How to Clean House & DeClutter the Sane Way

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Clean House & DeClutter the Sane Way

How to Clean House & DeClutter the Sane Way

With three children, we end up with a lot of clutter. But it's hard to de-clutter when the house needs cleaned. This is how we do it. 🏡

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Step 1 of 72
Get those machines working first.

Get those machines working first.

Step 2 of 72
Load the first machine...the dishwasher.

Load the first machine...the dishwasher.

Step 3 of 72
Empty all dishes from sink, yes, the ones that didn't fit in the dishwasher. Place on counter ready to go.  Clean the sink.

Empty all dishes from sink, yes, the ones that didn't fit in the dishwasher. Place on counter ready to go. Clean the sink.

Step 4 of 72
Leave leftover dirty dishes on counter together. Ready to go in on next load. That way when first load is done, you've got the next load ready.

Leave leftover dirty dishes on counter together. Ready to go in on next load. That way when first load is done, you've got the next load ready.

Step 5 of 72
Now to the next machine..Laundry. Have presorted baskets with how you do laundry. I sort whites, towels, and darks.

Now to the next machine..Laundry. Have presorted baskets with how you do laundry. I sort whites, towels, and darks.

Step 6 of 72
Have extra basket for rest of family to place their items. Sort from this basket into your presorted baskets. Turn clothes right side out, empty pockets, etc.

Have extra basket for rest of family to place their items. Sort from this basket into your presorted baskets. Turn clothes right side out, empty pockets, etc.

Step 7 of 72
When sorting note which piles up first. When a basket gets full. STOP sorting.  Mine is the colors. Start a load with that basket.

When sorting note which piles up first. When a basket gets full. STOP sorting. Mine is the colors. Start a load with that basket.

Step 8 of 72
After getting first load going, sort again till next load ready. Again, it's the colors. 🎨

After getting first load going, sort again till next load ready. Again, it's the colors. 🎨

Step 9 of 72
Next get like things together.

Next get like things together.

Step 10 of 72
Get all trash together. Grab trash can and walk through house with it. Look for obvious trash. Old school papers, broken items left out, anything that needs to be tossed that you can see.

Get all trash together. Grab trash can and walk through house with it. Look for obvious trash. Old school papers, broken items left out, anything that needs to be tossed that you can see.

Step 11 of 72
If you have a very messy space like this. ..Step in, glance for trash.

If you have a very messy space like this. ..Step in, glance for trash.

Step 12 of 72
OK..obvious trash is out. Back out slowly..go to another room. ..yes, leave it..

OK..obvious trash is out. Back out slowly..go to another room. ..yes, leave it..

Step 13 of 72
Is trash bag full?  Take it out. Yes .. Go on..

Is trash bag full? Take it out. Yes .. Go on..

Step 14 of 72
Running out of bags?  Put on list right now.

Running out of bags? Put on list right now.

Step 15 of 72
Now let's move to dishes. Walk around house gather all dishes left about the house..water glass by the bed, snack plate left by video games...etc. Place on counter with other ready to wash dishes.

Now let's move to dishes. Walk around house gather all dishes left about the house..water glass by the bed, snack plate left by video games...etc. Place on counter with other ready to wash dishes.

Step 16 of 72
Yep there's dishes from last night's popcorn and lemonade.

Yep there's dishes from last night's popcorn and lemonade.

Step 17 of 72
Got all the dishes?  Move onto laundry. Same thing..walk around house and find laundry. Place in basket to be sorted.

Got all the dishes? Move onto laundry. Same thing..walk around house and find laundry. Place in basket to be sorted.

Step 18 of 72
With laundry up, may find more trash and dishes. Just get those up and move to next room till all trash, dishes and laundry is together.

With laundry up, may find more trash and dishes. Just get those up and move to next room till all trash, dishes and laundry is together.

Step 19 of 72
Now that's done. Take a break. Give yourself permission. Anytime you feel overwhelmed or getting upset ..take a break.

Now that's done. Take a break. Give yourself permission. Anytime you feel overwhelmed or getting upset ..take a break.

Step 20 of 72
Re-evaluate. What else needs to be put together?

