Close your eyes. You are entering a room filled with chaos. It might be your kitchen after a big meal (possibly created by your children), or it’s a family room filled with toys and debris. You know what I’m talking about.  It’s that feeling.  The feeling of your skin crawling and not bearing to look.  You just don’t know how to start.  Where to start?  How do you feel?  Is your skin crawling at the very thought of it?  Thinking about laying in the corner sucking your thumb?

I am.

A room filled with chaos makes me want to cry.

But checklists are doable.  They’re often my BEST friend when I feel overwhelmed.

That is why I created my weekly cleaning schedule.  It supports my ability to take small steps towards non-chaos.  I cling to it and it allows me to move through my home and my life peacefully.

In thinking about it — I started to really wanted a house cleaning list.  Small checklists that allow me to take small chunks of a big job.

House Cleaning List: The Benefits

• It takes large tasks into small, doable chunks.  Only have time for one checkmark — do it, and then come back!
• They are awesome if you have kids, that way they don’t have to read your mind about what needs to be done.
• If you keep up on the list, it makes each day a little more doable.
• Available — it’s RIGHT there.  Put it in a cupboard so you can just go to it when you feel overwhelmed.

Want more house cleaning tips, check out these posts:

• Smelly Fridge – Here’s the Easy Ways to Clean It
• How to Clean Tile Floors
• I love cleaning {I know, I’m Crazy}: Six things to like about cleaning
• Splitting Household Chores in Marriage
• Why I Don’t Have a Cleaning Lady

Doable Chunks

I’ve created these awesome house cleaning lists that allow you to have a generic checklist to customize for yourself.  The reality is many rooms you’re just going top to bottom and making sure it’s done.  Most rooms are going to follow the checklists I’ve created.  There’s specific ones for bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathrooms.

Kids

Having this list makes your expectations clear to kids.   That way they are able to go down the checklist, get the items done and then get on with the work of being a kid.  Instead of you checking 12 times with your expectations never being met.

BTW, want tips to getting your kids to help out more — be sure to check out this course:

Keep Up

By doing this list each time, I feel like it’s easier every time.  It’s like magic.

Right There

I like to put these behind a cupboard door, I would print them at a smaller size (or maybe print 4 to a page) and just have them there.  You could also laminate it or put it in a sheet protector.  That way you can use a dry erase to actually check it off.

Anyway — those are the awesome benefits of a house cleaning list.

And now it’s time to go get it.  Get the small chunks, right there, easy to keep up and a great way to help your kids become responsible individuals.

Just sign up below and get them straight to your inbox!

The post House Cleaning List {Printable} appeared first on Pulling Curls.

Medicine Storage Ideas

I rotate through my house in areas that I need to clean/organize. Some of them I really enjoy cleaning and organizing (who doesn’t love a good organization project?) — while some of them I avoid like the plague. I must admit that my medicine cabinet is one of those places.

While I hate throwing out good products in other areas, I’m always worried I’m going to be throwing away something I need from my medicine cabinet. So, I ignore it and let it build up with who knows what until I finally give in and get in there.

Medications are great. I tend to keep a good number of things on hand since I hate going to the doctor (as do most nurses). I also have found a good storage system that keeps me from having to clean it out TOO often.

FYI, I am a nurse — I’ve been a nurse since 1997, so it’s likely I take medication (both safety and what I keep on hand) more seriously.

In fact, I shared the top medications I keep on hand in Episode 007 of the Pulling Curls Podcast which you can listen to right here:

Medicine Storage Safety

Obviously, since this is medicine, you want to make sure that you’re being safe as you store it.

Child-Safe Medicine Storage

Making sure that children who don’t know better don’t access your medicine. Ways to do this:

• Store it up high (may not work if you have a climber)
• Lock the cabinet door
• Lock up the box that holds the medicine

No matter how you choose to safely store your medicine, be sure to talk to your children about how medicine can MAKE them sick, and is not candy or a toy at ALL. Playing with medicine would be a time that I might use spanking.

Best Place for Medicine

It is best for medication to be in a dry, dark place. This often means that the bathroom cabinet “medicine cabinet” isn’t the ideal spot for it.

By putting your medicine in a cool, dark, dry place will allow it to remain as potent for when you need it. Here are some medicine cabinet organization ideas to help you have enough space for the different needs you may have.

