1 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

given any thought to consequences, re-visit items #1 and #2, and talk to someone who has been successful in getting and keeping the team on track. Delegate wherever you can, and make use of the natural organizational and leadership abilities of others.

5. OFFER INCENTIVES. When my son was five, he would return from kindergarten promptly and start dusting the living room. He loved to watch Spiderman, and the TV could not be turned on until he had finished that job to my satisfaction. He took pride in his work, but at that age, he needed something more to encourage him to do it. Spidey provided the motivation he needed, as well as a deadline for finishing.

6. ENFORCE ACCOUNTABILITY. If family members have agreed not to leave personal possessions in the living room, and then "forget", confiscate said items and make it increasingly inconvenient for them to get them back. You may need to appoint someone to police your habits as well. Kids love that job.

7. RESPECT YOUR TEAM MEMBERS. Don't dump unscheduled chores on them. Their free time is just as valuable as yours. If you want help cleaning the garage, offer a contract with special rewards. That could be cold hard cash, exemption from regular chores, additional privileges, a special treat, or any combination of the above. If there are no takers, hire an outsider to help, or do it yourself and treat yourself to an appropriate reward.

8. ENLIST OUTSIDE HELP. A cleaning lady, even if only once a month, will do wonders for motivating a tidy-up binge. A professional organizer/declutterer's advice will be valued and followed because it cost money. Counselling may help resolve emotional issues surrounding organization, family conflicts, assertiveness, and self-discipline. Any outsider with expertise will introduce additional accountability. Talk to others with organization issues, and get inspiration from books and blogs such as http://orgjunkie.com/

9. STICK TO YOUR GUNS. Do not accept IOUs. Do not cover for someone else's sloppiness. Be consistent with consequences. If your daughter is supposed to clean her room before she goes out on Saturday, and she is going to a party on Friday night and has arranged a biking date for 8AM the next morning, that problem is hers to solve. Doing the cleaning later, after she has done everything she wants to do, is not an option.

10. GET A HARD HAT. Expect a lot of whining and complaining about the Neatness Nazi Demon who has taken over your body. Nobody enjoys discipline, responsibility, and extra work, especially at first. In time, others will learn to appreciate the results, but decades may pass before you are thanked for your efforts.

Learn more about this author, Christine G..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to organize your household?
We want to hear your view. Write now!