Re-evaluate. What else needs to be put together?

Step 21 of 72
In my house, it's shoes...

In my house, it's shoes...

Step 22 of 72
...pens, pencils, crayons..

...pens, pencils, crayons..

Step 23 of 72
..uh..it's...what are those DVD's doing under the bed?...those too

..uh..it's...what are those DVD's doing under the bed?...those too

Step 24 of 72
..Kleenex boxes..I found 6!

..Kleenex boxes..I found 6!

Step 25 of 72
...change..oh yeah!...money!

...change..oh yeah!...money!

Step 26 of 72
...hangers..

...hangers..

Step 27 of 72
Oh yeah! Hangers..

Oh yeah! Hangers..

Step 28 of 72
We put up these shelves for extra storage. They make a great place for hangers. It's right by my dryer! Now that's convenient!

We put up these shelves for extra storage. They make a great place for hangers. It's right by my dryer! Now that's convenient!

Step 29 of 72
I can hang my clean laundry right there. Then grab and go.

I can hang my clean laundry right there. Then grab and go.

Step 30 of 72
Speaking of laundry. This loads done. Start next load. Presort for next load.

Speaking of laundry. This loads done. Start next load. Presort for next load.

Step 31 of 72
By the way, these handy over door hooks are great to hang up outfit that needs buttoned before I put away.

By the way, these handy over door hooks are great to hang up outfit that needs buttoned before I put away.

Step 32 of 72
...And...I put the lint and dryer sheets in cleaned milk jugs♻. These are great for starting fires.

...And...I put the lint and dryer sheets in cleaned milk jugs♻. These are great for starting fires.

Step 33 of 72
Oh..and..All socks go in the sock basket to be sorted later while sitting.

Oh..and..All socks go in the sock basket to be sorted later while sitting.

Step 34 of 72
..And...Laundry cabinets are superb for keeping cleaning supplies near.

..And...Laundry cabinets are superb for keeping cleaning supplies near.

Step 35 of 72
Finishing Steps 1 & 2.

Finishing Steps 1 & 2.

Step 36 of 72
Step 3. Go back to that messy area.

Step 3. Go back to that messy area.

Step 37 of 72
Turn favorite music on and let's tackle this!  Ok..start with trash again.

Turn favorite music on and let's tackle this! Ok..start with trash again.

Step 38 of 72
Trash out. Get dishes and things needing laundered.

Trash out. Get dishes and things needing laundered.

Step 39 of 72
Looking better! Get out hangers.

Looking better! Get out hangers.

Step 40 of 72
Found some more trash!

Found some more trash!

Step 41 of 72
Left with toys and odd things. Put away with other like things.

Left with toys and odd things. Put away with other like things.

Step 42 of 72
All clear!  Vacuum. ✨😃✨ Now I need to shampoo the carpet!

All clear! Vacuum. ✨😃✨ Now I need to shampoo the carpet!

Step 43 of 72
There goes the buzzer. Another load. TIP:  I put away clothes on the left side. We pick clothes to wear from next item on right.   ..(You can choose which side you want to do what accordingly.)

There goes the buzzer. Another load. TIP: I put away clothes on the left side. We pick clothes to wear from next item on right. ..(You can choose which side you want to do what accordingly.)

Step 44 of 72
So on the right side these jeans looking spandex are next. So tomorrow's outfit will contain these.

So on the right side these jeans looking spandex are next. So tomorrow's outfit will contain these.

Step 45 of 72
...Or if you decide you don't want to wear these tomorrow. Ask yourself..Why?  Not fit right? In need of repair? Just don't like them anymore?  Ok get rid of them. You've just de-cluttered one item!

...Or if you decide you don't want to wear these tomorrow. Ask yourself..Why? Not fit right? In need of repair? Just don't like them anymore? Ok get rid of them. You've just de-cluttered one item!

Step 46 of 72
What's next?  A summer top. Well that's out of season now. It's 54 degrees outside.

What's next? A summer top. Well that's out of season now. It's 54 degrees outside.

Step 47 of 72
And what's next to that? A pair of shorts. Also out of season. Take those out.

