I decided to use a recent burst of spring cleaning energy to tackle a problem area in my master bedroom. Sometimes “spring cleaning energy” is best used on a decluttering project I’ve been avoiding. I’d had the great (<-sarcasm) idea to put a table in the corner, next to my side of the bed. My super-logical reasoning was something about needing a place to organize papers related to my first book.
I finished writing that first book more than two years before I tackled this spot.
If I used the table to keep book-writing stuff straight, that only lasted a few weeks as a positive organizing force in my home before it turned into a dumping ground. Important things went on top of that table and under that table and around that table. Unimportant things mixed with the important ones and ultimately it was one big cluttered mess.
I’d known for a while that getting rid of the entire table, eliminating the dumping zone/flat surface, was the only way to make actual improvement in that space.
But as I peeled back the layers of clutter, I was reminded of the delusion I hold so dearly.
My delusion is that even though there’s a big Pile O’ Clutter in the corner, I’ve been “cleaning my room” consistently. Dusting and vacuuming and such.
Except that it isn’t actually possible to clean a table that’s covered in clutter.
So rather than come to a screeching halt, I grabbed my Swiffer Dusters.
The issue was dust. Dust that had drifted into the piles.
Clutter is bad enough. But dust-bunnied clutter is worse.
A rough-surfaced canvas (with kid art on the other side) that had gathered grossness? One swipe and it was gone.
A baseboard that had been hidden and un-get-to-able because of clutter? A quick swiff and it’s passable.
A window sill that I can finally reach now that the clutter-collecting table is gone? One brush with the Swiffer Duster and it’s non-embarrassing.
There’s something to be said for a quick and easy way to remove (not just spread around) the dust. The Swiffer Dusters trap and lock the dust in one quick and easy swiff. And if swiffing waist-high dust dust opens my eyes to some up-high-on-the-wall dust, I just get it with my Swiffer Sweeper.
NOTE: GIVEAWAY IS OVER. Want a package of Swiffer Dusters refills and more Swiffer stuff to help you deal with Clutter Covered Dust as you’re decluttering? One person who comments will win a Swiffer prize package valued at $50! Just tell me if you’re focusing your spring cleaning efforts on deep cleaning or on decluttering? I’ll use random.org to pick one commenter on May 15, 2018 at 9 p.m. Central and that person will have 48 hours to respond to my email to claim their prize! Winner has to be in the continental U.S. (Sorry!!) See all my giveaway policies here.
--Nony
I would rather decluttering than deep clean this spring.
I wish I could motivate myself to do my own room. But there is always so much everywhere else in the house!
I am focusing on decluttering, but I am also noticing a lot of dust when I move my clutter!
A quick swiff! Love the new verbing 🙂 And I’d love to win a Swiffer prize pack, so I can get *my* swiff on 😉
I never thought I would finish the decluttering in my house – my stuff from downsizing and bringing too much with me plus adding a small houseful from Mom’s estate. The assorted pules had 2 years of dust bunnies on top as well as covering hidden baseboards, louvered doors and heat/ac vents. I truthfully thought I couldn’t get the necessary work done as I am battling breast cancer but was pleasantly surprised at how much progress I made quickly and easily with a combination of Swiffer Dusters, my Wet Jet and the Swiffer dust mop that’s lasted me for years! I am nearly ready to have the estate sale personnel here to finally downsize realistically and owe my success to the Swiffer range of products! Thank you!
I am focusing my spring cleaning efforts on spring cleaning and decluttering…both
… I’m an over commiter! Hehe
Working on the decluttering. Let’s do this, people! 😃
Definitely decluttering as a way to get to long buried dust!!!!
Deep decluttering for me!
I am having a yard sale in two weeks to force some major decluttering! Can’t “swiff” until there’s a surface TO “swiff”!
I feel like I’ll never conquer this clutter/dust issue. I feel like I’m chasing my tail.
