Hi, my name is Val.  I am really happy to be the newest member of this crafty team of mamas that are set on making their lives and homes more user friendly.

I would like to challenge you all to a “decluttering intervention”.  Each week I will post a list of my trouble spots for the week.   There is only one clutter spot per day to go through.  It helps not to try to go too fast.  Not all of us can find a whole afternoon to go through all the linens and clothing… but most of us can find 10 minutes to go through the towels.

The only thing you will really need for this challenge is a notebook.  Any note book will do.  This will be to keep a list next to you of the needs in each area you are decluttering.  For example: If you go through your children’s clothing and find that your daughter only has 4 pairs of socks, and half her pants are too short, you write “Madeline: Socks and pants” on the list.  If you are like me, it is also good to have boxes or bags handy, as you want to get the decluttered stuff out of the house as fast as possible.

Clean Out Your Closets

Office and School Spaces

Tiny Storage Solutions

Storage Ideas

Master Cleaning Checklist

Using a Binder to Organize Your Home

Doing Chores with Your Kids

Blessings,

Val

Check out her personal blog!

Make Your own Household Cleaners

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I was thrilled, a friend showed me several ways to make my own cleaners.  Thanks Melitsa!  These cleaners are biodegradable, made with less harsh chemicals (most you can eat!), and is a ton cheaper!  I will definitely be making my own batches in the next week or two!

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What you will need:

• Hot Water
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Clear Dish Soap
• Fels Naptha Bar
• Washing Soda
• Borax
• And containers (spray bottles, old laundry detergent tubs, etc.)
• Essential oils; like lavender, vanilla or cinnamon.  They are optional, to give cleaners a fresh scent.

With them you can make the following cleaners:

• Basic Cleaning Spray
• Disinfectant Cleaning Spray
• Floor Cleaner
• All Purpose Scrub
• Liquid Laundry Detergent
• Powdered Laundry Detergent
• Fabric Softener

I hope you are able to save some pennies and expose your kids to fewer chemicals using the above cleaners.  Happy cleaning!

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More Cleaning Challenges and Organization Tips are Coming Soon!

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