Friday 10 May 2013

The "Daddy's Coming Home!" Clean-Up

Tidiness is really not one of my strong points, so by mid-afternoon our house can look pretty chaotic!  However, I know that Andrew appreciates a tidy home and so I like to try and do a quick clean up shortly before he arrives.  It doesn't take very long (anywhere from 5-20 minutes), and the goal really is just to TIDY, not clean.



Today I put the timer on for 20 minutes to accomplish this goal and it only took me 15, even with washing the dishes.  I took some before and after photos so you could see what the state of the place was before, and the level of "tidy" we were aiming for after!

Here's a look at the kitchen:


As you can see, a big part of the quick clean-up is making this a snack-time for our toddler!  In his highchair he is much less able to undo the clean-up, and it allows me to focus for a concentrated amount of time on the task-at-hand!  

And the living room...


One of the main ways I am able to accomplish this quick clean is by having "buckets".  Pictured below you can see we have three cubbyholes in the bookshelf allotted for Jake's toys and books.  This means I can just toss them all in there, and voila - his toys are tidied!  We have a similar system for his stray clothes, shoes, and diapers with a little basket beside the couch where those things go. 


You can also see a little magazine box where I put any library books and miscellaneous notebooks, and there's a photo of raw ground beef because at this point I try to make sure I have something planned for dinner!  (That night we had one of our favourite last-minute meals!)

I try to do this clean-up close enough to when Andrew will be home that Jake won't make a big mess again, and neither will I!  Obviously there will be a few toys out, and I've usually started making dinner, but having a clean slate makes a huge difference. If I'm still wearing pajama pants at this point....I usually try and put on something a little nicer :)


And lest I make anyone feel guilty, please understand that this doesn't happen all the time, in fact I'm not sure it happens most of the time.  The day after I took these photos, we were gone all day and came home to a counter full of dishes and couches full of (clean) laundry.  I heaved a sigh, laughed about the irony of this post, and then rolled up my sleeves and got to it!  I'm just trying to help people like me! :)

What are your tips for doing a quick clean-up at the end of the day?

Additional Resources:
10 Tips for a Quick "Tidy-Up Time"
15 Quick Cleaning Fixes
Toy Storage for Small Spaces
Keeping Your Home "Company Ready" Without the Stress


Happy tidying :)
post signature
Linked up at A Mama's Story, The Modest Mom, What Joy Is Mine,  Growing Home, Above Rubies,  Deep Roots At Home, Raising Homemakers, We Are That Family, Walking Redeemed, Graced Simplicity, Raising Mighty Arrows

73 comments:

  1. This is just what I do because I'm definitely not the tidiest, either. :-) Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this post, Stephanie... especially the adorable pictures of your little man! Thanks for the helpful and practical tips, and for a peak into your lovely home!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a great post full of practical helps! Your little guy is adorable and your home looks cozy and inviting! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is great! I love that you put a little extra effort into making your home tidy for your husband :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow ladies! Such sweet and encouraging comments, thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awwwww, what a little sweetie you have there! I am sure that your hubby loves coming home to a peaceful orderly home, and as you said, it only took minutes.

    When mine were little we had three toy pickups a day, before lunch, before dinner and before bed. I do remember that toddler age because it seems like they get it out just as fast as you can put it away, lol!

    My kids are young adults now and I still find myself having to remind them to put their dishes in the d.w. or put their shoes in the basket. I guess some stuff you never outgrow, lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that three times a day idea - thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  7. I just recently started teaching my boys ( almost 4 and 5 years old) how to help with some of "bigger" jobs. It's neat how it frees me up to work on other things and how much FUN they have doing big boy jobs. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, yeah! Even at our son's age we see how happy he is when we ask him to do something and he can do it! (eg: wave bye-bye, bring this to daddy, etc!)

