Where To Start?

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with a room's mess? Have you ever asked "where do I start?" Well, the answer is easier than what most realize. Especially when it comes to the kitchen. And most bloggers, like myself, agree on one thing: start with the kitchen sink. It's that simple.

The before

Simple? Yes. Very simple. I challenge you to do this: set the timer on your phone for 15 minutes, go into your kitchen, empty the dishwasher, then refill it with what is in the sink. Afterward, just clean the sink and dry it with a dish towel. Not convinced? I bet there is time left on that timer by the time you are done. That is unless you filled your sink with dish soap and scrubbed each dish by hand before putting it in the dishwasher. STOP THAT! Most dishwashers today are efficient enough to do that for you. Trust me, I have tested the theory. 

Once your sink is clean, reset your timer, and then look at the counters. What belongs there? What doesn't? Take a basket and gather the things that don't belong. Set them in a place to be addressed later. Don't go around the house trying to put it all away at once. If it is food, put it in the pantry or cupboard. If it is dishes or cookware, put it in it's appropriate spot. Remember, the kitchen counter is not a storage place. It is a surface to prepare and serve meals. This may take a few 15 minute sessions to do. It took me 3.

The after

Okay, next, fill the kitchen sink with soapy water. Grab a sponge and start scrubbing the newly cleared counter tops and cabinet doors. Believe it or not, this will not take as long as you might expect. Don't forget to wipe down appliances during this session, too.

Now, sweep and Swiffer mop your kitchen floor. Swiffer? Yes, I said Swiffer. It's easy and efficient. It also doesn't cost that much. I do have a laminate flooring, so I did invest in a nice dust mop. It came with a cleaner in a spray bottle. No mop bucket needed. I simply spritz and run the dust mop over it. It is clean and easy to do. The Swiffer option does have the product with the cleaning solution spritzer attached to the dust mop itself.  Either way, the days of getting on your hands and knees is over. And thanks to my rambunctious Sampson, my knees won't allow me to do that any longer.

The after

Now, step back and admire your hard work. Light a candle and place it on a safe area of the counter to give a fresh scent to the room. I often use apple cinnamon to make it smell like I've been baking. 

The after

This may not take an afternoon, as it may take a day or two. Do what you can. Set your timer for 15 minutes, and just do it in 15 minute increments. The kitchen is a great spot to begin the journey to an organized home. It's the heart of the home. People tend to gather and congregate in there. And if your home is set up like mine, it is the first thing people see when they come in. So, set that timer and get to work! You'll feel better once you are done.