How Do You Do It?

Okay, I need to know...how do each of you keep a clean house?  I struggle so much with this-sometimes because I am working too much, sometimes because I'm the only one doing anything around here, and sometimes because of sheer laziness. 

Our house is larger, with lots of rooms and with front stairs and back stairs.  I know the old advice "put away what you take out," and "clean as you go," and the whole "throw out any junk mail right when you get your mail."  But really, HOW do you do it?  I'm making headway with Builder Boy being at preschool 9 hours a week.  Yet, the kitchen, no matter how many hours I spend in there, is still crazy messy.  The office is a dumping ground.  Where most people have junk drawers, we have junk rooms...and an entire junk floor.  We are pack rats, I know that.  I am trying to be better at this and Remodel Man will occasionally get rid of some things. 

I go to friends' houses and leave feeling completely incompetent.  Even when I drop in, besides a pile or two, their houses are clean and orderly.  Our house is neither.  If someone drops by, I die a slow death of mortification that someone is witnessing how we live.  I make people swear on their own lives to never speak of such destruction to another soul. 

And I've read the studies that say a clean, neat, organized home is better for children.  I want that for Builder Boy, but it's not happening.  So, how do you do it? 

Comments

[rita]

I don't. My house is full of light sabers, swords, lego, hubby's papers (everywhere) and my sweaters (everywhere). Once a season we get down to it and tidy, otherwise we live in it and learn to develop a high tolerance to dust

[Ann Kimmel]

Her name is Terri. I pay her money.

[Topsy-Techie]

I've found that a sign posted above the front door that says "Martha Stewart Does Not Live Here" does wonders for expectations....;-)