I am currently focusing on just surviving. Between the mad dash of the end of school year activities and projects, and activites, and OMG MORE PROJECTS!?!? Not to mention an all consuming summer swim practice and meet schedule I am doing my best to keep up with the daily things. Doing the dishes, wiping down the counters, and doing the laundry. I have since noticed though that the dust bunnies are multiplying. And I don’t even know when I last dusted or cleaned the baseboards. Sometime in 2017? Maybe? Needless to say my whole house could use a good Swiffering. 🙂
The two go hand in hand for me. Just like the table you describe I find it impossible to deep clean without decluttering or declutter without deep cleaning. So while deep cleaning I guess is what I think of when I think “spring cleaning” decluttering is just a natural or necessary part of that for me too.
decluttering in order to clean
I have been decluttering slowly after buying both your books. And, now that there is some space, I can see where to clean! Like, where those dust bunnies have been hiding under the clutter!
I’m focusing on decluttering as we try to parents down for our next move next spring. So far, my husband and I have reduced our stuff by about two thirds in order to move from a three bedroom house to a two bedroom apartment. The move next spring will be to a one bedroom apartment. There’s lots to go through in that time, but we’re on track and looking forward to it.
I wanted to comment, too, about tables as clutter magnets. I banished our coffee table for that very reason. The only function it seemed to fill was a place to hold piles of stuff, and the living room always looked messy. It’s been years since I allowed a coffee table in the house, and I don’t regret that decision at all.
Sorry, pare down, not parents. I hate autocorrect.
What a timely post!!! Crazy! The past few days, I’ve been working on going through piles of papers that have been accumulating in my bedroom over a longer-than-I’d-like-to-admit time. I knew I’d need a Swiffer (and maybe a dust mask because I have allergies) for at least the top layer in each stack/area, so my stomach sank when I realized I was out of refill duster pads (or whatever they are technically called!). I was wiping things with paper towels instead, and it didn’t work nearly as well (indeed, it was mostly spreading dust around 😩). So I would LOVE to win this Swiffer pack!
I don’t really “Spring” clean. I have a detailed cleaning schedule that, besides the daily chores also has a monthly deep clean for a specific area of the house. Over the years, I’ve taken the parts of just about every homekeeping guide (think Fly Lady and Side Tracked Home Executive specifically) and glommed together something that works for me. That being said, there is always room for improvement and I am far from being immune to times of homekeeping chaos. Trying to declutter as we have moved into empty-nester territory. The biggest change was moving from a massive 6 bedroom home on a lake to a 2 bedroom just for us farm.
I’ve been decluttering as I have my in-laws moving in with me later this summer, trying to make room to add two more people to a 1000 sf house!
It’s going to be decluttering for me. You can’t clean when everything is piled up. So, so many partially completed projects etc. Blah! Why can’t I just get it all done once and be finished?
I think if it’s covered in that much dust it’s obviously not been searched for in quite some time …. so you might not need it and it might be time to let it go. Ether goes in the trash or donate but get it out!
Feel more need to deep clean, though I do have plenty of paper clutter to tackle too!
My brother refers to large dust bunnies as “dust buffaloes.” I may run across a herd of them under my sofa.
Trying to get to deep cleaning, but decluttering needs to happen first in some areas. Swiffering would make life so much easier, but with a 1 year old, working outside the home full-time, and keeping up with other bills, it’s just not in the budget right now. Would love to try swiffer though, since it’s safe to do around the baby instead of spraying chemicals and moving the dust all around the house. A dust mask is also on the wish-list. 🙂
We’re talking about getting a new cat, and we need to figure out which room is going to be the cat introduction to the house room. We decided on the family room, but boy does it need some work. Hubby is staying home from work this Friday, so I asked if we could tackle the room that day. It’s a shared space and I don’t want to toss something that might be important to him!
It’s decluttering for me, so I can at least see the things I need to clean!
Decluttering is the most important thing for me to tackle. I literally have a mountain of stuff to tackle. It’s huge and takes up the end of an entire room. Three of my kids put it there by dumping things out of boxes one day while I was gone grocery shopping and their teenage sister was responsible for them. Why?! They said they were bored and were looking for something new to play with. The boxes were full of clothes, books, baby toys, other baby stuff, and some other miscellaneous stuff that I temporarily had moved out of another room. Time to get rid of the extra stuff.
