Project Clean House

One mom, four kids, four experts, four weeks. Which system would help this untidy mother get the most spic and span with the least amount of effort?

By Kacy Faulconer

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I've developed a strange fascination with the way other people keep house because I'm nosy and, to be honest, my house is always messy. Nobody really dusts, right? Is it okay that I take a nap almost every day when the baby sleeps instead of using that time to clean the bathroom? As my kids got older, they got more and more stuff, which they don't put away. So recently housekeeping has become a matter of survival. If you think I'm exaggerating you have never stepped on a Lego with a bare foot. Or almost passed out from discovering a sour sippy cup. Or exacerbated your sciatica by bending over for a balled-up sock. Perhaps I've said too much.

Luckily, there are experts who give advice and specific details about all of this stuff. I've read tons of books, but I've never fully embraced the lifestyles of these homemaking gurus. I finally decided it was time to get serious. So over the next three weeks I tried out three clean-house advice books. My inner domestic goddess was begging me to make her proud.

Next: Book #1

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Comments

Comments (12)

jessica229 wrote:

I love the author's sense of humor - we could totally be BFFs. And I might look into the first book; sounds like it may just be my speed. But writing "thank you" notes to clutter? That's weird. I prefer to package mine up in little coffins and then hold a memorial service, shedding tears into lacy hankies, and remembering all the good times.

1/8/2012 12:05:54 AM Report Abuse

sdsumm983438 wrote:

I loved her honesty. I'm a neat freak who just can't keep up with her 4 kids anymore. Still looking for the perfect answer to cleaning my house, but I know what it is - I just don't have time for it anymore!

1/7/2012 11:43:24 PM Report Abuse

stoopkid_76 wrote:

I loved this post! The author is hilarious and it is always encouraging to read someone being embarrassingly honest about their own housekeeping up and downs.

1/7/2012 03:04:07 PM Report Abuse

jessicafontes1 wrote:

well i loved book number one i was the same way but then i decided i was tired of ALWAYS seeing my home the same. MESSY so i started seeing the whole house and putting things where they belong doing the easy stuff first and now when i clean its for 2-3 hours and its not only done right but the family as a whole is much happier so mu motto is a clean home is a happy home its a small price to pay for a big reward

1/7/2012 12:11:59 PM Report Abuse

jeanaabell1 wrote:

Fun to read, and excellent advise for all of us moderate house keepers! Thanks for the information. I'm sharing this article with my friends for sure.

1/7/2012 11:32:20 AM Report Abuse

couponmom_79 wrote:

super! just super! I am just like you and I totally liked the part " trying new things, giving up, getting inspired, and trying again", thats exactly how I am :)

1/7/2012 09:05:21 AM Report Abuse

suzieq86 wrote:

This article rocks! Thanks so much to the author for her awesome tips. Her hilarious personality kept me hooked.

1/7/2012 08:58:32 AM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

To childuvJesus - I was moderately interested in the Organic Housekeeping book, some of the ideas sounded interesting, plus the idea of spending less money on housecleaning was appealing, but I was hesitant to spend money on a book that I may not find interesting enough to finish. So I flipped over to flylady.net and it looks VERY interesting! I can hardly wait to delve into it and check it out! And best of all it's free on the web! Thanks for the tip!!

1/7/2012 08:38:19 AM Report Abuse

anjezadaci wrote:

I totally agree, i'm just like you

1/7/2012 07:58:10 AM Report Abuse

brenbren4057 wrote:

I loved reading your comments you made me LOL literally thank you for the read it gave me some inspiration I am actually decluttering this weekend myself so I needed it!!!

1/7/2012 07:02:29 AM Report Abuse

tami9201 wrote:

Thank you for this post!

10/19/2010 02:36:34 PM Report Abuse

childuvJesus wrote:

I'm not sure if this is the right place to write a comment to the author? When I came across this article, I found only one thing lacking-flylady.net! I know it's not a book, which is why it's not in your article. However, it is the best tool I have ever found for cleaning my house. If you haven't heard about it yet, and are still looking for great ways to keep your house clean, I encourage you to check it out!

5/31/2010 03:51:38 PM Report Abuse

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