The past few days I’ve been feeling a bit like a fish swimming upstream. You know those ruts I’m talking about? Almost like you can’t get ahead of the to-do list, a beat behind the day and wind up feeling like a hamster in a wheel. It’s a common occurrence when you’re juggling a few moving parts. For me it’s two kids, work, laundry and what I like to call “the food circus,” making dinner, snacks for the kids, dishes and more dishes—the story of 2020. 

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about being productive in your own living space it’s this—clean space, clear head. At least I’m ten times more efficient, motivated and happy when my home isn’t a complete disaster. And while my first instinct when I’m overwhelmed/busy is to avoid the dirty dishes and ignore the “floordrobe” slowly growing, I’ve learned that stopping everything to clean or washing a dish right after using it keeps me from slipping into that chaotic headspace that can creep up. Yesterday I took the time to pause everything while the baby slept and cleaned. Gosh it felt good and it was the best reminder that even though it feels like the least important thing to do in the moment, it’s kind of the most important at the same time. 

My best tip when the house is really turned upside down? Start with making your bed and move from room to room sticking to one space at a time. Works like a charm even when the mess is so bad you have no idea where to start.

Welcoming any and all tips on keeping a tidy home! I’d love to hear your tricks!