12 January 2013 - Keeping house

I have always been someone who is fairly disorganized with my personal items. In fact I actually remember reading through old school reports and as a five year old my teacher had felt the need to add an additional comment under the tick in the "not achieved" box for the category regarding the ability to take care of personal belongings:

"Jacinda's belongings tend to surround herself and her desk at all times!" it read. Thanks a lot Mrs Bruce. 

But she was right. And it didn't end there. As a child my bedroom would be periodically spring cleaned in a frenzy of OCD organization before I let is descend into a comfortable mess once again. In shared flats I would always show a great deal of respect for common areas but could not control my own bedroom. And once me and my husband joined forces in our house (I can imagine his report cards reading similarly to my own!) we would often find ourselves needing to dedicate an entire day to cleaning. 

This year I decided enough was enough and I would finally keep on top of things so to kick the year off I went through every cupboard, drawer, nook and cranny in our home and cleaned, organized and compartmentalized our belongings. My husband and I have kept the home in an immaculate state for the three weeks since. 

And I suddenly feel very foolish for waiting all this time before listening to my Mother's sensible advice that "if you just pick up after yourself as you go things won't get into such a state."

These are the three best things I've noticed about keeping on top of the housework:

1. I feel as though I have much more time to do the things I enjoy. 

2. I have found that one of the 'things I enjoy' is actually hanging out in my own clean and tidy house. 

3.There are less bugs

This has definitely been a lifestyle choice for the better.