Keep the clutter picked up, wipe up spills immediately and if you see a problem area, clean it up. Vacuum, dust and sweep on a regular basis. Wipe up bathrooms daily, do a good cleaning once a week or more often as needed. Wipe down kitchen counters and stove, clean sink and sweep floor once a day. You will be able to see what things need more attention or possibly less attention. Good luck.

Thank you Kris. I got rid of 50% of our furniture to simplify the home. Are there cleaning products that I can use which is harmless and effective.

You don't need 47 different products to clean your home. A good all purpose cleaner, a window cleaner, a bathroom cleaner, scrubbies, and clean cloths. Some like microfiber but it doesn't matter what kind.

Thank you Kris. 2017, I'm in charge.

Good morning Harball and thank you for your reply. I started cleaning and decluttering yesterday and I must tell you it felt great. I feel empowered and confident. I had so many extra and unnecessary things around my house that got rid off. My excuse always has been remodeling, ie when remodeling starts I will declutter. But as we know remodeling does not start right away. I'm happy that I could post my commitment for 2017 and share so that I can be accountable. I dedicate January for deluttering my house. Lastly, I will get the book and the products. Thanks.

Good Morning :) If anything it'll be better to clean and declutter now. That way when the remodeling is done that's one less thing to do and less stuff to find homes for :) Remodeling is so stressful and it's better to enjoy your new home instead of having to clean again. :) Good luck!

This may not be the type of tip you were seeking, but hoepfully it will be helpful if you didn't already know. Vacuum cleaners need maintenance to keep them running well and so they don't exhaust all the stuff you were just trying to vacuum up. Make sure the bags are not super full (when they start to get full, the machines don't operate as well) and that the filters, rollers are free of debris and dirt. My sister had a friend that did not know the canisters needed to be emptied, so just offering that in case.

And the suggestion to declutter before remodeling is excellent. We remodeled a closet/bathroom and when we were able to move back into the room, i was opening boxes and wondering why on earth I saved that stuff. Save yourself a step!

One thing I do before retiring for the night is look around and see what is out of place, magazines, crafts, dirty dishes, etc. It only takes a minute to take care of them and then I have a head start on the next day.

Always start from the top and work down to the floor. Work around each room until the whole room is done except for the floor. Clean every horizontal surface that is in front of you before you move to the right or the left. When you move left or right only move a few feet then start back up at the top and work all the way to the floor again before moving. This is the general way professional cleaning people work. Wear an apron so you can carry your rags and cleaning chemicals with you as you go around the room.

Hope this helps.

For those who have cleaning lady, does she clean the ventahood? And do you clean your home daily or mostly on a specific day of the week?

Discovered the website in the link below. She has many cleaning recipes with no chemicals for environment safe cleaning. Also, I like her method of cleaning which seems very doable to me. I am starting in small steps, but so far have been able to keep on point for my appointed chores.

http://www.cleanmama.net/