Best system for storing medication:

For me, my system needs to do this:

• Separate medicine into different categories, so it’s easy to find
• Allow different shaped bottles to be easily stored, including small items and large bottles — like liquid medicine
• Able to grab and then toss back in when I’m done — AS, usually, when I’m using medicine I am not at my best to spend a lot of time looking for something and then putting it away.

I used to stow mine in clear plastic bins (like these) that were easy to pull out and then toss medicine in when it’s done. Storage bins, a spice rack, a lazy susan and clear bins are a great way for storing prescription medications, medical supplies, and first aid supplies.

This system worked well EXCEPT that the large medicine had to be stored on its side and it sometimes leaked.  Now that we have less liquid medicine (as our kids all can take pills or chewable) this might be more doable.

I liked the system because they were easily corraled and held quite a lot  Also, I could put newer unopened medicine at the back so we could rotate through it easier.

BTW, if you’re looking for great systems to use to organize. Check out this course — TONS of ideas that work for families in there!

Categorizing Medicine:

1.  Respiratory — that’s anything to do with airway (coughs) colds, allergies — all that type of jazz.
2.  Stomach/Vitamins — our least full bin, but when you need pepto — you NEED pepto.  Am I right?
3.  Kids — kids tylenol, and anything that’s prescribed just for them.
4.  Pain — Advil, Tylenol, Alieve, Oxycontin, etc. {giggle}  Also a place for muscle pain — ben gay, etc. Basically anything for pain relief.

Storage for Medicine Bottles

Now (as you can see below) I use bins to store mine.  I keep liquid medicine in the top bins (so the bottles can be stored vertically).

I buy GIANT bottles of Costco Vitamins, so those are behind the bins, and it’s easy enough to pull out a bin section and then reach the vitamins behind (I then fill a container like this so I have what  I need in the kitchen when I eat breakfast — I just use masking tape to make a new label(I then fill a container like this so I have what I need in the kitchen when I eat breakfast — I just use masking tape to make a new label, but if you have a label maker that would work also).

Behind them I also have some “extras”  these bins aren’t large enough to hold excess meds (and it just keeps it more organized this way)

How to store medicine without a medicine cabinet:

Many of us had parents who stored medications in the medicine cabinet (obviously — makes sense, right?) in the bathroom.

But that is the WORST place to store them.  The bathroom medicine cabinet is a dark, damp place where that moisture can make your medications expire even quicker. The bathroom is NOT the place for your medication storage.

Other places to consider storing your items:

• The Linen Closet — this is a convenient place because it’s often close to bedrooms (as long as it’s not IN the bathroom) and you can grab things quickly if you’re not feeling well. This is where I have mine.
• The Kitchen – You’ve already got kitchen cabinet space — it’s a great place to store your medications so they are within easy reach!
• Bedroom — maybe take a portion of a dresser drawer to put your medications in. It’s a great idea to use a drawer organizer or small baskets as easy ways to store medicines. Check out your local dollar store for these types of small containers.

**As I said before — If you have small children you want to make sure that the medications are out of reach and in child-safe containers.  Also, be sure to teach your children that they are NOT something to mess around with (easy to do as you take Tylenol or whatnot).

Things to remove from your medicine cabinet:

Expired medications:  They expire because after that point they won’t work as well. And I’ll tell you — when I need a Tylenol, I don’t want half a “maybe” Tylenol. Get it out! I will, however, keep expired medicines for a few years past the expiration dates. That’s up to you.

Things you don’t use:  No reason to have old medication (although, you should take your full prescription!) or other prescription drugs that were for an illness a long time ago hanging around.

Make sure, that when you dispose of medications you do so in an environmentally-friendly way.  A lot of pharmacies have places you can put medications.  Ask next time you’re in!

Of course, it can feel like you’re pouring good money down the drain (or in the garbage can).

Medications are expensive and painful to buy — but they don’t have to be that way.

And organizing things like this can make your whole life seem more simple — get started right here.

This is in a series of medicine I keep on hand.  Other posts you might find of interest are {some may be posting soon– if you don’t see it now — check back!}:

• Children’s Medicine
• Tummy Medicine
• Pain Medicine
• Cold/Allergy/Cough {Respiratory} Over the Counter Medicine

Last thing, I have a whole other post about what to keep in your first aid kit (that’s below my medicine, and also super important):

The post Medicine Storage Ideas: Even without a medicine cabinet appeared first on Pulling Curls.

