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It’s never easy finding the time to give your home a deep cleaning. From sorting through stacks of books and magazines to figuring out the best way to organize your closet and kitchen cabinets, it might feel impossible to get your home in tip-top shape. If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of dedicating a full day to cleaning your space, a clever new approach that’s taking Pinterest by storm might be right up your alley. The FlyLady Cleaning Method, named for organizing specialist Marla Cilley, a.k.a. the FlyLady, calls for people to handle their cleaning tasks in 15-minute increments.
What is the FlyLady Cleaning Method?
The thinking behind the FlyLady approach is that cleaning your space should not be a rushed and stressful process. Breaking it up into smaller duties makes it more manageable, providing you with a sense of peace. For instance, you might begin with cleaning your sink for just 15 minutes one day, and you’ll advance over time by adding more to your routine. You’ll also be more likely to upkeep the areas you’ve cleaned, according to Cilley. And if you need even more motivation, the FlyLady Messenger App features reminders, daily messages, and testimonials from people who swear by the cleaning method.
A FlyLady Cleaning schedule example:
The FlyLady’s website features a slew of sample cleaning routines to help you get started. Take Cilley’s own morning routine, for instance. Once you wake up, make your bed, take a shower, and clean it to make the most of you’re time. You’ll then do your hair, apply your makeup, and quickly clean the toilet. Once you’re done in the bathroom, put in a load of laundry. If your kitchen doesn’t need to be cleaned, empty the dishwasher, prepare breakfast, and feed your pets.
At this point, you’ll begin thinking about the rest of your day. Review your calendar, make a to-do list, and plan what you’ll eat for dinner. Then take a few minutes to review your bank account and put your load of clothes into the dryer. Finish your morning routine by considering yourself (yes, self-care is just as important). Remember to take your vitamins and any medications, spend a bit of time unwinding, and enjoy your breakfast. If you like to meditate, do that as well. Wrap up your morning by checking your email and any go-to websites that help you get on track for the day.
FlyLady Cleaning zones:
Another key component of the FlyLady Cleaning Method is the concept of zones. The FlyLady suggests separating your home into five different zones. The first week of the month is dedicated to zone one. Set aside 15 minutes a day to eliminate any clutter that has accumulated throughout your home. Move on to zone two, where you’ll tackle the kitchen for 15 minutes a day, typically during the first full week of the month. Zone three—the second full week of the month—calls for focusing on your bathroom and another room, like a home office, craft area, or children’s bedroom. Zone four, which falls under the third full week of the month, is the time to get your master bedroom, bathrooms, and closets in order. Finally, zone five is the time to address your living room. It’s the fifth week of the month and is typically just a few days, since zones one and five occur during the same week. With each zone, don’t forget that you’re only cleaning for 15 minutes a day, which the FlyLady says should yield noticeable results about a week after starting the routine.
Practice patience:
With a full schedule, which may include caring for your children and handling professional obligations, cleaning your home shouldn’t feel like a burden. Slowly working through your household duties by adopting a practical approach, like the FlyLady Cleaning Method, is worth considering. Pinners certainly think so.
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