Days 29 & 30: Playroom, Family Room, and Living Room

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Days 29 & 30: Playroom, Family Room, and Living Room

In our house, the playroom, family room, and living room are all one space.  Since I know a lot of families are in the same boat, I figured we will combine days 29 & 30 into a single assignment for the 40 Bags in 40 Days Combat Clutter Challenge.  That doesn’t mean you get a day off if you only have 1 room that does all 3 jobs, but it does mean you have 2 days to get the job done!

Since we homeschool, our living room does quadruple duty!  As such, it can become a hot mess really quick, and even if it is clean and tidy before I go to bed at night, it can be a disaster again before lunch time the following day.  Such is life with 3 children who are home all day every day.

Everyone’s space will have different needs to keep it clean and decluttered, but there are a few truths we all can follow.

1. Put stuff away.  Even if that means all of the toys get tossed in a single bin, or all of the books get stacked on the corner table, the stuff is away so that its not sprawled across every flat surface or on the floor.
2. Throw out the trash.  This may seem obvious, but so many of us don’t throw out things that should be trash.  That used up coloring book – toss it.  The pile of junk mail by the front door – toss it.  Broken toys or books that can’t be repaired – toss them.  The candle that has no wick left – toss it.  Clear out the obvious clutter and you will be headed in the right direction.
3. Limit the knick knacks so that they aren’t covering every inch of every surface.  If an item holds no meaning for you, then don’t keep it.  You don’t have to keep something just because it was a gift or even because its “been in the family”.  
4. Start cleaning!  I like to use the attachments on my vacuum to clean any dust from where the walls meet the ceiling.  I then dust starting at the top and working my way down.  Involve everyone who lives in the house!  Your partner and children are not exempt from helping with the housework!  My children actually love to dust, and each have a Swiffer to clean the items that are at their height or lower.  When you are finished dusting, vacuum off the furniture and the floors.  Monthly, fill a bucket with warm water and a little cleaner (I like Shaklee Basic H) and wipe down the baseboards, your ceiling fans, and any grungy surfaces that need a little extra TLC.

If you keep up with decluttering and cleaning, it won’t get overwhelming, and if it does, get everyone involved!  Set the timer for 5 minutes several times a day and have everyone help out to clean up the rooms and make the space how you want it.  Speaking of which, I should go set a timer and see what my kids can clean up since there appears to be every toy we own on the living room floor right now.