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[Spurt]

I love in a small condo so I need to keep everything organized...

I put things away after I use them.....

When I cook I clean up as I go, then immediately wash the dishes after I eat.....use my dishwasher or wash by hand...

When I pick up my mail I immediately go through it and throw all the unwanted stuff away, which is 99.9% of it, so that clutter doesnt remain around .....Same thing with magazines and catalogs if you are through with 'em toss them out, they can accumulate fast!!........

I organize my laundry as I go......

I try to stick to a cleaning schedule, even when I dont feel like doing it to help motivate me, I imagine how I will feel when its done and think of myself enjoying it and also enjoying relaxing after its all done.....

One thing I did I needed to clean out my laundry room/store room in order to get pipes repaired from our "artic storm" here in Texas....the task looked daunting...I got stuff organized and then called a company called "College Hunks" (they had great views, and much cheaper than the company Oprhan recommened!) They hauled all the stuff away, some was junk and just needed to be thrown out and some stuff was to be donated and they took care of it all....they were reasonably priced and did it quickly...(a portion of their earnings even goes to charity too)...When I get ready to tackle my bedroom closet Im hiring them back....Now I have just a few seasonal wreaths and a small box of Christmas decorations that are in my laundry room/store room.........WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!  I use to have to move storage bins and stuff to do laundry--- but no more! 

Will be fun to read other tips----

[wilma]

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@LuvmyLab wrote:

I am OCD so I have absolutely no problem staying organized.  It's getting my hubs to stay organized that is my daily challenge!  He's gotten better over the years but there is still work to be done!

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@LuvmyLab 

Exactly my issue. I'm a neat freak and he isn't. I hate clutter, and I like things put away, He puts tons of things on flat surfaces out in the open. I try not to complain about it too much, because he is a great guy. 🥰

[Katcat1]

@CherryHugs    As far as dishes you need to wash everyday.  Do not go to bed with dishes in the sink.  You need to file papers away almost immediately.  Dust once a week, vacuum, wipe up floors.  I tell you I did it all every Sat. when I was working but now that I am retired and have COPD and a bad back, it's hard to do.  I will be getting help (Amen) shortly because I just can't keep up but the dishes are always done, the floor is wiped up and the bathroom is clean.

The best solution throw it all out and start all over again or you could have a campfire and burn everything.  LOL  I am just kidding.

[Judaline]

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@dancingwoman wrote:

@Carmie   I do the same...I really can't go to bed unless everything is in its place...even sofa pillows need to be right...I can't help it...if DH has ice cream for dessert he knows to rinse his dish and put it in the dishwasher ...and if he eats a couple cookies instead he eats them over a plate...yeah I know OCD...I blame my Italian mother...(kidding)..DW

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However did you train him? My pet peeve is him not using a plate.

[CherryHugs]

Thank you for all of the great replies. So very helpful to me.

[dancingwoman]

@Judaline   I think after all this time we've been married...he got sick of me asking him please eat over a plate...and please rinse your dish and put it in the dishwasher...OK...maybe sometimes I didn't say please...and we have no kids or animals so he couldn't blame a mess on anyone else..lol...DW

[qualitygal]

There was a book one time, The One Minute Manager.  On paperwork, you get it in the mail, you decide if you tend to soon, later, or toss in recycle bin.  In the mail, Before it can become a dumping ground, tend to it right then and there.  If you don't, it will not spring legs and walk away on it's own.

Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.  

You can wake up to a tidy kitchen with a clean sink and no dishes in the sink, if you tend to that before you go to bed at night.  Good gift to yourself, isn't it?  

Do a 5 minute tidy up in each room too.  In the morning be sure that bed is made.  If your belongings have a home, put them away as soon as you're done with them.

Bottom line is, you are the winner in all that you do for you. 

My newest gift to me, I file right away.  1-2 items and not save for one day at the end of the month.  But if I can throw it away or recycle it, I do it immediately.  Check it off this list.

[violann]

Say WHAT? We moved in 5 years ago and I STILL have boxes that haven't been opened.

BEST POSSIBLE REASON- 4 amazing grandchildren, the first born the month we bought our "new" house!

They're WORTH the chaos! I always say my decorator is FISHER PRICE!

[haddon9]

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@Venezia wrote:

The only time I really stayed organized was when I was on my own.  My apartment was neat, tidy and I had fresh flowers on the table every day.

Put me together with another person, who isn't particularly tidy...forget it.

Wish I could help but, when you figure it out, please let me know.   

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@Venezia   I had to leave to go to Florida for a few weeks.  DH stayed home as he has some serious health issues and DS was able to stay with him....let me tell you about the mess they left behind!!  Even when I begged that I not come home to one.  Stuff all over the kitchen counters with greasy crumb covered counters and floors!  UGH! ...and with straight faces they told me that they cleaned!

[qualitygal]

One other thing,  to not feel that I'm nagging, I give two choices, do you want to do ______ or  else _________________.  Both are my preferences, but this way he can choose which one.  **wink**** Then we both can be happy.  

If he has a better idea, we can go with that too.