I’m decluttering in anticipation of a move in my future. But I hate dusting so I’m interested in seeing what the Swiffer duster can do!
p.s. I’m #133 on 15 copies of your EBOOK “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” at our library. Looks like there is a big demand!
Wow!!!!! What library is this??
I get my books from the Wake County Library in Raleigh, NC. I checked again. I’m 132 out of 171 on the wait list for the Kindle version.
I’m 39th of 54 holds on line for one of the 14 physical books from South Central Wisconsin Library System. I loved the other book and could use a Swiffer duster for my spider farm in the basement.
I can definitely feel you my local library doesn’t even have the e-book and I’m #56 in line for the actual copy.
What library system is that? (Can you tell I like knowing where “my people” are??)
Brooklyn Public Library
Swifters are a big motivation for cleaning. I declutter first then I use a swifter on even my walls. I am so blown away at how dirty they are. The swifter actually shows you instant results. Seeing the dirt movitates me to clean more and see more instant results. A clean swifter is an awesome tool begging to be used. Please enter me in your give away.
Living in a household with 4 adults and 3 kids five and under, there’s plenty of both clutter and dust! I (Grandma) am the main house tidier, and I find that deco utter/put away comes before dusting which comes before vacuuming. Since bending down is a little hard for me these days, these Swiffer tools could be a real help!
(Declutter, not deco utter.)
Hahaha!!!!
I need to do both. We are busting out at the seems in this little apartment. The clutter has to go, but the dirt (the grossness) needs cleaned up as soon as that clutter is moved! It has been on hold too long! My pregnancy is no longer an accuse. She is now a very active and very messy toddler going on 2 this summer. Oh, and we are hoping to move in the middle of next month! Lord help me! 🙂
Decluttering. I’m actually getting better and better at it. Shocker.
I find it is a constant battle, the clutter vs the dust. I declutter one area and it springs up in another with dust included. We moved from a house to a small condo, no room for everything in its place, so the decluttering and dust bunnies continue, just move rooms. Continuing decluttering and dusting as we go.
Decluttering for sure (just took a box of stuff to Salvation Army today), though my room does need a good dusting!
I’ve been trying to declutter but it’s tough with dust allergies. I would love to have the dust on a Swiffer instead of up my nose.
I always try to do MAJOR spring cleaning once a year. This year my schedule has changed with working part time in my daughters school. So instead of the good down and dirty cleaning I usually do I am mainly decluttering. Which makes more of a difference than anything else!
I am working on decluttering for my spring cleaning. Our spring sports schedule is crazy right now, so it’s just a little at a time while still trying to keep the house out of disaster status!
I’m working on decluttering. I have piles EVERYWHERE! Even when I say ive cleaned a room, there are still piles.
We are decluttering, which makes it easier to do spring cleaning! I’m also trying to use extra minutes – I have cleaning wipes stored 3 places in my home, and whenever I’m not in a hurry, I take one wipe and clean something for as long as it takes that wipe to be used up. It’s how I’m trying to fit in spring cleaning all the stuff that isn’t part of the normal routine 🙂 Sometimes I am in a hurry, but I try to do at least one wipe a day – and I realize over and over again that an extra 30 seconds makes a huge deal when repeated!
Doing a little bit of both. Mostly just decluttering easy stuff, and then deep cleaning as much as a can. End of the school year business makes getting things done tricky!
Decluttering…always decluttering. So that I can clean and dust properly!
I’m going after the clutter first, but there will need to be a lot of deep cleaning afterwards, as, as you mentioned, cluttered areas aren’t exactly clean.
I am focusing on deep cleaning, De-cluttering asserts itself throughout the process, though.
Decluttering and hopefully being able to get rid of stuff! I’m always thinking I might ‘need’ it someday! lol
I’d love to do deep cleaning, but then I remember the visibility rule and realize that I have to declutter *all the stuff* first!
