The Self Cleaning House

cleaning, habits and routines, motivation, organizing, planning

The Procrastination List

Posted on August 15, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

Confession time: I’m a big fan of to-do lists. There’s something incredibly satisfying about jotting down tasks and triumphantly crossing them off. Between us, I’ve even been caught adding tasks I’ve already completed, just for the sheer joy of checking them off again. Can you blame me? The visual of all those ticked boxes just makes my day.

But here’s the twist: lately, I’ve stumbled upon a different kind of list that’s been a game-changer – the procrastination list. I know what you’re thinking – a list to help me procrastinate? But hear me out.

Life gets busy. Sometimes, the things we genuinely want or need to do get pushed aside by the hustle and bustle. That’s where the procrastination list comes in. It’s a friendly reminder of those tasks we’ve been putting off – the ones that nag at the back of our minds but somehow never make it to the top of the traditional to-do list.

Picture this: You’re updating your regular list, confidently crossing items off left and right. And then, there it is, glaring at you like an unfulfilled promise – the procrastination list. Suddenly, you’re faced with that blog post you’ve been meaning to write, the closet you’ve been meaning to organize, or the exercise routine you’ve been meaning to start. It’s a reality check, a gentle nudge to finally get those neglected tasks back into the limelight.

The best part? As soon as you conquer something from the procrastination list, it’s a double win. Not only do you get the satisfaction of accomplishing a task, but you also get the sweet joy of transferring it from the procrastination list to the regular to-do list, just to revel in the glory of crossing it off.

So, while to-do lists are undeniably fantastic for tracking daily tasks, let’s not forget about the power of the procrastination list. It’s not about promoting procrastination, but about prioritizing those tasks that need a little extra push. Plus, it makes the to-do list game a whole lot more interesting.

Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday.

Napoleon Hill

Raise your hand if you’re with me on this – after all, who doesn’t love turning a procrastination into a triumph?

Let’s embrace our inner list-lover and tackle those tasks, one crossed-off item at a time. Trust me, the satisfaction is unparalleled.

Love you all!

Elizabeth XOXO

cleaning

Seeking Perfection Leads to Procrastination

Posted on February 20, 2024 by theselfcleaninghouse

We’ve all been there—scrolling through Instagram, admiring people’s perfect kitchens, and pinning storage ideas on Pinterest for that elusive hall closet transformation. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, thinking we can’t make our homes look anything like those picture-perfect posts.

Social media often leaves us feeling defeated before we even start. If we can’t go out and buy six matching baskets right now, the idea of getting organized seems impossible. The pursuit of perfection becomes a roadblock to decluttering and cleaning because we believe we need the perfect items to make it happen. Hello, procrastination!

Perfectionism is a risk factor for performance anxiety and procrastination. You expect a great performance. You have doubts whether you can achieve perfection. You have an urge to diverge and do something less threatening. You wait until you can be perfect. This is an example of a perfectionism-driven procrastination.
Bill Knaus Ed.D.
Science and Sensibility https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-and-sensibility/201003/break-perfectionism-procrastination-connection

But here’s a secret I need to share with you—most of what we see on social media isn’t reality. Sure, it might be someone’s goals and dreams, but rarely is it an accurate representation of real life. Don’t let the illusion of perfection prevent you from creating routines and making your spaces work for you within your budget.

Step one—declutter. You can’t organize clutter, and having an excess of stuff makes organization nearly impossible. Once you’ve narrowed it down to what fits in your space (if it doesn’t fit, you probably have too much), decide how to organize it. Whether it’s baskets, boxes, or Rubbermaid containers, you don’t need to break the bank. I spent most of my life using cardboard boxes—they were free! Don’t let money stop you from being organized; work with what you have.

Keep it simple, especially for kids. Too many specific categories can be frustrating for everyone. The goal is to make things run more smoothly.

