This post is part #3 of Simplify Your Season. Find all of the posts here.
We’re here! It’s December…and I’m trying to keep it simple. Unfortunately, a mouse showed up in our house this morning, so a huge kitchen cleaning project is underway. We’ve never had a mouse before, so I am beside myself!! (If you have any tried-and-true tricks, let me know!! I had no idea there were so many options for getting rid of a mouse…and it is actually overwhelming! I just don’t want to see it or have it run across my feet again!! Ack!!)
In general, I prefer to keep my home management pretty simple around the holidays, and here are a few of my favorite tips:
1) Institute a TurboTidy
The girls love this! A TurboTidy is just my silly way of getting the girls (and myself) to clean as quickly as possible. I set a timer, turn on some music, and we get to work. Sometimes I will assign a room to each person. Sometimes we will all work together in one room. It really just depends on how messy things are! I like to do one of these every day–usually in the afternoon. Some days require two (or three) sessions, but it keeps life so much simpler if we keep the chaos under control!
2) Use a basic chore planner
I don’t normally think about things like cleaning refrigerator shelves on a schedule, scrubbing tile with a toothbrush, cleaning under the stove, or dusting baseboards, so a chore planner has been helpful to me (yes, I am a creative, messy type who prefers to spend the least amount of time I can on cleaning–while still keeping things sanitary around here). I am currently using The Confident Mom chore planner, but I have also used Motivated Moms planner, too. I find both of them helpful in giving me some direction to accomplish those cleaning chores I don’t normally think about!
3) Menu plan for sanity
I actually love menu planning. It has saved us a ton of money and time over the years, and I recommend it highly. You can see my step-by-step approach to menu planning here. I also have some free printable menu planners for you! Freezer cooking also keeps me sane!
4) Think ahead
At the beginning of each week, I like to take some time to review our family calendar and see what is coming up. I figure out what can be done ahead of time (like getting cookies made and stuck in the freezer) and what I can delegate to someone else. Just taking a few minute to plan for the day each morning can keep you from drowning in the to-do list!
Do you have any great home management tips for the holiday season?
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