It’s just me so no excuses for contributing to the mess! Declutter first. I’ve not been doing it at all, and just started in small little areas at a time. Yesterday I had to declutter my bed – yikes! It was way past time to change sheets and I’d just gotten new ones (dancing Snoopys!). I had to take a lot of stuff off my bed first (lots of books, the stack of Christmas stockings, some clothes). The floor beside the bed has yet to be seriously tackled (I did put away several quilts and a bunch of new fabric – I actually have a fabric closet- walk-in). A lovely problem I have is which quilt to use on my bed next? I chose the pink and white drunkard’s path. Last night, sleeping on new sheets, a different quilt, and nothing piled on the properly made bed – heaven!
I’m reading “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” – decluttering as I go through the chapters.
I just finished reading both of your books, and I’ll be focusing hard on decluttering now that I know the best way to do it without destroying more areas in the process. 🙂 I’ll also be trying to lasso the dust bunnies which are HUGE as well as keeping up with the non-negotiables along the way. 🙂
I’m focusing on whatever gets taken care of right now, We are in a seriously busy time in our lives so what gets done is a plus. thanks bunches
So much decluttering to do. I’m not even thinking about the dust under the clutter.
Decluttering, with such hope and success, after reading your second book. Thank you so much for writing it and being relatable!
Definitely been using the spring cleaning buzz for decluttering. We now have a little one due in December, so my awareness of how we have too much stuff has exploded! We need to make room in this house for another person who is going to come with a lot of new stuff!
Apparently I am a clutter bug, because when I go to clean & dust I get sidetracked by clutter. I MUST declutter!!!
I’ve been on a deep decluttering kick before all the papers come home at the end of the school year.
Decluttering. Hoping to get to the deep cleaning before Memorial Day.
I tend to do both. It never ends.
Declutter for sure! We have a big community yard sale coming up in June and I need to purge.
I’m just getting around after surgery and the dustbunnies are trying to move in. Swiffer would be great as I can extend the handle and not over reach my limits.
Working on decluttering – i have a “corner” in my bedroom that is similar to yours!
I choose “Deep Decluttering!” And getting the dust off with a Swiffer will be wonderful~!
Sadly, I have put it off way too long and I need to do both. Decluttering first, should make the deep cleaning a bit easier. Just way too much stuff.
I’m doing both…not only am I decluttering (definitely looking at things with new eyes), in the process, I’m getting rid of my “protective” coat of dust. I’m also repurposing furniture to different rooms to open up space. It is a most gratifying experience.
I’m a clutter nut!! I’m thinking most all of us are or we wouldn’t need you so desperately! So needless to say I’m looking to deal with my clutter. I’m not looking forward to all the dust bunnies that will be uncovered, but at least I know there’s a quick fix to that. The clutter is the real issue here!!
Definitely decluttering! We will be moving at the end of the summer and I REFUSE to take all this stuff with us!!!
We just moved this past weekend, so I’m working on decluttering as we unpack. We have two dogs, so EVERYTHING is covered in dog hair and dust. *shudders* Swiffer dusters sound perfect for helping with that massive project!
I love to de-clutter and I need to spring clean. Making my spring clean list today even and dusting is definitely on it! 🙂
Spring cleaning, especially the walls, which I never remember to do except when on the “spring cleaning list”. I need to put a reminder on my “monthly to do list”.
Swiffer products are one of the recent inventions that are high on my list of MUST haves.
I’m decluttering and deep cleaning. For me flat surfaces are the hardest to keep clear. I recommended my library get the e-book and didn’t have time to read it when they notified me they had it. So I am currently number 3 on the wait list for the one copy my library has. Looking forward to reading it. 🙂
I need that Swiffer!🤗
My focus has been decluttering. However, I now have a garage of clutter that hasn’t moved to the car to take to the thrift store…
With the help of your decluttering book, I’ve been making progress! And after I clear a space, I take a baby wipe to the space the clutter was occupying. Swiffers would probably be much better.
Always working on deck uttering so focus I on the deep clean.
Decluttering so the deep cleaning will be much easier. Thanks for your giveaway!
Oh, dear! This post is hitting below the belt. My cozy reading spot, by my bed, is piled HIGH with clutter. UGH!! It’s the first thing I see every morning. Epic fail. However, I love my Swiffer! So much so that I’ve gotten ALL my friends and family using them now too!!
