Firstly, I am by no means an amazing cleaner, organizer, or always love doing chores. But I love a clean house, getting chores done, and having organized spaces, to be able to enjoy and rest in my home!
So, I wanted to share a few things that help me get over the โI donโt wanna zoneโ.ย As a homemaker, I believe my job is to keep a tidy home. And I LOVE our home. For me, I also love the satisfaction it brings when Iโve accomplished any house goals. So here are a few tips/tricks that give me motivation and discipline to help me keep my home clean.
Listsย
Oh, sister, this mom would be lost without lists. Seriously. I have at least 1-2 lists going every day and for me, this is not only how I get stuff done but also donโt forget items too. (Love this collection of lists!)
Writing down what chores or tasks I need to accomplish is how I start with what I have to do for the day.
From making the bed to starting a load of wash, write it down. Because the best part is when you get to cross that off your list! I feel accomplished and it helps minimize what you have left to do. The other thing I also do is to write down things that Iโve done that I hadnโt put on my list. Because guess what? Thatโs an accomplishment too. Now, this may sound overwhelming, and honestly, someday it is. So one thing that I do try to do is have a few either โshort day listsโ or โno listsโ days. All work and no play especially for a wife or mom can be stressful and mundane. So, have those days where you can relax, do some self-care, and enjoy family and the gift of time!
Timersย
One chore in particular that I donโt love is dishes. No matter how Iโve tried I just canโt seem to enjoy them. So, one thing Iโll do that my mom taught me is to set a timer! Set a practical fast pace time and see if you can beat it. Itโs a fun little incentive and you get the job done faster!ย
Audio
I love a good song or story while I work. It no helps pass the time but keeps my mind focused and at ease. Some of my favorites include Mandisa, Hillsong Praise, and Adventures In Odyssey. Or, if Iโm playing catch-up on folding/ironing Iโll put a movie on in the background. I just have to make sure Iโm still working, not just watching!
Reward Yourself
After Iโve checked off the last or item on my list I give myself a little reward. Sometimes itโs a sweet treat or a cup of coffee, and other times itโs a little quiet time and fun project or screen time. Remind yourself itโs OKAY to rest when your work is done!ย
Ecclesiastes 5:18 ESV
18ย This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drinkย and to find satisfaction in their toilsome laborย under the sun during the few days of life God has given themโfor this is their lot.
I love my home and want to be a good steward of it. Doing my best to have it ready to be hospitable and also a place my husband is happy to come home to after a long day of work brings me joy. I hope these tips help you in some way as they have me! What helps you do your tasks around the house? Iโd love to hear!
Xoxo, Shantel
I’m seriously impressed that you can put a movie on while ironing… I would pay too much attention to the movie ๐
Haha! Well, growing up we ONLY got to watch something if we actually got it done. Thankfully that stuck with me. There are definitely some days I donโt want to tho.๐ฉ๐
That’s very fortunate – we were the same but, I’m just easily distracted ๐