Even Monica Had Housebarrassment

My favorite show of all time is Friends. I don’t just watch it; I leave it on in the background when I work or when my kids have gone to bed and the house is too quiet for my liking. It makes me laugh out loud, and get all sad when their moments reflect my own, and I turn to it when it’s been an especially rough day and I just need a lighthearted pick me up. I sometimes respond in conversations with Friends quotes, and even named my home Wi-Fi based on a reference from a favorite episode.

All the characters are my favorite in one way or another, but by far the most relatable to me is, you probably guessed it, Monica. She is so neat and tidy, everything is categorized, the ottoman has to be in the exact right spot, she gets excited about cleaning products, wants her home to be inviting and comfortable for those she cares about most, and of course, she’s “always the hostess.” But even Monica got housebarrassment about that one secret closet that was completely disorganized. Thankfully Chandler made it clear that he didn’t love her because she was organized, he loved her in spite of it!

It doesn’t matter whether you are a disorganized mess all the time or the categorizing queen, we ALL have at least one space we hope no one ever sees. The people in our lives don’t usually care as much about the perfectly curated spaces like we think they will, they just want to feel loved and welcomed. But as a Monica, I know it’s really hard to relax and enjoy time with all those people we love so much when we are stressed about the closet or pantry (they’ll likely never open!) is a hot mess.

So instead of not inviting your friends or family over, pick one thing, big or small, and don’t stop until it’s organized. Maybe don’t start with your Monica closet all by yourself, but try the junk or top vanity drawer. Pull everything out, grab the hand vacuum to suck up all the yuck, wipe the drawer, grab a couple trash bags for donation and trash, and start sorting. Put like things together. Rummage through the house for any little baskets or containers that can be used to keep things tidy, or go buy some if it’s in your budget. When I didn’t have money for new containers I have even used old Tupperware that were missing lids or empty zip lock bag boxes that I trimmed down to fit! Use whatever you have, but whatever you do, don’t stop until it’s done! And of course, if it’s still not your thing, maybe you’re more of a Rachel and prefer (or need) Monica to do all the tidying, you can call me, your favorite professional organizer!

Unconventional Laundry System

My mom taught me to do my own laundry when I was about 11, and the biggest rule was always that you don’t mix colors. Most people probably also sort laundry by color + texture. But with a big family, we do a LOT of laundry between 8 peoples clothing, towels, sheets, cleaning cloths, etc. I’ve found what works for us is to do our loads by room and person. So here’s what we do:

• Each person or load type has a designated day. For example, Mon- Mom & D’s loads, Tues- Kids bath towels, Wed- Sheets, Thur- C & R’s loads, etc.

• Each person or load type has a hamper with the name on it.

• On the designated day, the whole basket goes in the wash and the bottom of the empty hamper gets wiped with a wet Norwex cloth.

• The empty hamper sits on top of the washer, and when the load is moved to the dryer the basket moves to the top of the dryer (so you always know what or whose load is in the washer/dryer.)

• When the load comes out of the dryer into the clean hamper, each person puts their loads away immediately.

• The most unconventional part of my system is that each person puts their own clothes away, but they don’t have to fold anything! We hang shirts so the don’t get wrinkled, but everything else gets tossed into a basket/drawer with like items (jammies, pants, shorts, sweatshirts, etc.) We have the Ikea Kallax shelves with the baskets in each bedroom, so they have a designated basket for each category. This makes putting away laundry a 5-10 minute job and super doable for a kiddo. My 5 year old can even do this by himself, except he needs some help with getting things on the hanger.

• Other hampers we use:

  • Kitchen Towels + Fabric Napkins + Norwex

  • Bath Towels + Washcloths

  • Rags + Old Towels + Dog Stuff

  • Sheets + Bedding

Long ago I decided that laundry is one area that I needed to let go of in order to bring more peace to my mind and home. So even though it’s totally not the way my mom taught me, it works for us.

Speed Clean Your Home in 15 Minutes

Have you ever got a text saying “hey, can I stop by in 15 minutes?” You internally panic because you don’t want your friend (or your mom) to see your house like this! Instead of telling them you’re too busy just so they don’t see the mess, follow these few steps to be visitor ready in 15 minutes. The goal isn’t perfection, just tidy enough so you can enjoy that last minute visit with a friend.

• Grab a laundry basket and pick up anything that isn’t in its proper place. Stash the basket in a closet or behind a shower curtain while you visit and deal with it later!

• Keep a cloth with you in case you need to wipe sticky messes as you clear the surfaces. Close cabinets, drawers and closets as you go.

• Load dishes into the dishwasher and give the sink a quick wipe.

• Give the bathroom your guests will use a quick once over; wipe the sink + counter, toilet seat. Make sure there is a guest towel and toilet paper.

• Straighten furniture, pillows and throws.

• Spray a room freshener or light a candle.

If you have a few extra minutes, grab the vacuum or broom and do a quick sweep. Our family has three fluffy dogs so unfortunately, I HAVE to do this otherwise they’ll see furballs in every corner!

Now you can start a pot of coffee and enjoy your visit!  Just don’t forget about the basket hiding in your shower!

Updating a Space Without Spending a Dime

Sometimes I have wanted a new look for my living room but don’t want to spend the money. Or lets be real, I don’t always have the money to spend when I want something new. I’m sure we’ve all been there. So instead of being discouraged about that blah space or lack of funds, do this!

• Move the couch or your favorite reading chair to a new spot. Try your lamps in a new corner. Rearrange the room until you love the new set up. You can always put it back!

• Walk through the house and pull ALL your decorative items, throw pillows, etc. into the room you want to update.

• Shop from your own stuff! Afterall, you bought it because you loved it in the first place. Try your bedroom lamp or a few old books from your library on your mantle, or your faux plants (because I can’t keep a plant alive!) from kitchen on your side table.

• Try items in new locations and see how you like it. Keep trying until you find a new look you love.

At the end of the day you can always return everything to it’s original home if you don’t love it, but I think you’ll find this is a free way to give your home a fresh look.