Hi! I’ll still be decluttering for the foreseeable future (slightly short of my life expectancy, thankfully :)). Finished your second book and now reading the first.
I need to declutter before I can clean 😜
I’m focusing on decluttering, of course! <3 Love your blog and books!
I’m decluttering like mad this spring, thanks to the very clear, very simple system in your “Decluttering At the Speed of Life” book. I’ve read way too many decluttering/organizing books before, and they never spoke to me the way yours has. Dust bunnies discovered during decluttering do need to be “swiffed” away, though!
Decluttering for sure. In between though, if I have a 10-15 minute chunk of time, I will spend it doing one little “deep cleaning” item like dusting ceiling fans, crevice-tool sweeping the edge of the living room carpet or washing all knick-knacks on a certain shelf. I may be the only one who notices, but it is a relief when those chores get crossed off my list.
Check your email, Jen!
Deep cleaning!
I am concentrating on decluttering. My husband says that I’m on the verge to becoming a hoarder. (so not true…but I am a keeper of things.) I’ve been learning that I need to stop saving things in case I need it. It’s a work in process and I have been slowly getting rid of things and decluttering. I’ve found that I can deep clean the spaces that I open up as I go. I’ve actually made a large dent in our storage, learning a lot from this blog. Thanks.
Decluttering. Hubby and I are empty-nesters now and both sets of our parents have passed away in the past few years, so now to deal with all of the memories and to make our home our haven for this season of our life!!! Can’t wait to start Swiffering!!!
I am decluttering with a few of your daily ideas, like start dish washer at night and unload in morning. This has greatly helped me keep the kitchen in order. I do have lots of dust and keep putting that off cause spaces are cluttered. Slowing working on declutering.
Kind of a combination of Clean & Declutter. We hope to be “Snowbirds” starting this winter. SO I’m going through mountains of papers in the office where I handle our personal stuff, moms stuff, my sons stuff & my brothers stuff. That’s alot of papers. I did purchase a neat desk& been shredding like crazy.
My niece will be renting the house so I can come back April to Oct & work my seasonal job from the camper in the drive. Boy am I surprised how much “stuff” I have & how much “Stuff” I need to realize if I need or not later. 33 yrs of raising kids in this house I won’t be selling it, but I also if something does happen not want to leave alot for my kids to deal with either. I definitely could use some of those swifter things, the dollar store ones aren’t real good My blinds are the worse I think
Decluttering for me. Ugh!
I’m decluttering in preparation for a semi move. My husband, my son, and I are relocating to Houston. My daughter, who is in college, is staying in our house. (I feel like the ultimate hoarder. I’m keeping a HOUSE!! LOL)
The good news is that everything that I have too many of, I’m packing up and moving it with me!
Still decluttering. I dust only the most visible stuff before people come over.
I have a lot of books – and it looks like “a quick swiff” over the tops or spines would work wonders for them. And me! Allergies are a nuisance that just won’t stop right now…
Decluttering, our guest room/craft room has become a dumping ground and I have an overnight guest this weekend. It’s crunch time, now I’ve got a deadline which gives me great motivation.
I am definitely trying to declutter. I lost both of my parents in 1 1/2 years and a lot of the items from their home migrated to my house. I am trying to let go of the emotional connection to the items (which has been tough with some things) and remember that I have my memories which are all that is important. It is still a challenging process because of all of the memories involved. I tend to start a project and never finish. A perfect example – someone was dropping my dog off the other day and texted me if she could have the large box of hangers that has been in my dining room (!!!) for months. Do you know they have been there so long I actually stopped seeing them? I will happy to get rid of them but it made me realize that I need to look at my home with clear eyes and that is sometimes scary because the amount of clutter overwhelms me.
i lost my parents, first husband and Aunt all with in 3 years and gained lots of stuff from everywhere it seemed. A friend of mine told me she made a scrap book and took pictures of all things she treasured from everyone but knew she needed to part with. She set this up with space to write something about the items and the person they belonged to. I really enjoyed when she shared her book with me. I NEVER would have seen many of those things or heard the stories behind them other wise as they were packed away.