If you know you’ll get frustrated and overwhelmed, avoid taking everything out of a room at once. Work on one drawer or closet for 15 minutes, then stop. Don’t pull out more than you can put back in that amount of time. Consistency is key—keep at it, and you’ll see results.

Lastly, stick to your daily routines. Organizing isn’t a one-and-done thing. Consistent routines will help you stay organized and on top of things. Check out the ‘routines’ page here to see those!

Remember, you don’t have to wait until you have all the baskets and all the time in the world to organize. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be functional. Don’t let perfection lead to procrastination.

Happy decluttering and organizing with what you have today!

Love you! Elizabeth XOXO

cleaning, decluttering, family traditions, happiness

Pssst….It’s time to take the Christmas decorations down

Posted on January 16, 2024 by theselfcleaninghouse

Pssst…. It’s Time to Take the Christmas Decorations Down

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to take the Christmas decorations down.

As I sit here typing this, my gaze drifts across the street to our neighbor’s house, still brightly adorned for Christmas. While I genuinely appreciate the beautiful lights, angels, and the lighted deer in the yard before Christmas, once the new year has begun, it starts feeling more like clutter than decor.

I’m all in for the Christmas tree and everything that comes with it, the day after Thanksgiving! Bring it on! I love every bit of it—the beautiful tree in the living room, the festive music, and the neighborhood lights. It’s cozy and fills me with joy.

However, as soon as the kids have torn through the packages on Christmas morning, the coziness starts turning into a bit of a mess. I begin to yearn for that clean feeling back in my living room, missing the space taken up by a tree that’s now missing most of its lower decorations, thanks to the cats, and a ribbon hanging a bit wonky.

After everyone leaves, and the house is cleaned up with the food put away, the tree starts to stare at me with its skirt all wrinkled up and no presents to cover it. It seems to be leaning a bit. It reminds me of someone at the office Christmas party who’s had a couple too many! It seems to want to be put back in its box so that it can emerge glorious again next year, the day after Christmas!

To design the future effectively, you must first let go of your past.
-Charles J. Givens

I’ve been known to take the tree down ON Christmas day. No, I’m not a Grinch! Those pine needles, though! What a mess! We generally take our tree down the next day. It’s not nearly as fun as putting them up, but in the end, the house is all clean, I have that space back, and I’m ready to face the New Year without dragging last year into it! We had a tradition for many years of burning our Christmas tree in the back yard as a way of symbolizing the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

So, dear neighbors, I know it’s cold out, but it’s time to put the Christmas decorations away.

Love you all!

Elizabeth XOXO

spiritual

God Cares for You: Embrace His Blessings

Posted on November 28, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

In the intricate tapestry of your life, God intricately cares for every detail. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us of His divine plans: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Let this truth resonate; God’s love for you is immeasurable.

God loves you and wants to give you blessings. He cares about every little thing that happens in your life. He planned you to be here, right now in this moment. He cares about things that seems trivial to some but to us at the time are important.

My mother always prayed on the way to the grocery store that she would get a good parking space. She didn’t get around very well and that was important to her. I remembered that one day as I was parking at Costco with two little ones and something I needed to return. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get us and the item inside. I prayed that someone would give me a cart when we got there. God listened and provided. An older gentleman asked if I would like a cart as I was getting the baby out of the car. I was brought to tears that God cared enough to provide something so insignificant but so important at the moment.

John 3:16 encapsulates the profound depth of His love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This sacrificial act signifies an unparalleled love.

Faith, an active choice, anchors us in God’s promises. His words, universal and eternal, extend to everyone, perpetually including you. Even when it seems He’s distant, similar to a parent guiding with love, God orchestrates our lives, foreseeing what’s best.

“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”
– Peter Marshall

Consider Luke 11:13: “If you, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” The essence lies in aligning our desires with God’s will.

Psalms 37:4-5 illuminates this alignment: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” God isn’t a wish-granting genie; rather, He understands our needs better than we do.

