My original post in 2008 talked about a new revolutionary idea--TIDY ZONES. We have been utilizing this idea since then- 11 years later. Allow me to explain.
Adapted from FLYLADY, (A helpful website that assists moms in keeping their house in order) I have implemented a new"tidy-ing up the house" system. This system has evolved over the last 11 years, but has contributed to the success of our home.
Our household motto is "Those who do not work, do not eat." This comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:10. To me, this means that as a family, everyone has a role to play around here- even if you are 3!
How it works: I have divided my home into zones depending on how many people we have. There have been years that we had 7 people to divide these zones by. It was dreamy. Now we only have five as kids have grown up and moved out.
Zone 1 - Kitchen
Zone 2 - Homeschool Room
Zone 3 - Entry way, stairs, and landing
Zone 4 - Living/Dining Rooms
Zone 5 - Guest/Kids Bathrooms
There are two ways to work a zone.
1. Daily Tidy: this happens towards the end of the day and everyone does a quick tidy to get their area cleaned up for the next day. There was a season where I liked to do this before dad got home, so he could come home to a fresh house!
2. Deep Tidy: this happens once a week where we get out cleaners to dust, wipe, and mop/vacuum our area.
I post the zone assignments in a high traffic area, so everyone knows where to find their info. We do switch up the zones every so often, so everyone gets a chance to scrub toilets. :) Note: dad and mom also participate. NO one is exempt!
BENEFITS of the Zone System:
- Helps this mom, as I am not tidying and cleaning all the time
- This system can be transferred to any other household- roommates, etc.
- Our kids have become aware of their environment and are more courteous to leaving their items around the house as they do not enjoy cleaning up after everyone.
- Someone is coming over unexpectedly? Get the house tidied in 3.5 minutes when everyone is at it!
- Gives our members an opportunity to steward over an area and take ownership.
- Our family gains a satisfaction in knowing that we labor together to be successful. #thefamilythatcleanstogether
You can find our Chore Sheet here. It also includes a rotation on dishes, dogs, trash, and laundry.
