One technique restaurants teach servers for time management is known as “full hands in, full hands out.” You can use the same technique in your home to make keeping it clean a little easier.
In the restaurant world, “Full hands in, full hands out” means that if a server is leaving or entering the dining area, kitchen, or bar, they should always have their hands full, whether it be with food they’re bringing out or dirty plates they’re returning. Implementing a similar policy in your home can make keeping your home tidy an ongoing process rather than a once-in-a-while pain. Whenever you’re going to another part of your home, look for something to take with you that belongs there.
We’ve taught our children to do this in our home. If they’re coming to the kitchen for a snack, for example, they look for anything that belongs downstairs and bring it with them. That could be dirty dishes, clothes going to the laundry room, or whatever. Showing up with empty hands is just a wasted trip. Make this technique a part of your daily life and you might be surprised how much tidier your home stays.
Image by rafa_luque.