Clutter Reduction/Organization

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

Regular: Put away obvious clutter and straighten out piles. This is not the time to be alphabetizing the CD collection! Rather, common sense should dictate what is done.

Last-Minute: Clear away unsightly objects, personal items, and anything that could be a tripping hazard. E. g. children's and pets' toys, laundry, the checkbook, etc.

The kitchen

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

Regular: Clean kitchen thoroughly, paying special attention to cabinets and counter tops.

Last-Minute: Straighten up, put away dishes, clean sink area. If desired, put out a bowl of attractive fruit (like Granny Smith apples) and/or fresh cut flowers.

Glass surfaces/Mopping

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

Regular: Mop floors, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathroom(s).

Last-Minute: Clean mirrors and clean windows in the guest room and any room where company will frequently congregate.

Vacuuming

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

Regular: Vacuum as usual, paying special attention to the guest room and areas where guests will congregate, such as the living room. Use scented carpet cleaning powder.

Last-Minute: Touch up trouble spots with hand-held vacuum.

Dusting

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

Regular: Remove dust covers from guest room area and wash. Remove bedspread, wash and return to room. Change sheets, if musty-smelling. Pay special attention to living room and other areas where guests will congregate.

Last-Minute: Quick wipe-down in guest room and living room areas.

Bathrooms

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

Regular: Scrub bathroom very well, paying particular attention to the toilet and the tub/shower. This should be a more thorough job than usual. Put out towels for guests. Include wash cloths if the guests use them.

Last-Minute: Put out clean towels and a clean floor mat. Scrub inside bowl with toilet brush. If necessary, add a new toilet tank cleaner tablet. Wipe inside of sink and wipe down mirror.

Trash day/Outdoor work

Today's tip:

Special Project - Sleep-Over Company's Coming!

This week, my parents are coming over to stay for a few days. Therefore, I'm going to denote special things that were done in anticipation of their arrival. Given the structure of this site, certain tasks show up on certain days. However, when getting ready for company, often tasks need to be performed at different times from usual. This is because either time is short or work has to be done at the last minute. So, I'll divide the normal workload into regular work and last-minute.

Regular: Clear out all garbage and clean the kitchen garbage can thoroughly, more thoroughly than usual. Depending on the time of year, either mow the lawn, clear away snow and ice, and/or gather firewood.

Last-Minute: Place all indoor garbage into the outdoor trash can, even if the indoor waste receptacles aren't full. Clean the inside of the kitchen garbage can one more time, adding baking soda to deodorize. Depending on the time of year, either water lawn or spread rock salt or sand or kitty litter to melt ice and provide traction.