There’s just something about a huge, clean hotel bathroom.  It’s clean and spacious, well-lit and seems like you could just soak and soak.  You know what that thing is — my junk’s not in there!  No makeup, no 20 bottles of varying hair products (depending on my mood).  It’s clean, because there’s no stuff in it.  Here’s 3 key tips showing how to organize bathroom.

But first, if you’re looking to make for easier days check this course out.  It’s all about simplifying organization so you can DO it (because doing it is the important part).

If you’re wishing you could:

• Spend less time cleaning
• Have the items/documents you need at hand (instead of a freak-out search for them)
• or No stress when unexpected visitors come, welcome them with a happy heart!

It’s the course for you!  Save 10% with code PC10.

Bathroom Organizing Ideas

Declutter your bathroom products

Oh man, I keep hair products forever.  And ever.  And ever.  I mean, sure I’ve moved on about 12 products ago — but I might want to try it again some day.  Of course, this is because 1) Hair products are expensive, I feel badly buying one and using it for a monthly only to hate it and 2) My hair has a mind of its own.  Just because something works in July doesn’t mean it will work in December.

BTW, looking for curly hair tips — check out these posts:

• Curly Hair Spray
• What I’m doing with my curly hair

So, my goal is to keep 3 products I might use later and then keep ONLY the ones I am using right now.

And throw away the rest.

And remember that you shouldn’t buy as many hair products. #fail

This same thing goes for makeup and lotion.  I feel like I have a never-ending supply of all of those things.  Buy less Hilary — BUY LESS!!!!!

Related Post: Organizing Board Games

Organizing Bathroom Drawers

Using an Organizer in your bathroom drawer

Of the keys for me — with Makeup, is to make sure the like is with the like.  I have a special spot for all my eyeshadows, all my lip products, etc.  That way, I can quickly glance at what I have and decide what works for me that day.

By having these organizers, there is truly a specific amount of beauty that I can own.  Once I reach this limit, I have to throw other stuff out.
That way, when I’m at Target, unless I specifically need something, I don’t really search for new eyeshadow because I have reached my limit.

Thank you Wet & Wild.

I made one of my organizers out of an old Amazon box.  It fits PERFECT in my Bathroom drawer.  I felt super McGuyver when I made it.

Organizing Bathroom Counters

Sure, it would be nice if all of my makeup could sit on the counter, but the truth is that it would get awfully dusty and I’d just have more to clean.  I have them in drawers and in containers, I can easily pull out and put away.

The less stuff you have on your counter, the easier it is to clean your counter.

Bathroom counters look so amazing clean, it is a lot of bang for your buck when you wipe them off.

I even use a mirror toothbrush holder to keep that off the counter (we also have a GIANT mirror, so it works well for us).

I know none of this is crazy enlightening, but the bathroom is a really place to keep all the things you feel badly to throw away.  Sometimes hair products are a sunk cost.  You save your sanity by throwing them away.

Related Post:  Organizing Your Laundry Room

If you liked this post, and you want more organization tips, be sure to check out my 5-word organization challenge:

Looking to organize your house?  Don’t miss my Organized Home Course — all about managing all the areas of your home.  It’s going to feel so great to make the changes!

Don’t miss my whole page that talks all about how to have an organized home.

And check out all my other organization posts:

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The post How to Organize Your Bathroom appeared first on Pulling Curls.

The bathroom.

Maybe because the bathroom is almost entirely cleaning, and much less organizing, I’m just not a fan.

BUT, there is something about a clean counter that makes my heart sing.  Let me show you how I clean the bathroom.

This post was originally written in December 2013, but was updated in April 2017.

This post is entirely about cleaning the bathroom.  If you’re looking to ORGANIZE your bathroom I have a handy page right here all about your organized home.

