How to Complete Housework Quickly, Efficiently, and Cheerfully

 

   We all know what it's like.  That day when the house just seems in disarray.  Maybe it was a busy week, the family was sick, or company was over.  Or maybe it was even just a normal week with extra-messy tendencies.  Whatever it was, there are times when the house just needs a major cleaning.  It might be your mom that is pulling you off the computer, or whatever else your doing.  Or, you might realize that you have to do something your self.  Whether it is one of those times when everything is messy, or you simply feel like tidying up, these following tips will help keep you focused and on track.

   First Off, Get Dressed!

    

      This may sound weird, but before I explain myself, let my justify it with an example:  Imagine you needed some work done, and two people show up.  One is dressed from head to toe; hair up in a tight bun, clean clothes covered by a crisp apron, and tennis shoes on their feet.  The other is in frumpy clothes, or even pj's, hair loose and tangled, and wearing flip flops.  Without seeing either of them work, you already know in your mind which one is probably going to get the most done. 

     Now, the one is pj's might be an amazing worker, while the other is not.  It all depends, and obviously I'm not saying judge people by their appearance.  But, still, being dressed just has an air of preparedness.  So, even though you don't work for a maid serviced and you can easily clean the house in your pj's, I would suggest getting ready. It gives, not other people, but yourself a feeling of being prepared. 

     It all matters to you, but I like to put my hair up in a ponytail, so that it doesn't get in my way.  You could do anything, but I would at suggest at least brushing your hair well.  Put working clothes on.  Do whatever you need to feel ready.  If you want, even spritz on a little perfume or put some lip gloss on.  Don't be afraid to make your self feel special.

  

   Shoes on Your Feet and an Apron on the Front.

      These are two things that are important when getting ready.  If you're not going to do anything in the paragraphs above, at least put on shoes.  It helps in persuading yourself that you have a purpose and that is needs to be done.  Plus, it's comfortable, and allows you to walk faster and with more purpose, rather than bare feet or socks.   

     An apron is not as important as shoes, but I still find it a good thing to have.  First off, it covers your clothes from getting wet from washing dishes.  Also, it's like a hand drying towel that is always with you.  The more I wear aprons, the more I find myself liking them and wearing them more.  No wonder women in the 1800's wore aprons all the time!  If you don't have an apron, you can find them at most places that have kitchen supplies, or make that your next sewing project.  You won't regret it.

  Turn Up the Music!

      I don't know how you feel about working with music.  For my mom and my sister, music only distracts them while working.  If you are like that then feel free to skip this section.  But, for me, music gives my a beat to work to; adds a spring to my step.  This attributes to that "Quick and Cheerful" part of the title.  If your listening to a song you like, not only does it make you less gloomy of all the work ahead of you, but it keeps you moving.  So next time the dishes call your name, flip on a radio, pop in a cd, or plug in the headphone.  When cleaning I prefer something more "jumpy" if you will, such as Christian contemporary or Christian pop.  Bands like 1Girl Nation, pureNRG, Jump5, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Britt Nicole usually deliver.  But I know not everyone is into the kind of music, so if not, classical works great, too!  Especially Beethoven.  He is good at slipping in those sudden bursts of energy! =D And don't be afraid to dance, or sing along, either.  As long as the kitchen is clean, I'm sure your family won't mind. ;)

  Keep a Checklist.

*Yes, it's for school.  Just bear with me, it's the only checklist picture I have! =P*

      Sometimes it can be good to sit down and make a list, to keep on track.  Plus, it gives you a good feeling as you check off each thing you complete.  The problem with checklists, though, is that sometimes you can get distracted and spend more time with the checklist than actually cleaning.  So use checklists in moderation.

  Reward Yourself.

    Set a reward for yourself at the end of cleaning.  It will keep you motivated and working.  What the reward should be is up to you, as everyone is different.  Maybe computer time, or a snack.  *ps. This is also a great way to get siblings involved, too.  Nothing says "Help your big sister work" like promises of making popcorn, playing games, or watching a movie.

Set a Timer! 

    Depending on the mess or job your doing, different time frames will work better.  I like setting it for 15 or 20 minutes.  Put the timer in a place where you can see it so that it will keep you working.  Extra bonus if it is one that ticks.  Once the timer goes off, you can either reward yourself with one of your rewards, (say, a snack) or set the timer for 10 minutes or break.  It's best if the break is a couple minutes shorter than how long you were working.  Never have the break longer than the working time.  And watch out, if you let yourself take a break for too long, it will be to hard to get back into working.

Well, for not that is all I have.  I hope these tips were helpful.  Let me know what you think! =)

~Jessica Joy