      Delete
  8. The box idea is awesome, I have one for the toys in the living room as well. At night before bedtime I usually "sweep" the house for stray items - remotes go back where they belong, glasses left in the living room are returned to the sink, papers squared if not put away etc. This way the house is clean when my husband gets up in the morning and returns from work (he leaves and comes home before I do).
    Thanks for sharing... love the little bubble thoughts in the pictures ;)

    PS: found you via Modest Mondays ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a great idea. I almost included it in this post, but I once read about a "clutter basket", which is basically what you do, but with a basket! You visit each room once to pick things up, and then each room once to return them! :)

      Delete
  9. I actually came to your post earlier today, it caught my eye on the link ups because it was similar to mine, I didn't realize it was you though when I replied to your comment on my blog. This is a great post, I love all your pics, and your ideas on organization are great! I like the idea of your toddler having a snack while you clean, very clever. It looks like you started blogging this year too? Would love to keep in touch!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Haha, at our house sometimes the "Daddy's coming home!" clean-up is the only clean-up that happens all day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's usually the case here too, Jeanette! :)

      Delete
  11. I like it! :-)

    My husband works for himself, so his schedule can be all over the place. Sometimes he's home at 3pm, sometimes at 8pm. Makes it difficult to do the Daddy's Coming Home Clean-Up. So, instead, we do a quick clean up before each meal. All toys and books are put away and we start the next phase of our day on a clean slate.

    btw, LOVE THE PHOTOS! You're so brave! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks PR! Three times a day clean-up is probably even better than once!

      Brave for putting pictures of my messy house up? :)

      Delete
  12. Great post! the before and after pics really speak volumes. Love the pic of your little guy watching you from his chair - how did you keep him occupied all that time? 15-20 minutes is an eternity for one that age.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi hsmominmo! Thanks for your kind comment! If I want to keep him occupied the longest, I give him an apple. He loves to eat them whole and sort of spits of the peel unto his tray. It's one of his favourite snacks and it takes him a while to get through it! :)

      Delete
  13. Thank you for the practical and helpful tips that will surely benefit your readers, especially me, because I'm not the tidiest person. I always include cleaning the house in my daily schedule to keep everything neat and organized. I love your blog and the photos of your little man! Good job! Guy Houchins

    ReplyDelete
  14. That's so cute that your little one's trying to help you out with the cleaning! Do you really let him? I think it's a wonderful chance to teach little children how to be responsible by allowing them to help in the de-cluttering. I wouldn't hesitate to include my kids cleaning at our apartments in Sparks .

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is great!! And very inspiring! cleaning toowoomba

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations on being able to make your home look so tidy and clean. It is very difficult when having a child to keep all the toys at one pace and the kitchen mess invisible. Although I do tidy up and clean in the evening when it is quiet in the house, in the morning everything is the same.
    Anyclean

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is awesome stuff indeed.. I have never worked so hard for my home cleaning;.Generally I hire professional Bond Cleaning Brisbane or End Of Lease Cleaners Brisbane cleaning services for home cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  18. Aww, he’s too cute! He actually did a good job cleaning your place at such a young age. Knowing the importance of cleaning and arranging things inside the house is a good trait parents can teach their children. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post! :)

    German Zollinger @ Total Clean Equip

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pest Control , Cleaning Services Brisbane Services The Moving Force are your local and trusted pest control team for Brisbane and surrounding regions.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great post!I am actually getting ready to across this information,i am very happy to this commands.Also great blog here with all of the valuable information you have.Well done,its a great knowledge.
    Housekeeping Services in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  21. Therefore, finishing cleaning obligations inside the home frequently wind up on the base of our day by day errands. Shockingly, a home that isn't cleaned viably may turn out to be more than what it appears. homecleanexpert.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very nice and helpful information has been given in this article. I like the way you explain the things. Keep posting. Garage Door Repair & Installation Services In Long Beach

    ReplyDelete
  23. Items are likewise made for washing things and machines. The items should dependably be utilized for the reason that they were made for. All rooms in the house should be cleaned.
    Delicatus Inc

    ReplyDelete
  24. With a current home, it is regular to go in and paint. Obviously, that first means putting down sheeting or taping of territories to shield it from any paint.ThankYourGarden

    ReplyDelete
  25. yet could likewise be amazing offering focuses if the home goes available to be purchased sometime in the not so distant future. ILaura

    ReplyDelete
  26. Bond Cleaning Brisbane - Get Offer By Professional Bond Cleaners Brisbane At Lowest Price. . Book Today and Get 10% off Your First Clean. Book Online Or Call Now - 04 3511 2725 Bond Cleaning Brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hiring a professional interior designer is still the best choice no matter how good one may be with regard to design. See This

    ReplyDelete
  28. In the event that you are shy of assets to enhance your home, at that point setting up a money related arrangement will enable you to get what you need and set away some money for a stormy day.Stamped Concrete Patio NH

