Not quite as exciting as the 12 days BEFORE Christmas. . .
Christmas is over and you suddenly find yourself with loads of new stuff but no where to put it. Especially if you have children! This year seemed worse than ever to me. Probably because we now have two children and started off with more than we need and thanks to Christmas, acquired more than we will ever need! *Note: I am very grateful! Maybe this is why on December 27th I was ready to strip down the Christmas decor and hide it back in the attic I have NEVER done this before the New Year. I also had the sudden urge to organize and clean EVERY crevice of the house. There’s that nesting instinct kicking in!
I’m happy to say that after 12 days, many spent wearing sweats, down on my hands and knees, my house is officially CLEAN!
And boy do I feel great about it! Want to try? Here’s how. . .
The 1st Day
(Dec 26)
Day 6
First, get up early to go shopping for great deals on Christmas decor and wrapping paper for next year!! Then, relax and eat leftovers and goodies and play with toys.
The 2nd Day
Ok, time to do a little work. Begin organizing the new stuff by assessing who and where and then make piles. Deliver piles to location. You don’t actually have to put the stuff away, just deliver it to clear your living space.Straighten up your living areas and eat leftovers again (you know you still got ‘em). The real work begins tomorrow.
Day 3
Put on some sweats, roll up your sleeves and get ready to work.
Organize cabinets/closets in living spaces to make room for new items you plan to keep here. Do not include any kitchen storage spaces on this day. While organizing, wipe shelves clean with dusting cloth. *Note: Target’s dollar spot has really nice microfiber mits right now in fun, bright colors!
We always seem to get a lot of winter gear (hats, coats, scarves) for Christmas. Here is a great way to keep them all organized.
Day 4
Start organizing bedrooms. Clean drawers, closets, shelves, etc, removing unwanted/outgrown items to make room for new items. Sort unwanted items into different piles for donating, selling, storing, garbage, etc.
The 5th Day
(Dec 30)
If necessary, finish organizing bedrooms. After the bedrooms are done, move on to your playroom, office, rec room – whatever you have, whatever you call it, I’m talking about that extra room. This might be the most difficult room because it probably is the least organized, has the most stuff already in it, and has the most stuff going into it. What’s the best way to organize “stuff?” A trip to IKEA! That store has a solution for storing just about anything!
A few pictures of storage in our playroom. All from IKEA
Day 6
(New Year’s Eve)
Clean your bathrooms and linen closets. Same as all other cabinets: organize and wipe down.
Pull boxes/tubs out of attic to put Christmas decor away.
Celebrate NYE!!
The 7th Day
(New Year’s Day)
Sleep in (if you are able). If you haven’t already, pack up and put away Christmas decor.
Enjoy the first day of the new year!
Day 8
Time to tackle the kitchen. Organize cabinets and wipe down shelves. Clean out refrigerator/freezer, wipe down shelves and throw out expired food. Do the same for you pantry. While you’re at it, why not clean out the microwave?
I like to use a natural cleaner in the kitchen.
Day 9
(Jan 3rd)
Get your bucket of Murphey Oil Soap and water ready!
Vacuum all baseboards. Using Muphey Oil Soap and water, clean baseboards, wooden furniture, and kitchen cabinets. Now go take a bubble bath, that was hard work!
The 10th Day
Wash windows inside the house and wipe down blinds with soapy water.
If possible, do the outside windows too. *Tip: Best way to wash windows is using vinegar and water and newspaper. Seriously.
Day 11
Go through your house and perform your normal cleaning routine. Dusting, vacuuming, cleaning floors, etc.
Which brings us to. . .
The 12th Day
(Jan 6th)
(Jan 6th)
Donate items to preferred donation center. Visit the dump if you have more trash than your can can handle. Celebrate your clean and organized house by relaxing!!
Pics that aren’t mine belong to:
http://www.abc-machine-embroidery-designs.com
http://www.bigstockphoto.com
http://www.bigstockphoto.com
http://www.betterworldbooks.com
http://www.whec.com
You inspire me, Lady! Only if I had half of your energy! But it is no excuse, I should definitely start organizing! Don't think the closets can handle much more!
Btw, I like your new toy in your latest post
Ok, I was just browsing your blog and here I am now following ; ) I think this post sealed the deal. love it!