Pesach is just around the corner! This week we’ll be focusing on the living area as we utilize every chunk of time to get ahead.

Stay Focused

Distractions can whittle away at our precious cleaning time. Here are four MUST DOs to help keep you focused during a cleaning session:

1. Disconnect Unplug or mute your house phone, cell phone, inbox, and any other communication devices that may interrupt you while you’re cleaning.
2. Give kids the heads-up Let your kids know that for next x number of minutes you are completely unavailable, unless there’s an emergency. When they inevitably interrupt you anyway (“can you just…”), gently remind them that you’ll get to it when the time is up.
3. Set a timer Don’t permit yourself to leave the room you’re working on until the buzzer goes off. Use the length of a CD as your timer if music helps you work.
4. Track it Write down future jobs as they come to mind during a cleaning session, instead of getting sidetracked and tackling them on the spot (organizing pictures, reviewing old magazines, sorting through CDs etc…).

LIVING AREA

15

minutes

Pesach Picks (pick one of the options)

1. Go through your silver and serving pieces and choose what you’d like to kasher for Pesach. Pack the rest away.
2. Select the seforim and books you’ll be using over Yom Tov. Shake them out well, check for crumbs, and wipe down covers.
3. Go through the toy cabinet. Select a few toys and games which clean easily (without too many openings, nooks and crannies), making sure you have something for every age. Put them aside for you or the kids to clean later.

30

minutes

Desktop in Home Office

1. Sort through miscellaneous papers and categorize into piles. File papers, or label each pile and set aside to be filed later.
2. Return all books, office supplies, and gadgets to their homes.
3. Wipe down computer, printer, phone, etc. and check for chometz.
4. Clear off anything remaining on desk and carefully lift up all machines. Wipe desktop down, and check for chometz.

Keyboard Cleaner

Use a toothpick dipped in alchohol to clean the areas around the keyboard and telephone buttons.