Last year she was in a bad car wreck with her land lady and best friend who was killed. She had to move into a senior apartment. She told me how much her book means to her and she can share with others some of her treasures. one lady said she wish she had known of such but was going to tell her kids about it so they could make a book. Her son and his family went back to Calif and started work on their book. They had to leave their home suddenly because of the wild fires so they grabbed their book. They lost everything but have many pictures which they plan to make copies of so each family member will have them to cherish.
Boy can I ever use this! Besides clutter I have plenty of dust around that makes it look even worse! I need to start somewhere and soon. Spring doesn’t last forever!
Right now, decluttering. Have guests staying over in a month, so will need to roll up my sleeves and do some cleaning as well.
Decluttering first here.
May is crazy with end of school stuff & sports… but my main focus is decluttering first, then spring cleaning! Love Swiffers for dusting and the sweeper for my floors!
Did a lot of decluttering and donating over the winter, so using the spring for a DEEP cleaning that is loooong overdue! Where does all that dust come from? And why don’t they make a vacuum for cats to walk under on a daily basis to rid the world of hairballs?
Will also incorporate some decluttering as that goes hand in hand with doing a deep cleaning. We have one child who just graduated college that has clothes still hanging in his closet that he hasn’t worn in about four years that I really need to cut the emotional strings on and let loose. Our other child is home and going to college and likes to keep her room nice and neat. Problem is she throws what she doesn’t want in her room in other spaces throughout the house, i.e. brother’s closet, hall closet, etc… Maid service, please!
My daughter would declutter her room by throwing all the unwanted stuff into MY room – ugh!
I just decluttered and dusted my master bedroom two weeks ago too. I had clutter on my dresser from a year ago in April when we went on vacation!! I feel like I sleep better now.
Decluttering!!!! Bought the book & borrowed the audiobook from the library for my work commute so now I can actually see the clutter that’s hiding the dust (& cat hair) 😺😺
I am so thankful that this year I am deep cleaning (although I’m always decluttering)!
I’m focusing moreso on decluttering.
I always assumed I hated dusting, but really I just hated having to move things in order to dust! Tackling procrasticlutter on a daily basis has been helping a lot! Kind of a game changer. Loved the new book!
I definitely, desperately need to declutter first. Just read your Decluttering book….it was awesome. Finally someone I can relate to. I love the term “Procrasticlutter”
Would love to win Swiffer stuff because dust makes me sneeze terribly, and the feather duster I am using now doesn’t work so well.
I’m trying to declutter my bedroom.
I’ve done the deep cleaning that I planned and now I’m back to decluttering the office. I need to dust the house and this approach seems the least likely to bother my allergies.
I am still working on decluttering.
Same as you pretty much! Decluttering has been procrastinated to the final 3 weeks before we move (downsize no less!). So I’m having to remove dust to get to and through the clutter and piles of mail never opened, sadly.
My goal was to do both. Then, I fractured my elbow. So, I’ve been working on decluttering, since it’s easier than deep cleaning because of my current limitations.
Right now I’m cleaning, but if I see something that needs to go, put it in a pile on my garage. So basically both with a definite emphasis on cleaning. Love your books!
I’m focusing on decluttering (and donating). But with eight indoor cats, one dog, and a husband who likes to clean — and work on — motorcycle parts in the living room, any amount of decluttering also requires cleaning (sometimes a lot). Now if only the cats wouldn’t leave so much hair behind in their haste to flee the vacuum….
This year it’s decluttering… made a lot of progress. Not worrying about deep cleaning till next year, maybe. But my house is passable when unexpected company drops in. Thank you, Dana!!
Severely allergic to dust…I *should* be dusting everyday but fail….so then it builds and I don’t want to do it because it means stuffiness, headaches, asthma flares and nebulizers for days. Do swiffers reall trap dust?? I for sure need something that doesn’t spread it around to settle back down.
They really do! But I also highly recommend wearing a dust mask. That’s what I do. Swiffer traps it, but I know how even disturbing it (before swiffing it) can affect allergies. Wearing a mask helps me go ahead and get started.