Delighting in the Lord involves more than routine; it’s a continuous conversation and relationship throughout the day, much like the joy found in daily interactions with a loved one. I text my husband often throughout the day. He responds when he is able. We enjoy texting each other. I look forward to getting a message from him. I think God is the same way. He wants us to talk to him not once a day, but all throughout the day because we desire, “delight” in having a conversation with Him and having a close relationship.

Delight in Him, align your life with His, and trust in His wisdom, spend time with Him to know Him better and commit your way to the Lord, meaning to submit the way we live our lives, then our desires will be His desires and he will bring those things to pass. —this is the recipe for God to fulfill your desires. He longs to shower blessings upon you; all you need to do is open your heart to receive.

cleaning, decluttering, family, memories

You Can’t Take it with You

Posted on November 21, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

A few weeks ago, my mom passed away. She was an amazing woman, blessed with numerous gifts and talents that touched the lives of many. It’s challenging to comprehend the extent of her impact. Recently, we held a service to celebrate her life, and the turnout was overwhelming. Person after person, each sharing a unique connection with her—be it as a beloved schoolteacher, a recipient of her prayers, or someone she supported during tough times—stood up to share their memories. I feel profoundly honored to have called her my mom and was moved by the stories of lives she touched and changed.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
Proverbs 31:20

Today, I went to the Assisted Living home to collect her belongings. Armed with several boxes, I only brought two inside. It became apparent that many things needed to be discarded, prompting me to request a garbage sack. I carefully folded her clothes and placed them in the boxes, intending to donate them to a charity where someone else can appreciate them. Two apple boxes were all it took to contain her entire worldly possessions. It struck me—this was all she had, all she ever needed, and now she didn’t need any of it.

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t take it with you,” but its profound truth resonated with me in that moment. My mom doesn’t care about the stuff she used to collect—the yarn, the fabric, the dishes. Whatever she’s doing in heaven, it certainly doesn’t involve missing her possessions.

The next time you find yourself decluttering or deciding whether to keep something, remember, in the end, none of it holds much importance. You can’t take it with you.

habits and routines, self discipline, time management

10 Things to do instead of scrolling Facebook

Posted on October 10, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

How many times a day do you pick up your phone and open Facebook out of habit? Have you ever checked your screen time and been shocked? It can make you wonder if you could use your time more productively.

“Where your attention goes, your time goes”
― **Idowu Koyenikan**

I’m not in the “Social Media is evil” camp. Social Media is a tool. Like any other tool, it’s all about how you use it. I have to laugh when people treat Facebook like an airport and announce their departure because it’s taking up their time or seems too filled with drama or negativity. Social Media can be a great tool for business, connecting with old friends, and even meeting new ones. There are excellent ways to filter out content you don’t want to see, so make use of them! If spending too much time scrolling is an issue, it’s simple: stop! You don’t need to delete your Facebook account; just change the habit. Next time you pick up your phone, consider trying some of these suggestions:

Delete some unnecessary photos from your phone.
Get the Kindle app and read a chapter of a good book.
Check your email and unsubscribe from a couple of newsletters while you’re at it.
Send a text to someone just to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Download an app with daily scriptures and prayers for a dose of inspiration.
Review your reminders and To-Do list.
Delete unused apps and organize the ones you keep.
Journal! There are plenty of free journaling apps available!
Meal plan; there are apps for that, or just use your notes.
Learn a new language.

Enjoy social media! If you feel it’s consuming too much of your time, I hope you’ll use some of these ideas or maybe just put your phone down and tackle the dishes!

“Time management is about life management.”
― Idowu Koyenikan

Love you all,

Elizabeth XOXO

cleaning, family, motivation, routines

Change is Hard

Posted on September 26, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

Change can be undeniably challenging. When we encounter something new, our brains tend to react defensively, clinging to the familiar. Our “normal” feels safe, while change demands that we venture out of our comfort zone. Despite this, we often strive for change, seeking personal and situational improvements. But the actual process of change can be daunting.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in tough situations – a job, a relationship, or a financial scenario – where change appears to be the solution. Yet, even when we’re uncomfortable with our current situation, it paradoxically becomes comfortable over time.

