Week One-   Simplify- De-clutter & Clean

Simplify- De-clutter & Clean: Going through each room clockwise from top to bottom is my method. De-cluttering means: categorizing items into groups for throwing away, donating, storing away, keeping and finally, yard sale items. Cleaning means: Using appropriate cleansers and tools to clean and disinfect surfaces, items and carpets.

I really have my work cut out this week in my master bedroom! Out of all the rooms in the house, this is the one I neglect the most and as I am looking at it, I can tell that it shows. One thing I have never enjoyed is going through clothes and shoes! The very first thing I am going to do, though, is pull everything out of the room and shampoo the carpets. (This means I have to muster up the courage to tackle that space underneath my bed- oh boy!) I will also wipe down the walls and wash the curtains, because I already know I will want to put a fresh coat of paint in the room. (If you are wondering if I’ve lost my marbles, biting off more than I can chew, I’m not. I have the blessing of three teenagers who live me and can help move furniture and paint for a day!)

Maybe your plans are just to de-clutter this week and clean as you go. That’s great. Start at the door of your room and begin clockwise around the room moving through the room top to bottom in 15-20 minute intervals. Take a five minute water or bathroom break in between.

* Here is my de-clutter kit for the room: 4 boxes labeled: Donate; Yard Sale; Keep & Storage. X-tra boxes, Sharpie pens, packing tape, trash bags

** Here is my cleaning kit for the room: bucket with water and vinegar solution for wiping    down walls; carpet solution for the carpet shampooer; furniture polish; various cloths; window cleaner and paper towels. Vacuum.

So here is my plan so far this week:

Monday & Tuesday- I will begin moving around the room; de-cluttering and cleaning as I go. I will have my Repair and Maintenance List to fill in too. Once I get an entire ‘wall’ section of my room done, those furniture pieces will be removed from the room, and I will wipe down that particular wall. (My boys will probably be helping with walls, painting and vacuuming to keep the pace going for the day) As items are moved out of the room, they will be kept in their respective categories in the hallway and extra room I have upstairs. The very last portion of my room that will be done is moving my bed and de-cluttering and cleaning underneath it. As soon as that is finished, the bed will be moved out and the carpet will be shampooed. The bed will be placed back in the room for sleeping that evening.

Wednesday & Thursday- Take door off hinges and clean. Paint the room as early as possible. (I’ve already purchased the paint) Once the paint is dry, have the boys help move furniture back in. Before putting anything back into or onto furniture, give it a good cleaning and polish. Check for scratches, anything that might need to be repaired, such as a stuck drawer, new knobs, etc… Re-hang curtains, wall frames, art, etc… Begin bringing everything back into room and putting the items with its respective ‘zone’. Put door back on hinges.

I am also going to be thinking about next week when I have to prioritize the function of the zones in my room- My master bedroom is where my clothing is stored, my husband’s clothing too, our shoes are also stored up here because we do not have a foyer in our home. It is also where I sleep, so I want it to be a relaxing room. It is also where I like to read and write when I do not need a lot of resources. It is where my younger ones meet for their bedtime story, and my older ones come to talk about what’s on their heart. This is where I pray and seek the Lord, so I will want a notebook and bible handy, along with a few favorite music cd’s.

Friday & Saturday- All items not remaining in the master bedroom will either be boxed up for donation, yard sale or storage… and remaining trash will be taken out to the garbage bin.

I should have a very clean room at this point and a list to delegate to dear husband and older boys for repairs if it wasn’t done already during the week. Now, starting Monday for Week Two, I will focus on each zone of my room, looking to optimize the function of each space available. For example, in one corner of my room, I have a basket that holds books, I’d like to paint that basket and possibly add a second basket to separate the kids’ books from my own books. I have another corner that has a really pretty full-length mirror that may need to be moved because it is difficult to walk around my bed to get to it each time I want to check my outfit for church. I know my closet desperately needs some help, so I’ll be brainstorming for that.

How about you? What are your plans for Week One- De-clutter & Clean? How do you feel when tackling projects like this, does it feel good, or is it a true challenge for you?

Remember; go at a pace that is comfortable for you. My master bedroom is one of my most neglected spaces, so there is a lot of work here for me. But it won’t be like that in every room… some rooms, I know the challenge might only take me a half hour each day through the month, others it’ll take me hours to get through… My goal is to have a house that will be easy to move should the need arise, and I want to leave the rental in better condition than when we first arrived three years ago. Some of you may own your own home and have a lot of these things already in place, some of you are just looking to give each room a good clean. Whatever your goals are for each room, be encouraged that you are doing good for your home, yourself and your family!

I’ll see you next week!