How do you get inspired?

[darthxtater]

Lurker here. I am trying to get inspired to clean my house. My in-laws are coming and are very allergic to life. We had a golden, so there is dog fur everywhere. (We had to put him down because he was 14 and in pain.)

Just looking for some get up and go. Thanks!

[tarheels]

Have you tried setting a timer and telling yourself you'll clean for 10 minutes in each room? Just straightening up can make things feel better.

As for cleaning, well, I have a housekeeper. Depending on where we've lived, it's been $50/wk (1100 sq ft) to $95/wk (3000 sq ft). Absolutely worth every penny.

[darthxtater]

Thanks tarheals!

I have been considering getting a housekeeper. Are there any particular questions I should ask?

I will try the timer thing when I get home!

[heygrey]

i set up a cleaning playlist on itunes that is 31 minutes. it's amazing how much i can accomplish in that amount of time and it's kinda sorta fun.

if it's just clutter i'll say "pick up 50 items" and run around putting things away. if h is home we'll do it together. even five minutes makes a huge difference with clutter.

[darthxtater]

Good idea...what songs are on your playlist?

[tarheels]

For a housekeeper -

Always pay by the job, not the hour. They will take their sweet time, no matter what, if they're going by the hour.

Go with who you feel comfortable with; don't feel guilty about not picking someone you don't click with.

Give them a list of tasks during the interview so that you're on the same page and they can adjust their quote accordingly. What I think of as "duh" tasks, some maids won't do without being asked. Tell them upfront what your pet peeves are so you can avoid displeasure from the start.

Check references. I generally only ask 2 questions: "Tell me about Jenny's work for you." and "Would you feel comfortable giving Jenny a key to your house to get in when you're not home?" (because I do give my maids a key). I end with "Anything else you feel I should know about Jenny?" It's generally no more than a 5 minute convo.

Here's the list I give mine:

CLEANING CHECKLIST
KITCHEN
Remove high cobwebs
Wipe down cabinet fronts
Wipe light switch covers
Clean counters
Scour sink and polish faucet
Empty dishwasher if clean
Load dishwasher if dirty
Run dishwasher if full
Clean stovetop
Remove fingerprints from front of oven, fridge and dishwasher
Clean inside and outside of microwave
Wipe off kitchen table
Dust baseboards
Sweep or vacuum and mop
Empty trash and replace bag
Straighten up

BATHROOMS
Dust light fixtures
Remove high cobwebs
Wipe down cabinet fronts
Wipe light switch covers
Scrub shower and tub
Scrub sink and faucet
Clean mirror
Scrub toilet
Dust baseboards
Sweep or vacuum and mop
Empty trash and replace bag
Straighten up

BEDROOMS
Dust ceiling fan blades
Remove high cobwebs
Wipe light switch covers
Dust objects, including lamps
Clean mirrors
Dust furniture
Straighten up
Change sheets if provided
Dust baseboards
Vacuum

LIVING AREA
Dust ceiling fan blades
Remove high cobwebs
Wipe light switch covers
Dust objects, including lamps
Wipe down window sills in kitchen and dining area where Dave sits
Remove pet hair from sofa and back of white chair in front of door
Dust furniture
Straighten up
Dust baseboards
Sweep or vacuum and mop

IMPORTANT
The sideboard and printer table in the bedroom are 160 years old – TAKE CARE!

The following are my pet peeves:
Baseboards
Inside the microwave
Cabinet fronts
No spots on bathroom faucets
The feet and sides of furniture, especially the ornate set in the guest room and the master - don’t just do the top
Only dust around objects on entertainment center, mantel and sideboard – please don’t move them

[darthxtater]

Thanks!

Also, the ten minute timer has helped. I have definitely made a dent in my mess.

[Deleted]

Booze always inspires me to clean!
I just grab a beer, say I'll clean till it's gone and go to it.
Then I promise myself another when it's done.



Works for me!

[darthxtater]

Love it!

[emoflamingo]

I usually set music and tell myself I have to clean because no one else will. I have no housekeeper, my H is usually only on top of vacuuming (because he likes to see the lines in our new carpet) and I have a toddler tornado. I usually get him to help by making it a game, like "let's see who can pick up faster: you with your legos and Mommy with the dishes" or something like that.