When you are cleaning your home, room by room, it is easy to get distracted by odds and ends projects. However, when you are trying to do your 5 minutes in each room, that’s not the time to switch out a light bulb, patch the wall, or even scrub that stain on the carpet. Each of these should be put on a Running Project List. Then you can schedule on your calendar exactly when you would like to tackle those tougher projects that will take more than your 5 minutes of pick up time. Remember, keep your notebook and pen with you whenever you do your Quick Clean. Watch our video to learn more about your Running Project List.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvWsVcOZZS4[/youtube]
Step 2 is definitely my favorite organizing tip out of everything we talk about! It’s probably because I always feel like I’m in “survival mode” with my house! This step saves me almost everyday! It’s so much a part of my routine that when I can’t do a daily quick clean, I feel lost. My challenge for you this week is to try it out! Set a timer and really see how much you can get done in a room in only 5 minutes. Even when I’ve faced a complete diaster of a room, I’ve been surprised to see how much can get picked up and straightened in only 5 minutes. I know you are going to love this step in organizing.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUBtnNWRPUg[/youtube]
I love Step 2 in our 10 Step book. It is one of my favorite tips! If you just do Step 2, you will find that you can get away with people thinking your house is clean all the time even if it’s not! 
You will never have to experience heart failure when your doorbell rings ever again! You will be prepared.
The idea is to spend 5-10 minutes a day in each room doing a quick pick up. You may have to spend 10-15 minutes in the kitchen. Start with the most visible areas (i.e., the entry way, living room, family room, etc.) and work your way through your house. When starting this routine, it is helpful if you write down the order that you are going to clean your rooms in. This will give you a direction and make it easier to stick with. Set a timer if you have to in order to keep you on track. When the timer beeps, it’s time to move on. The real trick is to stay focused and not get distracted! Carry a basket with you and put all the items that don’t belong in that room into the basket. As you go from room to room put the items away or have your little ones become the runners and they can put things away for you. This will save you from running all over the house putting things away and starting new projects in each room! Don’t be tempted to clean out junk drawers or closets that have been driving you crazy. Stick to the plan and get the house in order first.
No matter what happens that day, you will at least feel like you accomplished something! I suggest a quick pick up in the morning and at night to keep things in order. It makes a big difference in the way your house looks and feels!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi5qEmXemAA[/youtube]