Comments on: 8 simple steps to less clutter and cleaning

By: Matthew C

Matthew C — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:40:02 +0000

Thanks for bringing up the shoes-off at the door issue. I have an whole blog about removing shoes in homes: Shoes Off at the Door, Please You might want to take a look.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:28:16 +0000

I’m a grandma of 2 and I just wanted to tell you that I love your ideas! I highly recommend getting the children to do chores at an early age. That’s when they think it’s fun. If you wait too long, then you are going to have to fight a battle of the wills along with your battle against clutter.~~~:)

By: Tara

Tara — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:51:00 +0000

I follow almost all of these rules myself… I love a clean, well-organized home. I do, however, have issue with the shoe rule. I think it’s fine to have members of the household routinely remove their shoes upon entering, but I would never imagine telling guests in my home they must remove their shoes… fine to offer them the option, but I would never insist. When I have guests in my home, it’s about their comfort, not my own desire to not have to vacuum after they leave. If I went to someone’s home and they asked me to remove my shoes, I would respectfully decline. If they INSISTED, I would probably leave. The only exceptions I have ever made to this are when visiting the elderly parents of some Japanese friends, for whom this is a cultural custom.

By: Organizing Your Way | Surfin’ the Net: 3/15-3/21

Organizing Your Way | Surfin’ the Net: 3/15-3/21 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:11:36 +0000

[...] 8 Simple Steps to Less Clutter and Cleaning. Laura from I’m an Organizing Junkie shares 8 household tips that save her time and energy. [...]

By: jackie

jackie — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:31:41 +0000

I have a couple of problems. Two kids in wheelchairs, no slippers roadgrime on wheels! They can’t reach things to put them away, can’t get themselves dressed, or bathed, or toileted alone, and are unable to do chores. One Mom doing everything!

By: Judi

Judi — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:48:42 +0000

I’d kind of like the ‘no shoe’ rule, but as the kids were growing up we really didn’t have it. If their shoes were dirty they took them off. As far as the grownups, we come in the garage through the kitchen and there is no place for the shoes. At my daughters they have a no shoe rule and the stack of shoes just piles up and overflows into the kitchen work area. Common sense is so important, I’ve always tried to live by the motto – Clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. I came by that when I’d spend all day cleaning and my hubby would come in after mowing with grass on his shoes. I’d be ready to scream and then just give it up… he worked hard all day too. I like your post. Good discussion going on too.

By: Katie @ 3Blondes&...

Katie @ 3Blondes&... — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:44:13 +0000

I do many of these things, too. Especially the “never leave a room empty handed” – though I’ve never had that thought consciously. I just grab. What a great way to put it into words. There have been times that I’m running upstairs real quick and do a quick look for something to bring with me and I think, “Nothing? Really? At ALL?” and feel naked going up empty handed. What a freak…

By: MrsTwiddle

MrsTwiddle — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:44:34 +0000

Designated places work, as does a swish of the sink each time it’s used. I also use a squeegee everytime I shower – the bathroom always looks clean!

By: sara

sara — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:33:24 +0000

Live life and focus on what is important… not what is dusty.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:20:11 +0000

I hate “hosts” who insist I take my shoes off, I’m not putting my feet in your slippers, I don’t know where they have been, I’m not putting my bare or stocking feet on your floor, ESPECIALLY if you have pets and kids.. really they both leak from various orifices and that is even more true if you have carpet..I really don’t know how often you vacuum, mop, sweep or steam clean and as far as I know you’re not planning to share with me if ringworm or athlete’s foot has made its way into your home ever..

Besides, the hostess should be making her guests comfortable, I realize in some parts of the world it’s considered rude to leave your shoes on.. I find that strange, unless you are my best buddy I’d rather you keep your shoes on, and I’d rather keep them on in your house too.. for god’s sake if you’re that hung up on clean you’re going to clean those floors everyday anyway…