I don’t currently have a cleaning routine, it just happens when I get around to it. I know I can’t do it all and I know that I should ask for help, and I have been better at doing that lately. I have to as the lists of things at home and work that I’m trying to juggle are forever growing.

Whilst I was on zoom call after zoom call today at work, a few things just got done for me around the house which made me feel happy. My husband and eldest daughter have been doing the dishwasher and keeping things tidy over the last couple of days and then today they made a birthday cake between them (as it’s the younger one’s birthday tomorrow). My husband made it and my daughter iced it (it looks amazing.. sneaky preview further on).

My daughter has also beautifully wrapped all of the presents that we’ve bought with different types of paper and ribbon. She’s very talented.

Back to thinking about cleaning

As I’ve mentioned before, I need to introduce a very basic cleaning routine to our day and see how it goes. It has to be basic otherwise it will become too onerous to maintain. I don’t know what the routine is yet – watch this space – but what I do know is that it won’t be hours and hours each week. Instead it will be bite-sized tasks. I started by ordering myself a long-poled microfibre duster the other day which I tested out yesterday.

When I was perusing the internet for the duster, I stumbled a book called Hinch Yourself Happy by Mrs Hinch, which contains ‘All The Best Cleaning Tips To Shine Your Sink and Soothe Your Soul’. I listened to the sample on audible and loved it. The author sees cleaning as a release and maybe I should see it like that as it may be a way of de-stressing.

I used one of my audible credits to buy the book and I’ve been listening to it on and off for a few days. One of my faourite lines in the book so far is:

There isn’t a single place in the house that I dread looking at

Mrs Hinch, Hinch Yourself Happy

This made me feel hopeful that I could possible get that feeling too, as there are so many places in the house that I dread looking at. I’ve learnt loads from what I’ve listened to in the audio book so far – mainly about what cleaning products to buy, some of which I already have in my cupboards.

There are also chapters I haven’t listened to yet containing information on garages, junk, recycling, how she got her wardrobe under control, how to clean each room and so on. I’m really excited about listening to more and just know that this book will be the perfect companion for me as I continue with my challenge. This was the kickstart I needed I think, as I’ve been focusing on decluttering a lot more than cleaning.

Birthday preparations

As well as the cake that my daughter iced…

… there is also batter in the fridge that my husband has made ready for pancakes in the morning.

The presents are all beautifully wrapped in the lounge and the table is set for breakfast. I’ve just mopped the floor throughout the whole of downstairs as it was very sticky after all the cooking.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s fun.

Until then…

Sandra