As someone who has battled the never-ending war against clutter, I can attest that developing a systematic approach is key to maintaining a clean and organized home. Whether you’re living in a cozy apartment or a sprawling two-story house, the principles remain the same – tackle one room at a time, work your way around methodically, and don’t let the clutter creep back in.
The Mount Vernon Method: A Proven System for Cleaning Success
Many years ago, I stumbled upon the Mount Vernon Method, a cleaning system outlined by the renowned organization expert, Sandra Felton. The beauty of this approach is that it’s not bound to a rigid calendar – you simply pick up where you left off, room by room, without the pressure of a strict schedule.
As Felton explains, the cleaning crew at Mount Vernon Estate would work their way around each room, cleaning as they went. When it was time for the visitors’ tours to begin, they would stop, and then pick up where they left off the next day. This systematic, room-by-room approach ensures that no area is neglected, and you can tackle your home at a pace that works for you.
Putting the Mount Vernon Method into Practice
To implement the Mount Vernon Method in your own home, start by gathering your supplies. Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning tools and products within reach. This will help you stay focused and efficient as you move from one room to the next.
Next, set aside a block of time, preferably at least 30 minutes, to tackle a specific room. Don’t worry about getting everything done in one go – the key is to establish a routine and stick to it. Begin at the entry point of your home, whether it’s the hallway or the front door, and work your way through each room, moving in a logical sequence.
As you clean each room, start at the door and work your way around, top to bottom and left to right. This methodical approach ensures that you don’t miss any nooks or crannies. Take the time to dust picture frames, clean ceiling corners, and move furniture to catch any hidden dust bunnies. The more attention you pay to keeping the clutter under control, the quicker and easier the actual cleaning process will become.
Adapting the System to Your Home Layout
The beauty of the Mount Vernon Method is that it can be tailored to fit your specific home layout. If you live in a multi-story house, simply repeat the process upstairs, treating each floor as a separate set of “smaller circles” within the larger “circles” of your home.
In my own two-story home, I start at the entry, clean the hallway, and then move on to the rooms on the main floor. Once I’ve completed the downstairs, I head upstairs and start the process all over again. This systematic approach ensures that I don’t miss a single area, and I can maintain a consistent level of cleanliness throughout my entire home.
Incorporating Flexible Routines
Of course, even the most well-crafted system can’t account for life’s unexpected curveballs. There will be times when you’re just not in the mood to clean, or when unexpected guests arrive, and your carefully planned routine goes out the window. When that happens, I simply roll with it and adjust my plan accordingly.
Adam Cleaning can be a great partner in these scenarios, providing professional cleaning services to keep your home looking its best, even when you’re short on time or motivation.
Decluttering and Beyond: Maintaining a Tidy Home
The Mount Vernon Method is not just about cleaning – it’s also about decluttering and maintaining a tidy home. As you work your way through each room, take note of items that you no longer need or use. Donate, recycle, or properly dispose of these items to keep your space clutter-free.
Remember, the more you actively work to control the clutter, the easier and faster the cleaning process will be. It’s a virtuous cycle – the less clutter you have, the quicker you can clean, and the more likely you are to maintain that level of cleanliness.
Embracing the Unexpected: Flexibility and Adaptability
While the Mount Vernon Method provides a solid framework, it’s important to embrace flexibility and adapt the system to your unique needs. Perhaps you prefer to tackle the kitchen and bathrooms together, or you have a specific day of the week dedicated to deep cleaning the floors. Experiment and find what works best for you and your household.
Marie Kondo’s decluttering method is another approach worth exploring, as it focuses on mindfully evaluating each item and only keeping those that “spark joy.” Combining the room-by-room efficiency of the Mount Vernon Method with Kondo’s minimalist mindset can be a powerful way to maintain a tranquil, clutter-free home.
Celebrating Small Wins and Enjoying the Journey
As you embark on your decluttering and organizing journey, remember to celebrate the small wins. Crossing a room off your list, keeping the kitchen sink clear of dishes, or maintaining a tidy entryway are all signs of progress that deserve recognition.
Organizing one room at a time can be a game-changer, as it allows you to focus your energy and see tangible results without feeling overwhelmed by the entirety of your home.
Remember, the process of keeping a clean and organized home is an ongoing one, but with the right system and mindset, it can become a source of satisfaction and pride, rather than a never-ending chore. Embrace the journey, enjoy the sense of accomplishment, and relish in the tranquility of your decluttered, organized oasis.
