Time to deep clean, get rid of clutter and get organized! Mom, not just you but everybody that is living under your roof. All hands-on deck! The focus of this post to motivate individuals and families to 1. To do a thorough deep cleaning of their living quarters. 2. Declutter by getting rid of items that they no longer need or find useful. 3 To organize their space in order to feel more peaceful and productive.

One of the most optimum times to do this is during Easter/Spring break. Usually kids are off from school for about two weeks. It does not take long for them to start yelping that they are bored. As one superhero once said (I can’t remember exactly who) “Time to use that power for the good of mankind. “

If this is your first time doing this, start small in an area they are used too. Their rooms and with their school supplies. Show them how to sort through school supplies. You will be surprised how much that they have left once you get rid of scraps and stuff from previous assignments. I worked with kids in public schools for 12 years. It was shocking to see what accumulates inside their desks. I helped students to clean them out periodically. One kid kept getting a new pencil from the teacher’s desk every time he missed placed his. While I was helping him, we found over 20 unused pencils and two notebooks full of paper. Out of necessity I had to utilize this strategy in my own home. My youngest child had special needs and needed constant help with organization. My wonderful offspring had the attention span that was knee -high to a fly. This kid never checked to see if she already had what she needed. She just asked me to purchase more. Money was already tight due to her medical issues. It did not make sense to take away from our emergency fund for supplies that she really did not need.

After Easter there is only approximately 2 months left for school. Why buy it when you don’t have too. When you get done with their school stuff, go through their closets and drawers. Inventory all their clothes. Teach them how to sew on buttons, mend holes etc. Instead of buying new things, make the most of what they have. If they have grown out it. Clean, repair then swap it. Times has always been tight but now is one of those times in history where we have to be careful with every dime. The money you save could be that extra cushion during a layoff from a job or medical emergency. I strongly suggest that you teach them how to dust and wipe off furniture. Even the smallest child can pick up and remove any trash that can harbor mites and allergens. Many kids have asthma and allergies. Dust and clutter can harbor bugs and allergens. Of course, many will whine about taking a more active part in keeping the house clean. Remind them that if you have to take time off of work to take them to the doctors unnecessarily then that is less more coming into house for them. The money spent for medication and copays, the less available vacations and fun stuff. They may not be able to take you place and earn money for the household, but they can help by doing chores to help keep the whole family healthy. Ask them do they want to deal the effects of the dust or the effects of a trip to Disney?

As a family pick one major project to work on together. It could be cleaning out and organizing the garage. It could be washing and detailing the car. Quick hint —-“If they see the mess they make and are made responsible for cleaning it up, they will be less likely to do in the first place.”

There are many books about cleaning with natural cleaners and activities to make this fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to reward them for doing well. Treat them to a family movie night, their favorite restaurant or another fun activity. This will keep them motivated to continue doing the right thing and show them that you appreciate all their hard work.

Until next time,” Much love and respect.”