I too am working on my P.H.D. (Piled Higher & Deeper) Declutter is my mission & your book & site is inspiring. To add a bit of humor, There was a little boy who ran into his room after church & looked under his bed. “MOM!!! Come in here quick!!! My Sunday school teacher says we come from dust & return to dust… there’s somebody coming or going under here!!!”
I’m decluttering!!! (And cleaning as I go…)
Whoever came up with the idea of Swiffer is a genius. Love Swiffer!
I’m listening to your audiobook Decluttering at the Speed of Life and finding dust that’s for darn sure. But I am getting stuff out!!
Definitely decluttering and trying to keep the surfaces clean that I have already decluttered. Swifter products make it easier to dust
I’m focusing my spring cleaning energy on decluttering. That said, I’m also going to bed with all the dishes done each night.
I originally found your site because I did a search for decluttering. So, for me, before any “cleaning” (ha, like that’s gonna happen) occurs, I need to get all the stuff out of the way.
I’m working on decluttering as I run my business in many rooms so the business clutter is overwhelming at the moment.. i can relate to that table!
Definitely decluttering but only as much as I can deal with given whatever amount of time I have. It’s slow going but some progress is better than none!
We just moved to a new house and brought all our things in from storage. A Swiffer package to keep all the pretties dust free would be awesome. Also I’m learning to live with dark hardwood floors that show every little spec of dust. I love them but they are a lot of work.
I need a new Swifter. The bottoms of two of the old ones fell off. I am so committed to de-cluttering, people can’t get me out of the house. I have given away 26 lawn bags of yarn, and there are about 15 left. Cleaning feels like a separate commitment, one that I better make soon. I like the order of dishes, floor and then bathroom. I never SAW the clutter in my bathroom, and now I do.That is my second most shameful clutter, after buying all this yarn. Thank you.
Lots of de-cluttering to do hear, especially getting rid of old paper piles. Then I can
use a Swiffer much more easily!
Still in the process of decluttering my master bedroom and would love to have the swiffer to make it easier as I go! I hate looking at all the dust that has accumulated as I make my life simpler and cleaner… =)
I am decluttering my book shelves. I think some of the books were dusty when they were put on the shelves when I moved into my retirement house in November, 2015. Books are really a dust magnet. I love Swiffer dusters and use Swiffer products on my floors, too. Am loving both of your books! Wonder if I am related to your husband as my maiden name is White! And I am from Texas!
Decluttering my home-school books since my youngest is now in college, and decluttering and cleaning my elderly mom’s house. I want her to have a better living environment. She hears Nonyisms from me and my sister all the time: donate spot, clutter threshold, if I were looking for this where would I look first, would I even think to look for it, do the easy stuff first, pre-made decisions… I played one of your podcasts to her while I had her immobilized through soaking her feet and then cutting her toenails. You are funny! And humor makes everything easier.
Thanks, Dana, for your hard work which blesses all of us messies. I bought your book; it is so worth the price.
Oh I love this!!! I hope your mom doesn’t hate me from hearing all these things all the time!
Listening to your podcast she did giggle a bit. Sincerely laughing at herself in agreement with someone who really understands, you, would help her to lighten up about her clutter issues.
I just found a fifth half empty bottle of Pinesol at her house. They are all together, like with like, lined up like little soldiers. No regret or condemnation, let us laugh about it and move forward. Can we find a sixth?
Decluttering. Dusting is for later. And later. And later.
I’m working on both decluttering and cleaning as I go. I, too, have piles that have collected dust bunnies so using a swiffer to wipe it all away would be very helpful. I am off for the summer (I work in a school) here in a week or so so I will be doing some major decluttering, organizing and cleaning!
My favorite way to dust is by having a “dust race” with my daughter to see who can come back with the dirtiest duster! Always a good strategy for getting a little help with the baseboards!
Mostly focused on decluttering and minimalizing so I have less clutter to accumulate in the first part…
I’d rather decluter especially since my husband is about to put in new flooring in our living room and play room. Which is going to really push up the dust 🙁
I’m in a constant state of decluttering. Cleaning…not so much.