And what's next to that? A pair of shorts. Also out of season. Take those out.

Step 48 of 72
We have a closet in the children's playroom just for out of season clothes. As we come across out of season clothes, we put in there. Now they are accessible but out of the way for daily use.

We have a closet in the children's playroom just for out of season clothes. As we come across out of season clothes, we put in there. Now they are accessible but out of the way for daily use.

Step 49 of 72
While putting clothes away you discover a messy drawer like this one.

While putting clothes away you discover a messy drawer like this one.

Step 50 of 72
Pull out the drawer.

Pull out the drawer.

Step 51 of 72
Separate into like piles. I discovered a play shirt in wrong drawer.

Separate into like piles. I discovered a play shirt in wrong drawer.

Step 52 of 72
And another.

And another.

Step 53 of 72
Got my like piles.

Got my like piles.

Step 54 of 72
Lets go through the pajama shorts.

Lets go through the pajama shorts.

Step 55 of 72
I found 4 pair that don't fit!  Donate, give to niece, or reuse the material for something else.

I found 4 pair that don't fit! Donate, give to niece, or reuse the material for something else.

Step 56 of 72
Much better.

Much better.

Step 57 of 72
Put in your drawer.

Put in your drawer.

Step 58 of 72
How about these sleeping shirts?

How about these sleeping shirts?

Step 59 of 72
Found 3 are stained up. Cut up to use as 'cleaning rags'.

Found 3 are stained up. Cut up to use as 'cleaning rags'.

Step 60 of 72
So much better. And easier for the child to pick from and keep clean.

So much better. And easier for the child to pick from and keep clean.

Step 61 of 72
Now looks like I need to go through the play clothes drawer. 😉

Now looks like I need to go through the play clothes drawer. 😉

Step 62 of 72
While we are in the closet..more tips. These hangers are super handy for scarves.

While we are in the closet..more tips. These hangers are super handy for scarves.

Step 63 of 72
And this one for belts.

And this one for belts.

Step 64 of 72
I use just plastic hangers. NO WIRE HANGERS! Isn't that what she said in that movie? ...anyway...

I use just plastic hangers. NO WIRE HANGERS! Isn't that what she said in that movie? ...anyway...

Step 65 of 72
I have a few of these nice wooden ones that we use for heavy things like coats. They won't break from the weight of the clothes and they keep the shape of the clothes shoulder nice.

I have a few of these nice wooden ones that we use for heavy things like coats. They won't break from the weight of the clothes and they keep the shape of the clothes shoulder nice.

Step 66 of 72
Ok laundry done, another load in, another presorted and ready to go. Step 4: Sort like piles.  Make sure all of the like things are in your pile before starting.

Ok laundry done, another load in, another presorted and ready to go. Step 4: Sort like piles. Make sure all of the like things are in your pile before starting.

Step 67 of 72
You then sort into other like piles. I sorted these into ownership piles.

You then sort into other like piles. I sorted these into ownership piles.

Step 68 of 72
Now look through that smaller pile. Is that pile too big? Can it be sorted into another like pile? Maybe it's a pile of utensils. And you have 10 spoons and 5 spatulas, etc. Sort again.

Now look through that smaller pile. Is that pile too big? Can it be sorted into another like pile? Maybe it's a pile of utensils. And you have 10 spoons and 5 spatulas, etc. Sort again.

Step 69 of 72
From the pile you've decided to work with. Look..is any of it trash? In need of repair? Doesn't fit it's purpose? Tired of it?  Like these shoes are not worth repairing. So I'm trashing them.

From the pile you've decided to work with. Look..is any of it trash? In need of repair? Doesn't fit it's purpose? Tired of it? Like these shoes are not worth repairing. So I'm trashing them.

Step 70 of 72
Find something in the pile that still use but not fitting in your designated space? These boots are not worn daily. I put on the shelf, still accessible but out of way for daily use.

Find something in the pile that still use but not fitting in your designated space? These boots are not worn daily. I put on the shelf, still accessible but out of way for daily use.

Step 71 of 72
Keep going through pile until have what will fit in designated space. These shoes, plus the shoes he has on will nicely fit into this designated container and be easily kept clean. Sort other piles.

