Feeling Overwhelmed by Never Ending Chores? Try This!

Today is a rare day with nothing scheduled on my calender... but it is full anyway!  I am trying to take on at least one "project" each week day that is not part of my regular routine.  I took down my kitchen pot rack, cleaned all the copper pots and redid the arrangement on the top on the other day.  I had been putting it off, but it only took about 2 hours and was well worth the time it took.

By doing at least one small project each day, you can feel like you are making progress.  Looking at everything at once can create the feeling that "it will never get done" or "I will never catch up."

An extra 5 minutes can clean a drawer or mend an article of clothing, and if you do it while you are on the phone or listening to music or the news, even better. Multi-task when you can.

Clean out a closet or dresser and have a bag for trash and one for a local charity handy.  I often wonder why I keep things that are broken or worn out or never wear.  In a matter of an hour or two, the closest is clean.

Wipe down cobwebs on the wall and on lamps.  I sometimes don't notice them until we have company!  I am amazed that it only takes a week or two for them to come back.  Be sure to dust lamp shades and bulbs, too.  Also check vents and registers for your heating and air conditioning. The intake vents can build up dust quickly.

Bookshelves are one of the biggest dust accumulators.  Use a lamb's wool duster to go behind the books and accessories.  Periodically take everything off the shelves.

Wipe down cabinets.  Often we don't see how grungy they are, especially below eye level.  Wood cabinets conceal grease and stains.  There are great products to protect your cabinets and will clean and protect your wood.

Baseboards are another project that is often overlooked.  Because of the moisture in bathrooms, the dust sticks to the baseboards and needs a damp cloth to thoroughly clean them.  Also do the top of door frames.

A big dread is cleaning out the frig.  When you are getting low on groceries, clean out the refrigerator before you shop because there will less in it.  Dump dated food. Wipe the shelves and drawers with a multi-purpose anti-bacterial cleaner   Straighten the shelves by categories.  The freezer is a little more involved, but it, too, needs cleaning at least every few months. Through out anything with freezer burn or that has been in there awhile.  Wipe down the walls and door.  About once a month empty the refrigerator and thoroughly wash the shelves and drawers at the sink. Wipe down the walls, door and door compartments.  Clean the butter storage compartment.

Most of these projects don't take long and will give a sense of accomplishment just doing one or two a day.

I need to get busy.  There isn't anything on my schedule so I can get a lot done!