    ReplyDelete
  29. A few people utilize home improvement as an inventive outlet. They paint
    what's more, upgrade only for the fulfillment of improving their living
    space. look at grogan timber products

    ReplyDelete
  30. Known as the house looks like a man. Home cleaning services for the hassle and experts to take care of home futility to ensure looks good.www.maidjustright.net

    ReplyDelete
  31. Taking in dust regularly can unfavorably influence wellbeing that everybody in the home can experience the ill effects of. cleaner Birmingham

    ReplyDelete
  32. I think this article will fully complement you. Please continue publishing helpful topics like this. Regards, from Bond Cleaning Brisbane

    End of Lease Cleaning Brisbane

    Vacate Cleaning Brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  33. Others pick home gardening as an approach to unwind, alleviate pressure and furnish their yards and homes with lovely live plants. https://vegetableflowergarden.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. dịch vụ sửa nhà

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you so much for the post you do. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. Best Paint Sprayer for Metal

    ReplyDelete
  36. While we all like to keep our homes and offices clean, keeping the communal areas clean is also essential because after all, it is the appearance of these common spaces that leaves an impression on anyone wanting to invest in a particular property. That’s Why you need professional strata cleaning services to make your common area clean and Cleaners in Sydney are one of award winning Strata Cleaning Company in Sydney.

    ReplyDelete
  37. At each home, the following is performed to our exacting standards, ensuring your bond is returned. Here is the guide of the end of lease cleaning checklist that we implement in your property to get your bond back.

    ReplyDelete
  38. New web site is looking good. Thanks for the great effort. Maid Service

    ReplyDelete
  39. This content is written very well. Your use of formatting when making your points makes your observations very clear and easy to understand. Thank you. best self cleaning toilet

    ReplyDelete
  40. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. Oklahoma Marijuana

    ReplyDelete
  41. i never know the use of adobe shadow until i saw this post. thank you for this! this is very helpful. publishing a book

    ReplyDelete
  42. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. interior painting company New lenox

    ReplyDelete
  43. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. Scentsy

    ReplyDelete
  44. Buy heroin online Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response. buy shotguns online

    ReplyDelete
  46. This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article. parc central EC floor plans

    ReplyDelete
  47. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work. Landscape Gardeners In Scotland

    ReplyDelete
  48. There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own. Your content gives readers things to think about in an interesting way. Thank you for your clear information. roofer Dallas Texas

    ReplyDelete
  49. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks el gouna villa for rent

    ReplyDelete
  50. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. adelaide bond cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  51. I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. cladding

    ReplyDelete
  52. Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site.. sell my house fast

    ReplyDelete
  53. Our unbiased reviews on Tools related to Woodworking, Automotives & Blacksmithing will help you choose the best products that fit your needs Best Bench Grinders for Sharpening Chisels

    ReplyDelete
  54. Get reliable service of Washing Machine Repair Dubai, Washing Machine Repair Abu Dhabi and all over UAE by expertise engineers. They are repairing all types of brands like Samsung, LG, Ariston, Miele, Teka, Bosch, Whirlpool and many others. They are very knowledgeable in washing machine repairing and they can repair both front loader machine and top loader washing machine within a short time period

    ReplyDelete
  55. Speed-cleaning master (and house cleaner administration proprietor) Debbie Sardone says slicing your cleaning time down the middle beginnings with a framework. That implies cleaning the house in a similar request without fail: working each room in turn, and beginning and completing at the very spot in a room so you don't sit around running to and fro. Almost all the cleaning services do this.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Try not to begin a room by clean your home, at that point cleaning the blinds, just to watch the residue from the blinds coat your recently cleaned end table. Sardone says to begin at the highest point of the room, for example, tidying a roof fan, and work your way down to the floor to wipe out excess work.

    ReplyDelete
  57. This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works. check this site

    ReplyDelete
  58. Maids really help most of the families in doing all household chores. That's why our family hire part time maids rather than full time maids as we will not worry about the salary or the benefits of the maid. The agency will provide that.
    Best Housekeeping Services in Chennai
    House Cleaning Services in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. more info

    ReplyDelete
  60. Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information.. read more

    ReplyDelete
  61. Great blog! I think this is the best blog and keep share more blogs and check this House Cleaning Services in Ghaziabad

    ReplyDelete
  62. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete