What helps the most in making your house run efficiently?

Kim · 10-28-2007, 06:57 AM

Is it a monthly purge? having a weekly routine? Have a place to store everything? What helps the most in making your house run efficiently?

Oregano · 10-28-2007, 01:36 PM

For me...definately have a routine. Doing what I need to do, when I need to do it and not putting it off. Being organized, so I am always proactive, I make sure backpacks are ready to go the night before, that kids know what they want to wear the next day for school...for swimming, I make sure their bags are ready to go, in the car etc I prep dinner in the am, so when it's 5 o'clock, I'm ready to cook and it's done in a flash.

marrobinson · 10-28-2007, 04:35 PM

Getting rid of my DH!!!!!!!! :D

Secondly, making sure I haven't overbooked my life so that I have the time to think about meals, clear out paper and clutter, and get laundry folded and sorted . . . .

Marlene

Starlite · 10-29-2007, 09:03 AM

I agree with what Oregano said -- having a routine and being organized. Also, keeping my house decluttered really helps me get things done quicker.

AyeOhKay · 10-29-2007, 09:19 AM

We do best when I've taken the time to make a plan for the day. I try to make a list the night before of the things that need to be done and prioritze them. That ensures everything that needs to be accomplished is!

I also have a magnetic board with each child's name and magnets with regular chores. Each morning I move the magnets under the name of the person that is responsible for that chore. As the chores are completed, they move the magnet to the "Done" section. This helps keep the house neat and tidy, and each child knows his/her responsibiities. It cuts way back on quarrels.

Another thing we do to detour quarrels is pick a Kid of the Day. If there is any confusion about a task or privilege, the Kid of the Day gets it. I also have a magnet that says Kid of the Day on it that I place under the selected child when it's his/her turn. For instance, if the kids start arguing over what to watch on t.v., Kid of the Day gets to pick. If a light needs turned off in the basement, Kid of the Day does it. We do not have Kid of the Day on Sunday, as it's the Lord's Day.

This may seem a little extreme to some, but I have my kids 24/7 and this helps things go much smoother!