Weekly jobs:

• Clean the sink/counters (I use a vinegar cleaner and a microfiber cloth)
• Clean the toilet (toilet cleaner and the ol’ IKEA toilet brush)

That’s about it — there’s no real science to cleaning a bathroom.  Although I was inspired by this video (see below), I don’t think my shower needs to be cleaned weekly, so it made it into…

Rotating jobs (Which come up on my to-do list on tick-tick)

• Mirrors — every 2 weeks
• Organize the linen/hall closet (I tend to just take a shelf each time and pull stuff out and re-put back, this also holds all our medications and first aid items, etc) — every 4 weeks
• Steam floors — every 8 weeks (Spencer vacuums them weekly)
• Steam each of the bathrooms tubs (we have 3 bathrooms, which I find excessive, but the way our house is made it’s really the only way — and it is lovely when we have guests).  I tend to steam these, but if I’m pressed for time I will just wipe down with an antibacterial wipe.  Also, if you steam your shower wear earplugs.  It’s loud! — each one gets done every 8 weeks.
• Steam the counters (as with Mondays, there’s something about steaming that gets things extra clean.  Horray for extra clean!) — every 8 weeks.

As I type this, I’m kind of embarrassed — some of these things feel like they’re not getting cleaned often enough.  However, my bathrooms are white subway tile.  They really look fairly clean most of the time.  I was inspired by this cleaning video:

But honestly, full cleans of all 3 bathrooms won’t happen.

Here’s the rest of the day:

Kids

• 16 year old cleans the guest bathroom.
• 13 year old cleans the kid’s bathroom toilet and the floor around it (two boys — #eww)
• 7 year old cleans the counter in the kid’s bathroom

** I also follow behind and really make sure they’ve gotten it — I want these boys to KNOW how to clean a bathroom before they leave the home.  They will.

BTW, I have an awesome printable with awesome printable house cleaning checklist that is GREAT for kids — you can grab it here:

Laundry

• Wash the towels
• Wash our color clothes (genius hack:We have separate hampers for colors and whites — which makes it REALLY easy)

Life tasks:

• Mending (there’s something liberating about just throwing the shirt you lost the button onto the sewing cabinet and knowing you’ll get to it on Tuesday — I often just sit in front of the TV and mend — I put a LOT of tucks in kids pants, and things like this too).

So that’s it for Tuesdays.  It’s not that heavy of a day.  I sometimes work Tuesdays so I need to make it manageable to do before or after work.

*My hope is that this weekly cleaning schedule might inspire you to make your own.  I know my own OCD schedule won’t work for everyone, but I really think that cleaning schedules helps you stay on top of your life without being overwhelmed with all of you have to do.  You can read more about my cleaning schedule template right here.

Check out all my other weekly cleaning posts:

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And check out ALL my cleaning posts here:

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The post Weekly Cleaning: Tuesdays Clean the Bathroom appeared first on Pulling Curls.

If you liked this post, be sure to check out my post about my course Family Routines:

I guess I can’t totally blame it on my children.  I mean, I have curly hair that sheds like a long haired dog.  Regardless, the act of cleaning the counters and toilets isn’t my issue, it’s the rest of it. There’ just SO many SURFACES in the bathroom!

Bathroom cleaning must center are weekly clean areas and then areas that rotate:

Each week, we clean the counters, and the toilet mirrors, and the floor around the toilet. I clean my bathroom, and the kids split up the other 2 bathrooms.  Even my 5 year old can do this part.  Antibacterial wipes have made it really easy for small children to do this type of job.  I worked with her for a month or so, so that she knew how I wanted it done.  Now that she KNOWS how I want it done, I expect it to be done that way each time, and I do check each child’s work in this area.  There are consequences (including a loss of electronics and allowance) if they say it’s done and it’s not (or, if it just doesn’t get done).

Then, there’s all the other places in the bathroom.

• Showers
• Tubs
• The rest of the bathroom floor

I rotate between these places, which has them cleaned about every month to every month and a half.  I either use my steam cleaner, or a vinegar solution.

Anyway, that allows us to keep it all adequately clean without me feeling overwhelmed by cleaning the bathrooms each week.

Cleaning the bathroom, even the toilet, isn’t my least favorite job.  I like how clean it all looks when I’m done.  Yes, I’m like that.

If you’re looking for bathroom organizing tips — don’t miss out on my organized home page!

Do you have a bathroom plan?  If you have a post about it, link below or share it in the comments! I’m always looking to refine my bathroom system!

The post How to Clean your Bathrooms appeared first on Pulling Curls.