March 25, 2008

Mayhem, the Market and Messy Monsters (What a Whammy)

 (Notice the toys are untouched)

Home is where the heart is. It’s also where we store our dusty old records, boxes of children’s “artwork” and all those scarves grandma made each Christmas. I have collections of treasured stuff that nobody cares to see but I have the good sense to be selective and organized about how much I keep and how I store it all. I am not a clutter bug. I am a purger (to a fault at times). I love to throw things away, even things I know I might need later. Still, I’m willing to throw caution to the wind now and then just for the fleeting exuberance that comes from temporary tidiness. Clean house, clean mind.

Over the years, I have come to realize that a little investment now will reap great rewards. If it were simpler and more efficient to leave the cleaning for later, I would. But the truth is that it is a cumulative task that can grow into a monster that will eat you alive. That’s why I do one good thorough cleaning each week, come heck or high water. It usually follows my weekly trip to the grocery store which prompts me to discard last week’s science experiments and restock the fridge with fresh produce and lots of new treats (I love grocery day). Sticking to a routine and being consistent makes life a whole lot easier. In my house, laundry gets done when the basket is full (although the clean clothes may sit in the dryer for several days) and dishes get done each morning. I’m a firm believer that night time is not the right time for dish doing. This is my one admitted messiness splurge because I figure I can just as easily do them after breakfast. There is something freeing about leaving a mess behind but coming home to a slop is daunting.

Now, why am I going on and on like I’m the Queen of Clean (as if)? I actually do have a point related to residential real estate. It’s plain and true. If your house is on the market, devise a program to keep the place spiffy and stick to it so things don’t get out of hand. In all truthfulness, I’m not perfect. At any given moment I could be found out for having coffee grounds on the counter, a hair clog in the shower or dirty towels on my bathroom floor. But those things are minute fixes that I can do in a flash any day of the week. If you’re so overwhelmed with life, work and family that keeping up the house is too much, do everyone a favor (most of all yourself) and get someone to come in once a week and help out at least until the house is sold and you are through the unsettling business of selling your home.

Recent San Diego Sweet Digs Posts:

High Brow, Low Brow - Hillcrest

Monday Madness - The Simpson’s House

Open House - East County Easter Weekend

I Sure Wish You Hadn’t Done That