Setting a Timer?

[AmyBoz]

I want to ask a question about cleaning/organization within your home. So often, we read the helpful tip to set a timer when you are cleaning and then when the timer goes off, move to a different project or just stop altogether.

I've never actually tried this (maybe once, but I don't really remember). Do any of you clean with a timer? If so, are you really able to just stop when the timer goes off, even if you aren't done? Do you find that it makes you more productive?

I'm very curious about this, because I have really lost the motivaton to clean my house and now that the kitchen is done, I have no excuse. I just need to do it, so I am looking for any help I can get.

[PrairieRose]

I've done it a couple of times, otherwise I do a modified version. I sorta glance at the clock and time it myself. I'll clean for an hour and take a 30 minute break quite often....it makes me not mind doing it so much. I think everyone gets tired of the same ol' thing where it comes to cleaning and this helps me break it up. I also will sometimes watch something on T.V. and clean like a crazy woman during the commercials.......lol. Feels like I cheating when I do that.....

[matt&roxy]

I use my timer when I clean. I set it for fifteen minutes and tackle my first area. When it goes off I reset it for fifteen minutes and move to the next area. I keep doing this for an hour. After the hour is up, I set the timer one last time for fifteen minutes and go back through the four areas I had already been and finish up. It usually works for me. Once you get into the habit of working with your timer you will have a routine and it all just sort of falls in place.


My husband thought I was crazy for doing the timer method, until I did the clean through without it to show him that it always took twice as long if not longer if I did it without the timer. Now he leaves me and my timer alone.......


Make yourself do it for at least two weeks and if it doesn't work for you try something different. I also do not like to clean house and I find doing it this way, I don't feel as if I am constantly cleaning which can wear you down fast.......

[Jerseygirl]

When I am feeling less than motivated (generally on my sick or vacation days when the kids are at school) I tend to do the "commercials are on power clean." Each commercial I get up and acheive something--put a load of wash in, bring up clothes to fold, wash the dishes, wipe the table, dust the living room etc. All these little jobs can be done in the little block of time, and at the end of the day the house isn't spotless, but I'm not exhausted, and we are both presentable, then I will usually damp mop on my way out to get the kids.

[halo475]

Yes-just like Jerseygirl-when I am less than motivated...I can do anything for 15 mins