The other day I reached the point where I could no longer ignore the house. No matter what kind of deadline I was on. No matter what blew up somewhere in the world. It started with needing to move the work computer into the only room in the house where I can shut out the felines. They often make it very difficult to work, so the computer had to be moved.
That caused the dust balls to move as well. And then I noticed how many spiders had taken up residence near the ceilings.
I cleaned houses for a good many years, on and off. When I was in the money I would stop, but my fortunes have always been a roller coaster and when I was broke I would put an ad in the classifieds (yes, it was that far back) that said Sparkling Clean for a headline and a few lines about reasonable rates and reliability. I would get friends to give me a good word if anyone asked. Not the best way, but I had to keep a roof over my head and food on the table.
I knew I could do it anyhow, it was mostly a matter of sheer will power. I was getting $20 an hour and setting my own schedule when most poor people were getting 5 bucks an hour and were essentially slaves. Still are.
And my clients got exactly what I promised--a sparkling clean house. I did take pride in that work just as I do in any work.
The clients had personality types--the worst were the mistresses of what I called a "crystal palace", already spotless, and full of bric a brac. Those women were the worst with the class posturing. I ignored it and took the cash. When they bitched about invisible dirt I would just wipe it again.
My favorites were women who were on the verge of chaos, overwhelmed, and very happy with the obvious improvement in their environment. This was one of the experiences that showed me how you can literally improve your internal feeling of abundance, just by cleaning and arranging your house. Ever see a rich person with a filthy house? Nope.
But I digress. Now, here I sit in my house, close to the end (are we?) of a long pandemic. It might seem that my house would be in better shape, but doing anything during these last 21 months has been like swimming in mud. Now, I want a SPARKLING CLEAN house. I want to be my own client. I have not done this as a bail out gig for a fifteen years. But the process is not one you forget.
After moving the computer and desk it was time for a plan of attack. First, anything gross, even if nobody would ever see it. The goop from a spill under the fridge. Next, anything even slightly embarrassing. Sinks, tub, surfaces. Places flies like to roost. All scrubbed down.
After that, it is top to bottom, with floors last, just like any house. Room by room. In the end there is always a little pile of things with no home. Those go in the junk drawer if the are worth keeping and to the free box if it is time to let them go.
I am almost done and it is a good feeling. I am more in control and can concentrate on work with a cat free work area. As for the spider population, that is a conundrum. I truly don't want to disturb them, but I need to de-web. One of the things filed under embarrassing. I think I will take down the webs but not harm the occupants, and let them decide if they want to stay.
Next: the porch and yard, but not till the snow melts. And if I die unexpectedly my shade won't be dying again of embarrassment.
We used to joke about taking down the spider webs in October so we could decorate for Halloween - with fake spider webs! The sure do seem to set up homes indoors in the fall.
Love your approach. Sparkling Clean - a lovely thought.