My Mother passed away in January and I’m in the process of going through and cleaning out the house she had lived in for 50+ years. There is also a dog that sheds enough to make another dog every day, and 2 cats. I am a bit overwhelmed at times and I think I could use some Swiffer products. Lots of dust bunnies, dust and dog and cat hair.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda.
Just moved my in-laws to a retirement home. We helped clear out their home and I want to start decluttering MY home right now so my kids won’t have to go through and decide what to keep and what is just clutter!
I’m focusing on decluttering pretty much every area of my house and will worry about deep cleaning once I get that under control.
I started decluttering my house yesterday for the first time. I was so embarrassed by the dust that was uncovered. I’ve just got to keep up the momentum.
decluttering, lots of decluttering
Decluttering definitely!
Trying to declutter but just dusting and keeping up so it doesn’t get worse is enough for me now!
I guess you can call it deep cleaning, because we’re ripping out carpets, painting, and installing wood floors! I’ll definitely need more Swiffer stuff on those wood floors. 😳
Oh that’s definitely deep cleaning!!!
I’m in Canada, but I’ll answer anyway because it’s nice to have a place to share what I’ve been working on.
My biggest thing this Spring has been discovering the blog and doing ’28 days to hope for your home’. My house is much cleaner and less cluttered just with those habits. So a bit of pick up and a bit of dish washing I suppose.
Apart from that I do more decluttering projects, but as my home becomes easier to work in I’ve been doing cleaning projects too. My biggest adventure has been decluttering the storage room. It has helped a lot because now I’ve been able to move things like off season clothes into the storage room because there is actually space for them, whereas before they were just taking up space space in our main living area.
Declutter is happening first in my world this spring
Decluttering, but definitely need to get to deep cleaning as well!
I’m concentrating on decluttering right now since our youngest just moved out of the house. Too much to weed out and spaces to repurpose. Hope to be able to deep clean later.
I am not sure if the pile of clutter is bigger or the dust on the clutter is! Either way, the thought of all the dust keeps me paralyzed from going through the pile in my room!!!
Decluttering is what I’ve been focused on for the past month, but deep cleaning is definitely needed. I love swiffer’s and wouldn’t know what to do without them!
Help! The dust bunnies have got me!
Decluttering!
Decluttering, cleaning surfaces as I can see them again 🙂
I am decluttering and getting to some deep cleaning too!
I’m decluttering because we just moved (about a year ago 🙁 ) and I’m still living in boxes but I definitely need to do deep cleaning as well. I love swifter products because they don’t upset my asthma but my duster is in one of those many many boxes so Id love a new one.
Definitely decluttering so I can get to my dust!
Hello Dana, I just wanted to say that I am getting into Spring Cleaning (Tackling the cruddies. And yes, Im about to incorporate clearing, sorting, decluttering, etc..I’ve never owned a Swiffer(foreign object to me) However, it sounds like an awesome tool! Hopes up on obtaining one someday! Thank you for sending your emails on housework tips. I haven’t got to read all of them, but I’ve saved many of them to look at as I can. Best wishes for a great week!
Rose says: I have beem working on Cleaning right now(Trying to get those “It’s been awhile, and looks a bit cruddy areas. Because of some issues ,things have gotten behind. (and I think “my word, Build up and Clutter and of course that 4 letter word called “Dust” (Aaachoo!) Where was I since last November? (Under a rock? In a cave?) I’ve never owned a Swiffer(foreign object to me). However ,it sounds like a great cleaning tool to have. Here’s hoping I get a Swiffer one day! By the way . Thanks for your emails with tips and tricks in house cleaning! Need motivation from time to time. Hope you and your family have a safe and blessed week! P.S. Tried to send a comment a little while ago, but I don’t know if it went thru or not. I didn’t see it posted on comments. Maybe this comment will.
Oh… I see them now(Take your pick) Rose
I know that the contest is over, but I wanted to comment to someone above who mentioned that she would like a dust mask: I found a package of 8 maybe 10 dust masks at the Dollar Tree when I was recently there. I picked up a package because I think that it’s important to toss a dust mask that’s been used because it too gets dusty.