As we seek to pack everything we own into boxes (again), one of the things that gets pushed aside frequently is actual cleaning.
With six month old on the move and eating three meals a day plus nursing full-time, a husband who looks like he moves out every single morning with his briefcase, lunch bag, and work out bag, and not to mention, life still goes on even when you’re in the middle of packing to move, cleaning easily gets forgotten. Sometimes it even seems needless. I certainly haven’t maintained my hot spot.
As a result, things can get pretty dirty very quickly. Clutter starts piling up from mail and bills that continue to come in. Jobs still have to be done. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners still have to be consumed. We still need clean clothes to wear. The list goes on, right?
So what am I doing to stay sane during this moving process? Other than much, much prayer, which is the most important part, I am seeking to simplify my cleaning schedule to be sure that our basic necessities are met and home is still a haven amid all of life’s changes.
First and foremost, keep the kitchen clean!
When we look around and see boxes stacking up everywhere, keeping this area clean instantly reduces stress for both of us because this is where we spend most of our time. Therefore, I will keep the dishes washed, drying dishes put back where they belong, dishwasher unloaded, and floors swept.
Second, don’t let the mail and bills get lost.
Keep filing even though it’s inconvenient right now. Dealing with mail as it comes in and not letting it pile up assures us that we don’t pack more than is needed, and we can be certain that no bills will be misplaced – costing us money in the long run.
Third, keep the laundry clean.
I can wear the same thing every day during this short season; unfortunately, Mark cannot. When doing laundry, I make sure to make his garments the priority. As for Samuel, he’s a diaper baby anyways.
Lastly, make the bed every day.
The bed makes up 75% of your room. Keeping the bed made cuts down on the mess in the second most often frequented room in your house.
My friends, that’s it. That’s my priorities during this season. Everything else may fall apart, but keeping these areas clean and neat will ensure that Mark, Samuel, and I still have a restful place we can go to during this time of transition.
**********************************************************************
What are some things you have found helpful in times of harried chaos? What priorities do you set?
About Leigh Ann
[...] we saw the Lord provide the next size clothing for Samuel through family. When our money went to moving expenses, we saw the Lord provide friends who were willing to get dirty, really dirty, to help us [...]