This weekend I read part of the book Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House while house-sitting (ironic, non?). The takeaway point from the intro is that having a nicely kept home is not about how it looks to other people or for people who have loads of spare time on their hands (which is what I often assumed), but to make it comfortable for you and your family to live in. It may seem obvious, but it was a revelation to me. If I spend a few minutes a day making my house neat/clean I'll want to spend more time there. It will feel more like "home", which can bring about nothing but good. Another angle the book presents: having a regular cleaning routine makes it not so much of a chore (literally). Instead of a cleaning spree every few weeks/months (guilty), after which you enjoy a clean home for a few days before the filth builds up and disorder creeps in, you have an enjoyable place to live daily. Brilliant! Imagine having a regular laundry day instead of waiting until you run out of underwear or socks! I realize all of this may seem obvious to most of the world, but it wasn't to me.
So I've been inspired. Here's what I've done today:
- Cleaned and organized my pantry and cabinets
- Washed the kitchen floor (not going to lie, it may have been only the second time since we've moved in)
- Cleaned the bathroom
- Took out the trash
- Put away laundry
- Changed sheets
And you know what? I am already enjoying being in my house more.