A few simple rules I live by as a self-diagnosed clean/neat freak are:1. Find a place for everything. When you want to buy something at the store, can you visualize where it will go? (Obviously not discussing food here, but kids toys, shoes, etc). For me, if I really want it and don't have a justifiable reason to buy it, I make a deal by getting rid of something similar to replace with the new item....such as another cute pair of black flats, picture frame, or pair of jeans.2. When it comes to actually cleaning your bathroom, kitchen, floors, etc. work from the top down. Dust all surfaces, wipe away cob webs from ceiling corners and off fans, then work your way down past counter-tops and surfaces to the floor. Finish with vacuuming/mopping/polishing. 3. Baking Soda. I'm not sure why this non-toxic, CHEAP alternative is not discussed more often as an awesome cleaning product. It is biodegradable, earth-friendly, non-toxic for you, kids, pets, and is an amazing degreaser/cleaner. It is the only way I clean my oven by spritzing it with a spray bottle of water, enough to get the soda to stick in as much as 1/2 an inch of the stuff, let it sit even overnight and simply wipe away. In your oven alone, you'll be amazed by how much it soaks up! Of course, be careful on certain surfaces for it can be abrasive.
