Why do I have such a hard time getting started on housework and how can I work around this?

I am the queen of procrastination. Whether it is housework, a project or an errand, I always wait until the very last moment to do something, and I can't clean until the night before someone is coming over.

Why do I have such a hard time getting started on housework and how can I work around this?
At the other end of the spectrum are those who clean constantly, which is just as bad... I try to fall somewhere in the middle and clean as I go and I teach my kids to do the same. I try not to let things pile up and when I clean I do it as efficiently as possible... one room at a time and with a caddy of supplies so that I don't have to stop and locate what I need.





For me it was simply breaking a bad habit... I used to put it off until the last minute, but found I'd be so wiped out from cleaning that I couldn't enjoy my guests. It also helps if you designate areas for "guy" stuff (but certainly applies to girls too) and teach them to be organized too. Just getting them to put away coats, shoes, gym bags, back packs and briefcases... the usual stuff they drop when they walk in... freed up what felt like a huge chunk of my evening routine. It doesn't sound like a huge deal but at the end of the day when you're tired, trying to cook dinner, help with homework, squeeze in a load of laundry, etc. it helps. Plus in the morning they know where everything is and everyone's day starts off more smoothly.





Organize, delegate and have everyone pitch in. I also bought a sign that says "Martha Stewart doesn't live here!" *L*
Reply:Penalize yourself. Every time you go to bed with dishes unwashed or with a mess in the living room, etc, charge yourself $2 FOR EACH INFRACTION (ie, both of those would be $4 for that day). Actually keep a jar and put the money in nightly. During the day, make sure you have enough money at the end of the day to feed the jar.





Here's the fun part.... when you go a week without putting money in the jar, which will likely take two months or so, you can take the money and buy yourself something. Don't slip back into bad habits though.... Round 2 of training involves sheep and a whip.
Reply:I do the same thing. I can't wait to read the answer.

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