Keep going through pile until have what will fit in designated space. These shoes, plus the shoes he has on will nicely fit into this designated container and be easily kept clean. Sort other piles.

Step 72 of 72
Happy House Cleaning!

Happy House Cleaning!

You're Done

Check out other guides by this author!

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Married to my Best Friend, Mother of Three Wonderful Children, Nurse at a Children's Hospital and Love..Love Getting a Bargain!

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20 Comments
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Lucy Hudnall

Pinky I do drink a protein shake, take Vitamin D3 and B12!

(author) 2 months ago

Pinky Sinatrya

Woow.. 👏👏👏👏 what vitamin did you eat every morning? Awesome 😊

Pinky Sinatrya 2 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you so much Jan. I will have to do that!

(author) 3 months ago

Jan Hoffman

Would like to see more cleaning tutorials - how often do you do bathrooms, floors, dusting, etc. I enjoy your tutorials - thanks!!

Jan Hoffman 3 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Kiki!

(author) 6 months ago

Kiki Chapman

Wow! This looks so mush more organized and simple. I love it!

Kiki Chapman 6 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Heather and Rima.

(author) 7 months ago

Rima Mathewson

you do rock

Rima Mathewson 7 months ago

Rima Mathewson

fabulous

Rima Mathewson 7 months ago

Heather Rettberg

You my dear... are superwoman!!! You rock!!

Heather Rettberg 7 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Leigh-Ann.

(author) 7 months ago

Leigh-Ann Keffer

Awesome guide!! And fun to read :)

Leigh-Ann Keffer 7 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

You are welcome Tabasom.

(author) 7 months ago

Tabasom Sam

Thanks good guide

Tabasom Sam 7 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thanks Jenny!

(author) 7 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Karen!

(author) 7 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Isabel.

(author) 7 months ago

Jenny Jarrard

Good job!

Jenny Jarrard 7 months ago

Karen Schmidt

This is a fab guide! I was very lucky to have a housekeeper growing up and I now have to take care of it all myself with two young kids, I get very overwhelmed but your guide has given me some excellent ideas. Thank you!

Karen Schmidt 7 months ago

Isabel 123 Cooking guide

a tip...in my case i dont give my kids more than 2 pairs of jeans shoes jackets ... limit the qt can help you keep the areas org .. good job jeep the good spirit and smile.. :-)

Isabel 123 Cooking guide 7 months ago

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Lucy Hudnall

My son's..

(author) 2 weeks ago

Girly Stuff

So your ipad is just laying in the floor?

Girly Stuff 2 weeks ago

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Lucy Hudnall

:)

(author) 7 months ago

Tabasom Sam

Lol... I know how it feels when you find even one coin.. Happens to me too

Tabasom Sam 7 months ago

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Lucy Hudnall

Thanks Mickie!

(author) last month

Mickie Cain

It's actually a line from" Mommy Dearest". Madea was re-enacting the crazy scene from the movie. Both are Good Movies. Sometimes when I'm putting clothes away I say the samething! PS. LOVE ALL THE GUIDES!

Mickie Cain last month

Lucy Hudnall

Yeah that was it!

(author) 7 months ago

Sharla Harmon

Madea!!! Lol

Sharla Harmon 7 months ago

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Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Sonia. :)

(author) 2 months ago

Sonia W

Good advice and great tangible examples. I'm glad I'm not the only one with piles on the floor in her home! I love these strategies and will be trying them!

Sonia W 2 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Thank you Nicole.

(author) 3 months ago

Nicole Patterson

Love it

Nicole Patterson 3 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Good Luck Vanessa!

(author) 4 months ago

Vanessa Marcano

I'm a busy community organizer working very long hours with no time or energy when I get home. And when I do get time, the task of cleaning seems so daunting, I just want to run away. This guide is awesome guidance. Thank you! Will let you know how it works out next weekend!

Vanessa Marcano 4 months ago

Lucy Hudnall

Carol you are so right.

(author) 7 months ago

Carol Scriven

This is almost exactly how I do it!! Great job! Works if they will do it!

Carol Scriven 7 months ago