- 1). Get up early. Although cleaning and organizing your home in one day is possible, it will take several hours. Get a good night's rest, wake up refreshed and eat a healthy breakfast. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and prepare to work hard.
- 2). Work from the top down. Start at the top of your home and work your way down; this means clean and organize bedrooms and bathrooms before moving to common areas, such as the kitchen, living room and dining room.
- 3). Decide what needs to be thrown away or given away. Go through your closets, children's toys, as well as book, cd and dvd collections and separate items based on whether they are still used or worn, haven't been used or worn in awhile (but will still be used or worn at some point), or completely out of use or wear. Throw, sell or give away items completely out of use or wear. Box and store in the basement or attic items you haven't used or worn in awhile; wash and/or clean items you use or wear often (if they're dirty) and store them neatly.
- 4). Wash, dry, fold and store laundry. This includes all family members clothing, whether in season or out of season, as well as linens, towels and area rugs.
- 5). Clean bathrooms and the kitchen. This includes scrubbing sinks, toilets and bathtubs, as well as polishing mirrors and fixtures. In the kitchen, clean out the refrigerator; toss out food past its expiration date or leftovers no one is going to eat. If the freezer needs defrosting or oven cleaner needs to sit before being scrubbed, do these chores while tending to other things, such as washing dishes or organizing the pantry.
- 6). Dust the house from the top down. Start with ceiling fans and light fixtures; work your way down to wood trim, and then furniture such as mantles, dining room, coffee and end tables, and eventually baseboards.
- 7). Clean floors, carpets and furniture. Sweep floors before scrubbing or mopping; spray carpets with spot cleaners and/or deodorizing agents before vacuuming. Furniture can be sprayed and wiped with spot cleanser, as well as treated with fabric deodorizer.
- 8). Organize all your miscellaneous items. Purchase shelves, hooks, plastic bins, extra hangers and whatever else you need to ensure all your belongings have a permanent home. Make sure nothing is left on the floor, unless it is inside an organization or storage device.
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