Prevention

Do you spend time cleaning writing and drawings from walls? Put the markers and crayons out of reach. Then, you can supervise any use of them. You should also set boundaries for their use - they can only be used in this play area, etc.

Do you have to clean the oven and/or stove frequently? It's probably because food has "boiled over" the sides of the pan or pot. Why not get larger pots and pans? Or cook smaller amounts - I know that in my house I tend to fix meals that are more than my family can eat in one sitting.

There should be boundaries for eating and drinking - only at the kitchen or dining table, for example. You'll save tons of time not having to clean spills or crumbs in the other rooms of the house. Make sure there are coasters for drinks and small plates or bowls for snacks.

If some members of the household spill regularly, don't fill the cups or bowls, just put a small amount in, and let them have more when they've finished what they have - that way, if they do spill, it's not quite as much.

When you have guests, try not to serve drippy, crumbly, or otherwise messy finger foods - it just means more for you to clean.

I'm sure that as you start to implement these ideas, you'll think of many more.

More organization tips

• Lists Setting up a calendar and lists to assist in the organization process.
• Message Center Setting up a central place for messages and important information.
• Are you organized? A quick quiz to find out how organized you are, and how much you can do to make yourself more organized.
• Make your own organizer Making your own organizer to track tasks and dates.
• Telephone tips Ways to save time and frustration with the telephone.
• Errands and appointments Making the most out of errands and appointments.
• Using short periods wisely What to do when you only have a few minutes.
• Mail How to handle mail efficiently.
• Housework Make housework more productive and effective.
• Company Preparing for, and entertaining, company.
• Company Kit Setting up a kit for when company arrives on short notice.
• Each evening Preparing for the following day.
• Simple tidying Life can be easier if you set up areas for situations, tyding up the whole house.
• Laundry Ways to save time and money with the laundry.
• Distributing the Burden You don't have to do it all yourself, you can share the load.
• Delegation How to delegate effectively.
• Child's room Keeping your kid's rooms tidy.
• Storage Where to put things.
• Pack rat How to avoid being a pack rat.
• Messy Closet Cleaning out a messy closet.
• Garage Sale How to have a successful garage sale.
• Moving Sorting through your stuff for a move.
• Prevention Some ideas to prevent cleaning chores.
• Odds and ends How to deal with odds and ends that just kind of show up to clutter a room.
• Organizing Your Home Basics of organization.

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