Martha Makeover Step #1

Well, it is time to get something done around here. I have been focusing on one area this week from the Martha Stewart Homekeeping Handbook.

She lists Six Things to Do Every Day:
1. Make the Bed: Tidiness begets tidiness. A crisply made bed makes the whole room seem more orderly, which makes it less likely that you'll get other things--such as clothes and papers--pile up around it. (I really think this is true, I hate walking into my room when the bed isn't made)

2. Manage Clutter: Whenever you leave a room, take a quick look around for anything that isn't where it should be. Pick it up and put it where it belongs. Insist that everyone in the house do the same. (We are working on this one. I think it is super hard with young kids that have toys. The toys seem to multiply in my living room)

3. Sort the Mail: Take a few minutes to open, read, and sort mail as soon as you bring it inside. Keep a trash bin near your sorting area for junk mail. Drop the other mail into one of four in-boxes: personal correspondence, bills, catalogs, and filing. (I still need to set up a mail station, but I am trying to go through the mail right away and throw away any junk that is accumulating)

4. Clean As You Cook: Instead of filling the sink with pots and dishes, wash them or put them in the dishwasher as you prepare a meal. (I do not have a dishwasher so if I do not do my dishes right away they are a huge eyesore. I have been making sure that all of my dishes are done before I go to bed at night. This really helps me start my day off in a good mood)

5. Wipe up Spills While They're Fresh: Whether it's tomato sauce on the cooktop or makeup on the bathroom counter, almost anything is faster and easier to remove if you attend to it immediately. (Now if I could just teach my hubby this one. . .)

6. Sweep the Kitchen Floor: Every evening once you've finished washing up after dinner, sweep the floor. This will keep tough-to-clean dirt and grime from builing up, which will make the weekly mopping much quicker. (It is amazing how much stuff can accumulate on the floor in just one day.)

Here is the checklist I have hanging on the fridge for my reminder.



I can't wait to share with you my newest organization project when it is complete. It started as this. . .



How do you manage to keep your home clean and organized with kids?