Tackling the Kitchen
Help Letter:
I'm just feeling at such a loss! We're in the middle of a year-and-a-half-long
remodel (and it's a ways away from being done!) that's driven me to living
in 6 rooms (LR, DR, tiny kitchen, bath, 2 br's) with a dh, a toddler, three
dogs and their crates, and two cats. We have two closets and four kitchen
cabinets. Trying to keep this house clean is next to impossible! I have storage
containers in every room, but the stuff just keeps piling up. I'm not a very
good housekeeper to begin with, and this is stressing me out!! I want to
get rid of things, but I don't know where to start. I'm hoping
to find some help somewhere! Thanks again for the tips!-JJ
Response:
Okay, my suggestion is to start with the kitchen. Much of our time is spent
there. So you need to either find something for the toddler and the animals
to do or get a sitter or relative to take at least the toddler.
Find some boxes for things you don't want anymore.
Get some Tupperware or Sterilite. I say this because we just had an episode
of moths on the attack! It's where one tiny moth lays thousands of eggs in
one food source in the cupboard and viola, within weeks, you're invaded and
have to throw away all food in that cupboard.
Tupperware (and I'm not a sales rep.) has ways to organize. If you get a local
woman who sells, she'll actually come in and set you up!
Otherwise, just get the inexpensive containers at your local K-Mart. Then start
separating foods that you get and use all of the time.
You should have a few piles:
Items used all of the time
-cereal
-crackers
-chips
-and whatever else you use often and have to replenish
Items used once and a while (you should keep these in some container
that is secure so it will still be fresh when you need it.)
-flour
-sugar
-salt
-spices
Items RARELY used (you'll need to keep these in a Tupperware container
so
that they are air tight.)
-baking soda (unless you cook often)
-baking powder
-food coloring
-spices
You won't believe how much you've accumulated that you don't use
anymore.
If you don't think you'll have enough time to do all of the cupboards, pick
the one that bothers you most or is most cluttered.
You'll need containers for all of the rooms. So if you can afford
it, start looking for sales (I get most of mine at K-Mart) and stocking
up for when you're ready to purge.
My advice for you having a toddler is to limit toys altogether.
I wish I could tell the world how we are struggling with college
funds. If we had set up the fund that was offered when our children
were born, we'd be better off now. So instead of a large purchase
for those big occasions, I highly recommend doing something like
prime America’s education fund, or some sort of account that
gains interest and the interest that you gain can be left in the
account to gain more interest.
I have an article at my site for cleaning and organizing kids rooms
and it will work fine with a toddler. The only thing is that when
he gets bored, you might have to plug in a movie to keep him busy
while you finish. And contrary to popular belief, it's okay to get
help from videos when they're little. You have control of what they
are watching.
--
Blessings and Peace,
Susie
©2001-2002 Susie Glennan
Susie: How are you doing?
Reply:
It sure helped! I bought some inexpensive food storage containers and went
to work on my cupboards. Found bugs in a sealed container of dates...totally
grossed me out and also revved me up to get organized! I'm about 3/4 finished
with the food, and I've reorganized all my pots & pans, dishes, etc.
THANKS!!
-JJ
Susie: Are you all done with your kitchen or at least enough
to feel good?
Reply:
I'm feeling very pleased with the kitchen. It took three days, but it's clean
(all but the floor needing to be mopped; that's tonight's project)! My mom
came for a visit yesterday and about fell over when she saw my neat & tidy
counter...she couldn't believe it! The best part is that it's STAYING clean
and orderly. The true test was when I brought home a week's worth of groceries
last night and was able to get them all put away without leaving anything
piled on the counter! Even the top of the fridge is cleaned off!
Now I can tackle the bathroom w/linen closet and my bedroom. Again
it's a matter of "more stuff than space" but if I can get
my kitchen in order, I can do the same in the rest of the house!
I'm cleaning out our closets and getting rid of clothes we don't
wear...it's hard, b/c I just
"know" I'll be able to fit in it all again someday...right?!?
Thanks again!
-JJ
©2001 Susie Glennan
Susie Glennan has been happily married since 1982, is mom to 3 teenagers,
and is a Home Maker, Nurturer, Teacher, Author, Professional Speaker,
Toastmaster, President of The Busy Woman, Inc., DBA - The Busy Woman's Daily
Planner®. She teaches time management seminars, offers FREE consultations
with your order, and will help you set up a schedule that's right for you.
800-848-7715 www.thebusywoman.com
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