The next time you leave a room, have a quick glance around. Is there anything you see that needs to in the room that you’re going to? Are you on the way to the kitchen? Pick up that cup and plate. Are you going to walk past the laundry area? Grab those socks. Did somebody ring the doorbell? Put the newspaper under your arm, so you can drop it in the recycle bin in the foyer. Do you see where I’m going?
You wouldn’t believe the difference this makes. There is no need to make separate trips just to put things way. Throughout the average day you will likely cross rooms several times over. I sincerely believe that this small step would be beneficial for everyone to mentally train themselves for, even if you’re the type to have a massive cleaning and you really are able to make a room sparkle. Allowing yourself to make this a part of your daily routine will allow you to keep that room clean.
This method works well in the house, but it shouldn’t stop there. Our family has a minivan and my husband’s work car. I will confess, on behalf of my husband, that he rarely ever practices this type of behavior. You will notice it as soon as you have to wait for him to clear a spot for passengers. The floors and seats usually have work papers, water bottles, receipts, candy wrappers and the like. Usually I only need one or two empty grocery bags to clear it out, so it’s not as bad as it sounds, but imagine how much nicer it would be to not need any bags?
The culprit in our minivan is our 3-year-old daughter. Mommy always has a bag when we leave the house, so she needs to have one, too. Usually its stuffed with books. She may also have a toy or doll in her other hand. This is all fine and dandy, but do you think that she remembers to bring this stuff back in the house? Not very often, I tell you. My hands are generally full with my own gatherings and a baby. So, on a typical day, you will find toys and books scattered throughout the back floor. I guess I better get cracking at teaching my daughter this wonderful lesson that will make lie then times easier.
Instead of having to clear the car out in order to vacuum, you can simply vacuum, because it’s been cleared out on a daily basis. Can’t you feel the sigh of relief just at the thought of it?
This can be carried out in your work setting as well. Throughout the day you will find opportunities to get up and use the restroom or make yourself a cup of coffee in the kitchen. Before you go, scan your desk. Do you have mail or that paper work your boss wanted? Take them with you and drop them off on the way. This will prevent you from sitting down with a hot cup of coffee, saying, “oops, I forgot” and making a second trip. Of course, this is assuming that you actually have work to do and you don’t want to waste time on second trips. I’m sure this is the case for all of us.
The concept is simple. So simple, it’s almost ridiculous to write about. However, I feel there is a need out there for all people to get a grasp of it. Before you leave an area, make an extra effort to spend 2 seconds finding at least tone or two items that you carry with you to your new location. I honestly think that without this discipline in your life, you will find it impossible to keep your place slob free.
“I knew I had a problem when I was picking up toys and straightening up and my 3-year-old asked me, “who’s coming over mommy?” I had to answer her question honestly and let her know. Since then I have gotten better about keeping things in order even when nobody is coming to visit. Thanks for the wake up call, Tabitha!”
Michelle of New Market, Maryland