Unfuck Your Habitat

cleanallthehouse:

How did I know there would be an Invisible Challenge? I JUST FINISHED MINE BEFORE IT WAS EVEN POSTED! Does that mean I have to do another one?

Here is a space to the right upon entering the living room — which is a small room to begin with. Note: TV has been there since… ?? Ever, maybe.

To the left is my husband’s domain, which I will not touch (for now).

Yes. Christmas stuff. From two years ago. Plus crocheted potholders from one of husband’s clients, sure, go ahead, stick ‘em right there. And of course, the antique pump organ is a tool holder, after all.

COMMENCE MAKING THE INVISIBLE, VISIBLY UNFUCKED.

I found:

• Pinking shears. (Why do we have pinking shears? I don’t even remember having them.)
• Two pairs of husband’s old shoes, with the soles coming off. (For outdoor work. Whatev.)
• Three, count ‘em, THREE blow dryers. (“What are these?” “They all work.” “Why do we have four blow dryers in the house?” “In case one goes out.” “NO. NOT FOUR.” Not to mention, why are they, you know, here?)
• A box of rocks.

I also found that the hundred year old upholstery on the pedals of the pump organ actually have a pattern on them when you vacuum off timeless dust!

TA-DA! That’s my grandmother in that photo, which I cleaned off and hung up. Also, ya’ll, I vacuumed the lampshade! I used to work in a hotel so it’s not like I didn’t know you could do that. I just… didn’t do it.

Carpet! OMG.

See? Pattern on the pedals! Doggie is happy that I got rid of the pile of winter jackets too.

I think the reason UFYH seems to be working for me is the pictures and the encouragement. This is like Flylady on crack. Seeing everyone else’s situations and knowing mine compares makes me feel far less alone in my misery/lack of time/laziness. And seeing the results after a few 20/10s makes me realize it is totally doable.

And when I post my own before/afters, there’s a sense of “gee, that actually looks nice!” When I’m walking past even a clean space every day, I become blind to it the same as if it were messy. Seeing it through a camera makes me feel good about where I live and motivates me to keep it that way. And helps me remember how easy it really was.

Now I’ll make my bed after the linens are dry. Thank you, UFYH.