The Belt: Low on Style, High on Function
If you have a housekeeper, this blogpost will not
interest you. If you do not, you may find some helpful information. I apologize
ahead of time for the length of this post. A couple of years ago I took back the
cleaning of my house. It has been a good thing for sure, but I have had to make
some modifications in my procedure since I am not as young as I once was. As I
began to study the situation, I broke it down into 2 blocks: 1) bathrooms and all floors, and 2) all other surfaces.
What I observed about my own behavior was that the bathrooms and floors got
done often, the "all other surfaces" not so much. After scrubbing 4
bathrooms and doing all of my floors consuming more than a couple of hours, I
was spent. When I would do the "all other surfaces," I left products
all over creation. The bucket-carrying was not working. So, after further study
as to why was this making me crazy, I realized that in my house (and probably
yours) there are 4 different types of non-bathroom surfaces to be cleaned: 1)
glass which needs Windex; 2) hardwood which needs a little orange oil especially
in the dry heat of winter; 3) stone, marble, painted surfaces, etc. which need
only a damp wipe; and 4) ceiling fans and other hard to reach dusty spots which
need Swiffers. No wonder the #2 Block
was making me crazy. So, back to the 2-block
theory. By breaking the chores down into the 2 categories, perhaps I could
manage them better. One session for #1
Block, another session for #2 Block.
The #2 Block is the part I dislike
most. It is not gratifying like mowing grass. I know that I am weird, but the
immediate gratification of a mower or blower along with being outside motivates
me more. The dust still accumulates. To make my time more efficient, I decided
that a tool belt might help me keep up with my varying products and get me
moving efficiently from room to room, leaving no stone unturned. Pockets...
that's what I need... several pockets, big & strong. I went to Lowe's and
studied their selection of tool belts. I purchased one for $15.00. Now I have
plenty of pockets and even an empty one for collecting evidences of little
people visits (joy). Pockets for paper towels/Windex, 2 different cloths- one oiled
- one damp with water, 2 different Swiffers- long and short handle, pocket for
crevice attachments for vacuum, and cell phone in front pocket. Large carabeener
hooks are also helpful. And not to belabor a point, but my eyesight is one of
those "not as young as I once was" issues. Enter hubby's headlamp.
Wow. Now that's a fullsize dustbunny I would have missed otherwise. Not a very
good photo opportunity when I am all suited up, but so far the tool belt and headlamp
have really helped me get the job done. Happy cleaning!
If you have a housekeeper, this blogpost will not
interest you. If you do not, you may find some helpful information. I apologize
ahead of time for the length of this post. A couple of years ago I took back the
cleaning of my house. It has been a good thing for sure, but I have had to make
some modifications in my procedure since I am not as young as I once was. As I
began to study the situation, I broke it down into 2 blocks: 1) bathrooms and all floors, and 2) all other surfaces.
What I observed about my own behavior was that the bathrooms and floors got
done often, the "all other surfaces" not so much. After scrubbing 4
bathrooms and doing all of my floors consuming more than a couple of hours, I
was spent. When I would do the "all other surfaces," I left products
all over creation. The bucket-carrying was not working. So, after further study
as to why was this making me crazy, I realized that in my house (and probably
yours) there are 4 different types of non-bathroom surfaces to be cleaned: 1)
glass which needs Windex; 2) hardwood which needs a little orange oil especially
in the dry heat of winter; 3) stone, marble, painted surfaces, etc. which need
only a damp wipe; and 4) ceiling fans and other hard to reach dusty spots which
need Swiffers. No wonder the #2 Block
was making me crazy. So, back to the 2-block
theory. By breaking the chores down into the 2 categories, perhaps I could
manage them better. One session for #1
Block, another session for #2 Block.
The #2 Block is the part I dislike
most. It is not gratifying like mowing grass. I know that I am weird, but the
immediate gratification of a mower or blower along with being outside motivates
me more. The dust still accumulates. To make my time more efficient, I decided
that a tool belt might help me keep up with my varying products and get me
moving efficiently from room to room, leaving no stone unturned. Pockets...
that's what I need... several pockets, big & strong. I went to Lowe's and
studied their selection of tool belts. I purchased one for $15.00. Now I have
plenty of pockets and even an empty one for collecting evidences of little
people visits (joy). Pockets for paper towels/Windex, 2 different cloths- one oiled
- one damp with water, 2 different Swiffers- long and short handle, pocket for
crevice attachments for vacuum, and cell phone in front pocket. Large carabeener
hooks are also helpful. And not to belabor a point, but my eyesight is one of
those "not as young as I once was" issues. Enter hubby's headlamp.
Wow. Now that's a fullsize dustbunny I would have missed otherwise. Not a very
good photo opportunity when I am all suited up, but so far the tool belt and headlamp
have really helped me get the job done. Happy cleaning!
I thought I was seriously in need of ADD meds. Now I know all I need is a tool belt! Heading into a room wondering what the heck I did with the windex or the vacuum attachment left me wondering all over the house in a constant state of confusion.
ReplyDeleteNow all I need is a magnetic attachment for my glasses...
Great Idea!!!
Gilda has spent a little time glaring into her tea leaves and clearly sees an entrepreneur opportunity in your future concerning the glasses. Of course, you could just put them in one of your pockets on tool belt.
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