A Clean House is a Sign of a Wasted Life

But a house that's too dirty is just a waste of time. A few years ago, my mom, a housewife for 25 years, had to return to the workforce. The rest of us, spoiled by years of her mom-magic, didn't step up in the way we should have to help now that she didn't have the time or the energy to cook and do housework (she works over 50 hours a week and is nearly 60). This is a sad thing and, given that we're all adults here, really without excuse. Since then, we've fallen into patterns of doing dishes on weekends when she's here, cleaning the house only when company is coming, and eating take-out on most nights.

I'm 23 and recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Art History. I plan on starting my MA in the fall and to live at home until I finish that degree, which will probably take at least two years. My areas of the house are, by far, the worst. When my brother (seven years my senior) moved out I took over his room and turned into a lounge. So, I have two large rooms and a bathroom completely dedicated to my stuff.

And they're full.

I've decided I no longer wish to live this way. Now, I don't have any desire to be a "neat freak". I don't have to be Martha Stewart. I also don't want to be so uptight about organization that I can't enjoy life for fear of making a mess. However, I read something the other day that opened my eyes. There is a middle ground. One can be organized without being stifled. The rule stated in the article (I can't remember the source, unfortunately) was called the five-minute rule. Basically, everything you have you should be able to find in five minutes.

Another rule I've heard is that everything should have a home, even if it's not always exactly where it should be. That way, when you go to put it away, you can do so quickly and properly. The way I see it, if these two rules are followed, the house should be company-ready after about an hour or so of tidying. That would be so much nicer than getting up early on Christmas just to clean.

My mother and I promised ourselves, and each other, that we would be better organized by her 60th birthday, which is one year from this Sunday. She's simply too tired to deal with the mess all the time, and I can't see myself being successful in either Grad school or in my career if I'm stifled practically and creatively by my lack of organization. I have a lot of great ideas for getting it together, but I'm having a hard time sorting them. I'm hoping this blog will help me do that. It's an experiment of sorts.