Anyone who knows me very well, knows by now that housecleaning is, well…not exactly my strong point.
My housecleaning methods to date have been to Ignore/avoid it as long as possible until the house so horrible that I (and/or my husband,) can’t stand it anymore, at which point I go into a cleaning frenzy, trying to get everything so clean and tidy that we could have the Queen over for tea the next day and I could feel proud.
I usually diligently attack everything up to item #18 on my list of the 469 cleaning tasks that I tell myself, if accomplished, would mean my home was actually, truly clean.
Somewhere between scrubbing the shower walls and cleaning the deep corners of my kitchen cupboards with a q-tip, I hit The Burn Out.
I give up and let everything slide again until I get so fed up with all the mess that I make The Resolve to Never Let My House Get This Way Again and then repeat the whole silly cycle again.
I now realize that to really conquer this Housework Beast, I need to gradually form healthy cleaning habits and over time ease myself into a routine that keeps my home in order, instead of simply avoiding it 90% of the time and launching into sudden and exhausting cleaning frenzies.
I am excited to start working through Sarah Mae’s book, 31 Days to Clean. I started working on it back in May, and then Summer and life happened and I fell off the routine about half way through.
I am now resolved to begin anew, and even if it takes me 62 days (or more!) to get through this amazing book to a cleaner and tidier me, I WILL DO IT.
For accountability and encouragement, I will be joining up with the Homemaker’s Challenge, starting today, Sept 1st. Join me and nearly 100 other women striving to better glorify God through the better keeping of their homes!

I will be regularly blogging about my progress here every Thursday. Even if I can only get through one “day” each week, I am determined to keep plugging away until I have reformed my cleaning habits.
If you struggle with housecleaning, I highly recommend this book! I would love to have you working through it along with me!
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
We’re so excited to come alongside you!!! One day at a time!

Christin @ Joyful Mothering recently posted..Are You A Fun Mom?
Thanks! I feel blessed knowing you all are there to support me!
I NEED this book. I have struggled for so long to come up with a cleaning schedule that is not overwhelming and I too follow then avoid/clean like a fiend plan and its just not working any more.
Wow, you sounds just like me! I will also be working on this!
Thanks! =D
I am in the process of going through my whole house cleaning and sorting–this sounds like it would help!
I need this book because I am soon to have three children ages three and under!
Amber recently posted..So Much to Do, So Little Time
You should see my house then you would know why I need the book.
I would really love to have this book. I am currently pregnant with baby #4 and my house is starting to suffer!!!!!!!!
We JUST moved into a large house a month ago from an apartment, and already my house is a mess! With 5 kids, it takes about 2 seconds for messes to get made! I need a game plan because clutter and messiness frustrate my husband and me terribly – the biggest source of conflict in the house! I NEED this book!!
Stephanie recently posted..Anonymous Father’s Day
Ugh…seriously need this one! My house is an absolute wreck…and I totally go crazy frenzy cleaning too. It’s awful. :/
Jeniffer S recently posted..Breastfeeding Blog Hop: Some Day
I could SO use this. Ever since my daughter was born, I cannot seem to get organized!
You sound just like me and my cleaning habits and I too wish my cleaning habits were sooo much better.
3 adults and 3 kids 3 and under in a very small space….need I say more?
My husband Richard died in my arms I woke up & he was gone,our baby was 2 weeks old it has been 13 months now & just need help…HELP!!!!
Take before and after pics – be sure to take the before pics. This really helps to encourage and motivate other participants.
I need this book because I have music students coming into my home on a regular basis, and I need it to be clean – not just rushing around to tidy up 10 minutes before the first student arrives.
I NEED this book because I am the worst cleaner and housekeeper to ever exist. THIS will save my non cleaning life!
Madeline J. recently posted..Alphabe Thursday
Always looking for some new ideas to conquer our mess and simlpify our days.
I NEED this book. I am a working mom and take VERY much pride in my home. However, sometimes other things take priority over having a clean home. I hate that. And need help. Please.
I need this book because so often I feel overwhelmed by how much I have to clean in our house and like I am never getting it all done! I could really use some de-cluttering and organizing tips to help simplify our home as well!
Sarah Hull recently posted..The Soft Landing – Jaq Jaq Bird Apron Review & Giveaway!
I need this book since I want to organize everything in our house and I want to do our housecleaning the right way and strategically as well.
I really need this book, so that it’s reading would be a great excuse to not to clean my place
kidding!!! :)) I really have troubles in cleaning… biiiiig TROUBLES!
I need this book. With two boys I never can find anything because the house is a total mess. With just one I was able to keep up but now the house has taken over I’m afraid
I need this book because my house tends to get very messy/dirty, then it takes TOO long to clean. I think this book would be a big help. Thank you!
Michelle T. recently posted..Book Review: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope – Revell Blog Tour
I wish you could see my house, then your question would be answered as to why I need this book!! Let’s just say I’m “domestically challenged!”
pkbw28 at gmail dot com
Your post described me! I’d be so much happier if I could keep my house clean.
mlynnh5 at gmail dot com
I think this book & I would be a great fit! I want to be more proactive about cleaning instead of burning myself out doing the whole house shape up!
I am very happy to be chosen as one of the winners here….the tips in thei ebook will really be of good use in my household
Cielo recently posted..My Little Boy’s Taekwondo Moment