Saves gasoline, too, by saving trips to the store.
More products available. Click on one to find them all.
It's fun to clean green!
Seventh Generation Bathroom Tissue, 2-Ply Sheets, 500-Sheet Rolls (Pack of 48)
Seventh Generation Bathroom Tissue is made from 10 more...0 points
Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear, Powder, 112-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4)
Pack of four 112-ounce boxes of non-toxic, fragran more...0 points
Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Gel, Lemon Scent, 45-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6)
Gets dishes sparkling clean yet is gentle on the e more...0 points
Seventh Generation Trash Bags, Tall Kitchen, 13-Gallon, 30-Count Boxes (Pack of 12)
100% recycled plastic with 70% post consumer conte more...0 points
Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, Baby, Ultra-Concentrated Liquid, 50-Ounces Bottles (Pack of 6)
108 Loads Per Case. Non-toxic; Biodegradable; Hypo more...0 points
Seventh Generation Glass & Surface Cleaner, Ruby Grapefruit & Herb Scent, 32-Ounces Bottle (Pack of 8)
Seventh Generation Ruby Grapefruit & Herb Glas more...0 points
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Green Mandarin & Leaf Scent, 32-Ounces Bottle (Pack of 8)
Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner eff more...0 points
Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Detergent, Free & Clear, 48-Ounce Bottles (Case of 6)
Seventh Generation Dish Liquid - Free & Clear, more...0 points
Why should you buy household supplies through the mail?
- Saves gas.
- Saves time.
- Huge selection.
- Many products have an automatic re-order option - with a discount!
POLL: Do You Think Doing Housework Can Be Fun?
We want your opinion.
Tips & Shortcuts to Make Cleaning Your House Fast & Easy
How do you make cleaning faster or easier? How do you make it fun?
Add your favorite tips and tricks here.
Clean the kitchen as you cook.
Run a sink full of hot, soapy water and wash those more...4 points
Use a pedometer to kill two birds with one stone.
Work out as you work around the house. Get yoursel more...2 points
Fold and hang laundry as you take it out of the dryer.
Hang anything that will need to be ironed, and esp more...2 points
Multi-task! Don't do one job when you could be doing two.
When I get a phone call, that's my que to get busy more...1 point
Listen to the B-52's as you clean.
Makes you move faster and get the job done quicker more...1 point
To stay de-cluttered, use the "one in, one out" rule.
When you buy something new for yourself or your ho more...1 point
Easy, fun way to clean glass tabletops.
I've found that the best way to dust and clean my more...0 points
Never keep junk mail more than 1 day.
Sort, file important stuff, toss/recycle junk imme more...0 points
More Tools to Tame the Chore Monster
Add your favorite fun tools.
Digital Step Counter - Pedometer
Work out while you work around the house! The Digi more...2 points
Cinderella & Prince Brush and Small table shovel with magnet for wall attachment
Feel like Cinderalla, having to clean all the tiim more...0 points
Dots Retro pink polka dot Cool Retro Longer Rubber household cleaning gloves
One size fits all. Longer, they will help avoid ge more...0 points
Cleaning Set for Kids
3 years & up. Make clean up fun! This 7 piece more...0 points
Little Helper Duster
Children love to help Mom and Dad. Now they have t more...0 points
Boston Warehouse Octopus Soap and Scrubber - Red
Why not have fun while you scrub?!0 points
Hearts Orange Cool Retro Longer Rubber household cleaning gloves
One size fits all. Longer, they will help avoid ge more...0 points
Make Your Clean Dreams Come True!
Put on some music, slip on some dusting slippers, and have fun with it.
Anne Taintor I Dreamed My Whole House Was Clean Air Freshener
Amazon Price: (as of 01/05/2010)
Brand New Air Freshener from Anne Taintor
Perfect to hang from your rearview mirror in your car. Could also be used for your closet, cabinets, etc. to keep things smelling fresh.
Air Fresheners ship in an attractive gift sleeve.
This Air Freshener gives off an Expresso Scent.
Feedback?
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- CherylK CherylK Nov 21, 2009 @ 8:04 am
- Great lens, Susan. I really do clean the kitchen as I go and when I cook or bake I really do put my ingredients away as I use them. I like the idea of hiring someone to leave more time for Squidooing but with just two of us in the house, it's a little too indulgent...oh well.
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Reply
- theraggededge theraggededge Sep 3, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
- Oh I came to read your Nurturing Imagination lens and got sidetracked by this one! Going to lensroll it to "I Hate Housework".
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Reply
- DeboraR DeboraR Jun 14, 2009 @ 11:46 pm
- Great lens on cleaning but I do hate housework with a passion! I did however, like the timer idea. I've always had back pain when I would sweep my floors so I'll have to get a pair of those slippers and it would also be a good leg exercise as well!
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Reply
- AndyPo AndyPo May 20, 2009 @ 1:16 am
- Great advice.
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Reply
- Pastiche Pastiche May 15, 2009 @ 10:30 am
- Hey, Susan, bring your slippers over to my house - you can glide around every day and still find more fun in our home (2 cats, a woodstove and a man who can't remove his shoes/boots 20 times a day as he works inside and outside the house). I may just get myself some of those pink wonders. Great tips in this lens, and fun!
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