34 Weeks of Clean: Rinse and Repeat Week 11- The Entryway

Welcome back!  We continue to be amazed at how many people are sticking with us and taking back their homes from dirt and clutter.  If you are new with us, welcome!  It is never too late to start.  Feel free to jump in where we are at, or, if you are really motivated, go back to previous weeks.

Also, a quick word about the de-cluttering part of each week's assignment.   Several have asked what they should do with it all.  Some stuff is just old and worn and needs to be trashed.  There is no shame in that.   Bless people when you can, but if it isn't fit for you to keep- ie. broken and falling apart, chances are someone else does not need it either.  For things that just need to find a new home, we take things to the local Goodwill.  So I do not have to make weekly runs, there are hangers in our garage just outside our back door that I hang bags on with things to go out.  Once the hangers are all full we load them in the car and off they go.  The advantages to keeping stuff to go out outside of my home are that it doesn't clutter my living space and it doesn't tempt little hands, or big ones, to reclaim the items.  The struggle is real folks! ;)

OK, so here we go-

This week- Entryways.  Now, I know this means a little something different for each person, but let's work together here.  Regardless of what yours "looks like," everyone has an entryway of some sort.  Go out your front door and shut it.  Then walk back in.  There - that is your entryway!

Here is a picture of ours, looking towards the front door.

Somebody remind me to straighten that sign above the door!

Let's face it, for many people this is a problem area in their homes.  Usually not because they have too much decorative stuff there, but because it is the first place they hit when they come home each day, often making it a dumping ground for STUFF.  Because our family does not enter through the front door often, and I do not have a table in the entry to this house, it is a less of problem for us right now, but it IS still the first place people see when they walk in.

So here is your assignment- clear out and clean up!

• As usual, clear your space first!

• You know the drill by now. Start at the top - yep, those lights are dirty, I am sure of it.  Ask me how I know!  There was even a small ball up in our light fixture!  Kid you not.

• Wipe down any surfaces.  If you have scuff marks from shoes on the walls and doors, the best thing I have found to use is a Magic Eraser.  I do not want to know what is in those things, but they are truly magical.  Even my all natural girl will break down and use them in a pinch!   

          -Pay special attention to door handles, any glass in this area, and light switches.
          -Wax any furniture you may have in this area!  See that fake plant?  It gets washed off too!  I am amazed at how much dust collects on surfaces like that.  And lampshades!

• Vacuum and wash any throw rugs. If you stop and think about how many shoes hit this area in one week alone, you might even decide to put this chore on a monthly rotation!  We actually got rid of the area rug in our entry finally.  It was one I loved, but was getting frayed and tired looking.  For now, I am sticking to a clear space- kind of enjoying the starkness! ;)

• Wipe down the base boards.  Again, magic erasers are great for scuff marks, just saying.

• Vacuum and/or mop the floors.

• If you have windows in this area, clean those as well, remembering blinds and/or curtains!  Now is your chance to really clean!

• Return do-dads to their spots.  OK, only return HALF of your do-dads.  Remember our goal of less clutter!

Here's a tip for you - see that cute basket hanging there?  In the summer it houses our bug spray and sunscreen.  Instead of running around the house looking for said items, they are right by the door as we head out.  Cleverly concealed in a basket.  It is also a great place to hide dog leashes!  You are welcome!

DONE!  Not too bad, huh?  I hope this was a fairly easy week for you because, well, the next few weeks will be a challenge!  Enjoy your lighter project and be ready to hit it hard next week!

Don't forget to share your progress on our Family, Faith and Fridays facebook page so we can cheer you on!  There are still more than several people in the running for our final giveaway drawing.  Our friends at Redeemed and 621 Gifts (as well as your truly) have some fun treats for one lucky participant who posts a picture of each weeks' progress!

Blessings,