Transforming habits to better organize our homes can be a shared aspiration, but it’s a challenging journey. Even if we’re dissatisfied with our current state, it remains our comfort zone. Additionally, it impacts our families, who may not embrace change readily. So, how can we make this process smoother for everyone?

First, pay attention to your self-talk. You can change the dialogue in your mind, convincing yourself that this change is positive and will ultimately enhance your life.

Don’t attempt to change everything at once. Altering established habits and situations demands conscious effort, and tackling too much simultaneously can be overwhelming. Small changes can set a cascade of positive alterations in motion, so start with simplicity.

Stay acutely aware of the benefits of the changes you’re making. Visualize how your life will improve post-change. Use this as motivation. It’s easier to commit to something when there’s a visible reward on the horizon.

Persevere! Understand that success often involves setbacks. Keep moving forward; it’s an integral part of the process.

Introduce new rules, expectations or routines to your family with sensitivity. Give them a degree of control over these changes. Explain the benefits in terms that matter to them, not just you. Your teenage son might not be too concerned about your inner peace but framing it as something that benefits them can help.

Support and encourage rather than criticize. Praise their efforts, and be patient. Let them know that change is challenging for you too, but you’re a team and can face it together.

Change is indeed challenging, but it’s also rewarding and vital for growth and progress in life.

Be like a flower: weather the rain, but use it as nourishment to grow.

Choose to change! Choose to have a home and routines that will ultimately give you and your family more time and give you the peace you deserve. I believe in you!

Elizabeth XOXO

cleaning

The Price of Neglect

Posted on August 21, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

As my siblings and I continue to clear out and clean our parents’ home, I’ve been struck by how just a few years of neglect can take a toll on a once-vibrant space. Of course, it’s not their fault – circumstances prevented them from keeping up. No one had ventured into the basement for years. Regardless of the reasons, the regrettable aftermath isn’t easy to face, and now we’re faced with a series of repairs. Neglect has become a topic that’s been constantly on my mind during this process.

“Taking care of your possessions is an investment in yourself.”
– Brian Tracy

However, not doing anything is still a conscious choice. Neglecting tasks that should be done is essentially choosing to let things fall into disrepair or become damaged, simply by doing nothing at all. A classic example of this is the sight of old abandoned barns when you drive through the countryside. Left untouched for years, they eventually collapse due to neglect. In our own homes, neglecting basic maintenance could lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.

“Taking care of what you have allows what you have to take care of you.” –
Sarah Ban Breathnach

Consider the scenario where a neglected basement leads to a water leak and subsequent mold growth. Dealing with this could cost thousands, and that’s not even considering the repair work. Ignoring garage cleaning might invite mice, leading to a host of problems that aren’t easy to eliminate. These are just a couple of examples showcasing how not taking action actually results in something happening.

So, take the time to perform regular maintenance in your home. Pay attention to the areas you might not normally notice. It’s an investment that could save you significant time and money down the road.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1
Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)

Love you all!

Elizabeth XOX

cleaning

Conquer Clutter, Calm the Chaos, Create Peace

Posted on February 20, 2023 by theselfcleaninghouse

Clutter is a thief we have invited into our home. It robs us of peace, joy, money and time. It has a detrimental effect on our mental wellbeing, our creativity, productivity and causes brain fog and fatigue. Research shows that clutter increases stress, anxiety, and depression. It is impossible to relax when there is clutter because your brain must process everything continually.

Conquering clutter is possible! Decluttering doesn’t have to be a giant project in which everything in the house is pulled out, every item touched and decided on in a weekend. Decluttering is not just getting rid of unwanted items. It is about developing new habits and systems and sticking to them to prevent clutter from taking over again.

