How To Get Started Zone Cleaning

Why I Looked Into Zone Cleaning

I have always struggled with the practical side of organization and keeping things tidy. I think most of us thrive when things are organized and clean. Let's face it, I know I'm am less tempted to be stressed when things are neat and organized. In all honesty, organizing really hasn't been the issue. I would say that maintaining the organization is where I struggle the most. I realized it was necessary for me to set up some kind of accountability to not only keep myself on track but to train my children how to do this.

I have been trying to find a system that works for our family since I came to stay at home full time. It has changed many times over the years. I have tried creating my own over complicated spreadsheets, using someone else schedule, follow along at someone else's pace and routine, setting aside one day a week to clean it all, or just plain jumping from one pile to the next never really getting anything accomplished. I really believe that is the key is in making a plan that works for you. I realized my life isn't theirs, my schedule isn't theirs, my priorities aren't theirs. I also had to give myself permission to try something out for a few weeks (or longer) and tweak when needed.

Where Should You Start?

Identify what, when and where you are feeling stressed in your home.

For me it came down to laundry, clutter, and skipping deep cleaning tasks. Times of the day were right before supper and throughout the school day because I was overwhelmed by the mess day to day.

Now that you've identified those areas you can come up with solutions and plans to help you in those areas.

Here are some of examples of what I did to find solutions to the areas I needed help in:

Since I was seeing that right before dinner was a time of day I was struggling I set up my flexible meal plan. You can read more about that here.

I revamped my command center. You can see the transformation below. The first picture is of my over complicated spreadsheets, the second picture is the revamp I created based on the areas I need to focus on.

Over complicated spreadsheets with a sweet note from our daughter.

Revamp clear and defined

This revamp helps me to know what needs to be done each day. I can spend 10-15 minutes deep cleaning each area and spend 10 minutes decluttering when needed. The kids can also clearly see what chores they need to help with when they have free time throughout the day. I start a load of laundry most mornings when I make my coffee. When I do this I have a better chance of getting it put away before dinner. In our house everyone pitches in and helps. Yes even, my 2 year old helps carry his laundry to his room to be put away.

Some Encouragement

Know that this is a process. Give yourself permission to take it slow and tweak things as you need to, or throw it out and completely revamp it if needed.

You can see someones method and make it your own so it works for you. The way I do things are loosely based on the FlyLady method.

You can start small. Pick one area and work on that for 15 minutes a day to start. Little by little progress is still progress.

I would love it if you would share one thing that has helped you stay on top of the clutter.