In recent discussions about the challenges of modern parenting, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I may fall under the “hot mess” category. Although I dedicate Saturday mornings to a family cleaning blitz, I often lack the energy to complete every task thoroughly. After a few hours of scrubbing and organizing, I find myself cutting a few corners to finish before the next millennium arrives. The weekdays are just as hectic, filled with work and activities, leaving little room for spreading out my chores. Here’s a candid look at the shortcuts I take to keep my home running smoothly. Fellow hot mess moms, let’s embrace our imperfect corners!
1. Dishes and Cookware
I hesitate to admit it, but some evenings, after loading the dishwasher and tidying up the leftovers, I’m completely drained. The pots and pans often get tossed in the sink to soak—and they may remain there until the next day. Just being honest.
2. Crockpot Cleanup
The person who invented the crockpot deserves accolades, but if someone could create a self-cleaning model, they’d be a billionaire. Cleaning these things is a chore, so they often end up soaking as well.
3. Laundry Management
I manage to wash, dry, and fold the laundry, but actually putting it away? That’s another story. It sits in the basket until I need to clear it out for the next cycle. It’s a repetitive cycle, but hey, three out of four isn’t terrible.
4. Vacuuming Strategy
Yes, I sometimes vacuum around furniture instead of moving everything. I rationalize that the objects on the floor provide some level of protection against dirt. I do a thorough clean occasionally, but not nearly enough. Sorry, not sorry.
5. Car Chaos
My vehicle is a disaster zone. I have no excuses; it’s cluttered and likely has a few mystery spills from my kids.
6. Stairs Clutter
When we tidy the main level, items needing to go upstairs often end up on the steps. Oops, I might need to consider a bungalow instead!
7. Making the Bed
In my rush to leave in the morning, I frequently skip making the bed. Sometimes, I do it at night before crawling in. Does that count?
8. Kids’ Messes
I don’t always follow through when my children leave their belongings scattered. Occasionally, I do, but not consistently. Am I nurturing a future generation of hot mess moms? Perhaps, but at this point, I’m too tired to fret about it. They’re good kids, so I’ll take that!
9. Leaving Appliances Out
I don’t always put away the toaster, hair straightener, or hair dryer after use. I prefer not to stow away hot items, so they often linger on the counter. If you notice my straightener out but my hair is curly, well, it’s finally cooled down!
10. Condiment Overload
My fridge is home to nearly empty condiment bottles. Cleaning them out is daunting, but I promise to tackle it eventually.
11. Shoe Situation
Shoes seem to multiply overnight. No one puts them away without reminders, and they tend to stay where they land—by the front or back door.
12. Vacuum Hose
I’m pretty diligent about vacuuming on weekends; however, I often leave the vacuum hose out for days. Is this an unconscious display of my cleaning efforts? I’ll ponder that when I finally put it away.
13. Mail Management
The mail tends to accumulate on my kitchen counter until recycling day. If you need a timely response, calling might be your best bet.
In summary, various household chores often remain unfinished due to time and energy constraints, requiring me to adopt these corner-cutting strategies. If you visit my home and spot a basket of items on the steps, feel free to help out quietly—I’ll do the same for you. What shortcuts do you take to manage your household?
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