Have a plan. What area causes you the most stress? Start there. How much time can you spend decluttering in that area? Be realistic. If you can do ten minutes a day, great! Do not make goals you cannot achieve. You will end up discouraged. Little bits of time each day or each week does make a difference!

You will need three boxes, one for trash, one for donate, one for relocate. If you have ten minutes, choose one drawer or one small section of the room. Set your timer for the time you have predetermined. Trash, toss it. Be brutal. Donate things that are useable and in good shape. Don’t make Goodwill take your junk to the dump. Anything that you are keeping that doesn’t belong in that area goes in the relocate box. Don’t take those things somewhere else until you are done. That is how you end up bouncing all over the house and never getting anything done. Never pull out more than you can put back in your allotted time!

Look at your now decluttered area. What do you need to do to keep it that way? If we do not change our habits, then it will go back to the way it was in no time.

You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.
Jim Rohn

Habits of an uncluttered home:

Everything needs a home, and everything needs to live in its home.

Don’t put it down, put it away.

Do it now. NOT later.

Make decluttering a daily habit.

Never leave a room empty handed.

Only touch it once.

Take the trash out, relocate things to their proper homes and take the donate box to the car. Do NOT leave it in your car for three months. It would be better to throw it all away than have mobile clutter!

Your clutter is someone else’s blessing. Get the clutter out, calm the chaos with new habits, welcome in the peace and bless others in need at the same time.

XOXO

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family, habits and routines, Health, routines

Momma’s….take care of YOU

Posted on December 6, 2022 by theselfcleaninghouse

For the last almost two years my Mom has had dementia. I am sure she has had it for much longer but that is how long my sister and I have been caring for both her and my Dad, who has Alzheimer’s, so that they can stay in their home as long as possible. This is not something that my Mom would have wanted. She was always so strong and smart and could fix anything. She knows she can’t remember and is confused. It’s so sad to see.

We can do so much to prevent dementia! It is not a game of Russian roulette. We can do something about it. The top leading causes of dementia are high blood sugar/diabetes and lack of good quality sleep. Diabetes can also be caused from a lack of good sleep. Poor diet and lack of exercise affects both blood sugar and sleep. More women than men have dementia. That means we have to be even more vigilant to take care of ourselves.

Alzheimer’s is a Lifestyle Disease

A great read from Dr Amen

If you are into podcasts (I am a podcast junkie!) take a listen to this one on dementia and Alzheimer’s. https://themodelhealthshow.com/steven-masley/

When Moms are stressed, frazzled and busy, what is the first thing that will be sacrificed? Sleep. We stay up late to clean, to do extra work we didn’t get done at work, to pay bills or do laundry. There isn’t enough hours in the day so we steal them from our night. Then we go to bed thinking of all the things still left to do and can’t sleep.

We do that because we are sacrificing for our families, for our kids! What we don’t realize at the time is where that wave is going to end up crashing. I am looking at it. This is not what you want for your kids.

It is absolutely vital to our health and our future to take care of ourselves and stop the chaos and stress and get good sleep. It can be done. Maybe not perfectly, but that is ok. Use daily routines to keep things in check and weekly routines to clean without killing yourself. Let your family know what is expected of them. They might grumble now but they will appreciate it later!

I wish my Mom had taken time for herself. I wish she had prioritized her health and happiness and modeled that for me. Unfortunately, I am sure I taught my kids that same thing, that being a mom means taking care of everyone except yourself. I am sorry girls!!

I can’t go back and change it now and neither can my mother, but I can tell you! Your grown up kids in the future are begging you to go for a walk, to do a little laundry everyday, not do it all till 3 in the morning. They want you to go to the dentist. They want you to get a massage and a facial. They want you to go talk to a counselor. They want you to be happy and have good healthy relationships. They want you to sleep in sometimes. They want you to ask them and dad for help. They want you to know that you are really important. They want you to take care of yourself. Please.