Can the FlyLady System Save Your Sanity (and Your Home)?
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A review of the FlyLady system:
I recently found a YouTube channel that compares different home management techniques and discusses the pros and cons. I found the idea of having routines and home management schedules in place intriguing and interesting.
Before trying routines out, I would often feel overwhelmed and overworked. I didn’t enjoy housework but I knew it had to be done. I would dread doing it, reluctantly slave away all weekend, or regret not completing certain tasks. I’m the type of person who can’t relax if the house is a mess. I would avoid letting people come over or frantically clean to prepare for a short visit from friends and family. Usually, this cleaning process would create more work. I would throw stuff in a room where I could hide it until the company left. Not a good system.
So I thought, what the heck! I’ll give it a try and worst-case scenario, I go back to my old ways, back to where I started. No big deal! Well, trying the FlyLady system out for a few weeks has taught me a lot and it’s motivated me to continue with the concept of routines while creating a system that works for me and my family.
- The most important thing I’ve gained from reading her book is that I needed to set up routines in order to stop feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do. She consistently reminds readers that they don’t have to stress about getting everything done and that housework done incorrectly still blessed the home. I found this to be so incredibly true and it really helped me appreciate the little accomplishments and successes that I experienced.
- The 15-minute timer strategy has really changed things for me in a very positive way. I started using it at work when I have to complete a task that I’m not looking forward to or something I know will take me a while to complete and I’m struggling to drum up the motivation.
- It’s funny, I actually look forward to my routines now. With the kids settled in bed, I settle in with an audiobook or motivational podcast and get to work. I know the reward (a clean and organized home, a blank slate for the next day) will be worth the effort.
- Initially, I thought the daily shine your sink thing was something I wouldn’t be doing but I was crazy surprised by how big of a difference it truly makes. I wake up in the morning and my sink is clean and clear of dirty dishes. This mentality has spread to my countertops as well and my kitchen is one of the first places I didn’t struggle with. I started to enjoy cooking and baking more than I had in the past.
- This brings me to dressing to your shoes. This is another habit that I didn’t think I would take to. I have taken to the idea that “getting ready” plays an important role in gaining and staying motivated.
- Since the book targeted stay-at-home and work-from-home women, I had to adjust it to fit my schedule.
- This text strongly emphasizes traditional gender roles. Whether you agree or disagree with societal gender norms, this book builds on those stereotypes. It’s okay to recognize that and, once again, tweak it to make it work for you and your family.
- This system has increased my desire to research other techniques and perfect my practice. I recognize that what works for me doesn’t always work for someone else. We have different lifestyles, obligations, and circumstances. We need to learn to pivot and adjust based on our needs.
Interested in the FlyLady system? She has a fantastic website (and YouTube content will give you the basic gist). Her book is also available on Amazon.
Have you tried the FlyLady System? What does your cleaning routine look like? Email me or leave a comment down below!