Flat mates' issues about cleaning the common spaces. How can I cope?

Flat mates' issues about cleaning the common spaces. How can I cope?

Many of us at some point had a house mate or a room mate. Some people have good luck finding

great house mates, while others don't. If you and your house mates are having issues around

keeping the flat clean, here are some tips that may help.

Sit down with the members of the house and discuss your needs.Communication is the key to a

healthy relationship. Listen to each other with respect even if you don't agree with something.

Making the other person feel special is a good way to get your need met as well. If everyone

do not agree with each other, try to find a common ground.

Some house mates need more special attention than others. If people in the flat do not remember

when and how to clean, a 'cleaning chart' attached on a wall or on the fridge with specifications

may help making the cleaning process easier. Who, what, where and when are essential in such

chart. You can also send out weekly email about cleaning. You can make a list of different areas

that need special attention such as the kitchen, bathroom, stair ways in winter time, etc. You can

have a designate folder, that has different location of the flat, when it should get clean, how, and

who will be in charge of such task.

And other way to keep a flat clean and neat is by making sure everyone do their part. Meaning

that people living in the house, cleans after them selves. Everyone should clean their own

dishes, wipe the bath room and kitchen counter, spray water on the shower wall after user, etc.

Preferable right after use. If someone forgets or too busy, remember to remind them of their

duties, but respectively. Each house mates should remember to stick to the plan chosen, and to

not take things personal. If another house mate speak to you about your chores not being done,

do not take things personal. Remember, respect, and communication.

If everything fells, you can discuss with your flat mates about having a cleaning service over to

clean and organize the flat every week or bi weekly. Organizing Made Simple, provides such

services. Contacts us today.

It happens sometimes, that house mates get reluctant do talk and participate in anything in a

flat. In such cases, it would be grand for you to tell your house mates that your needs to keep

a clean home are not being met. Or it would be wise to get new house mates or move to another

flat that will accommodate your needs.

All the same should apply to having a 'room mate'. You have less privacy and the space may be

more confined. Do your part when you expect your room mate to do his/hers. 'Walk the walk and

talk the talk.' Your room mate will follow your examples.

Living with strangers can be a challenge, but this is where your community skills come in.

Remember that "Home is where the heart is", so relax, have fun, play, chat with each other. Don't

turn chores into chaos. Cleaning a home should be fun and keeps the house in a happy state.

Support and talk to each other like family. After all that what it's all about.

Here are some websites that talk about house mate issues. Enjoy!

http://iflatshare.com/how-do-you-get-your-flatmates-clean-the-flat/

http://www.ehow.com/how_5856732_survive-living-flatshare.html

http://www.rlc.org.au/sharehousing/living.html

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A 'Spring Cleaning' dilemma. To clean or not to clean, is there an option?

A 'Spring Cleaning' dilemma. To clean or not to clean, is there an option?

A lot of folks right now are experiencing this problem.

"Should I do a Spring Cleaning? Do I have time to clean

this year?"

They may ponder. Where does 'Spring Cleaning originate

from? ( Check out 1,2 below. ).

To my understanding growing up, my mother cleaned the

whole house from top to bottom. I was thought at a young

age to 'Spring Clean'. Consequently, till this day I Spring

Clean. Well....I do more than Spring Clean. I clean all the time,

year round. My home is so clean and free of debris that it would

float in the wind if it were a feather. I keep it simple. As I read

other articles about Spring Cleaning,what I thought it was

about, still remains. Winter ( if you're living in the north ) can be so

dreadful and cold, that most people wait till Spring comes to clean

their home or office. New Years are time for people to make

resolutions, so is Spring time. I do not wait for Spring to clean. Some

folks feel happier in Spring. Spring time gives us hope of what may

come. You shed out your skin,your winter clothes, fat, and your house.

Beside that Spring Cleaning has some Historic meaning behind it, I think

nowadays people make it more personal. Spring is the time to party, to

feel better about one self. To play sports outdoor, get in shape, invite

friends over, plant flowers, and shed out your home of the clutter and dirt.

As much as many people would want to Spring Clean, many of them don't feel like they have the time to

do so, or the motivation, the skills, or some people feel that their's nothing to clean about. Well....to that say,

unless you have had a maid in your home year round or have been doing it your self; you probably need a

Spring Cleaning. It is always a good practice to keep your place clean year round, or else you will pay the

consequences of Spring Cleaning which will take a whole lot of time and effort. Some people wait for New Years or Spring time

to make decisions because they don't want to do what they need to do in the first place. People like to give them

selves excuses to do things that don't matter, rather then taking the time to do things that they probably need to

do for their own well being. " I'll do this comes New Year." "I will wait for Spring to do this or that". The excuses need

to stop, NOW. If you want or need to do something, do it now. Put it down on your to do list, and check as you go.

Because the more you wait, the less that you will do or intend to do, and the more dirt and clutter will accumulate.

To Spring Clean is a good thing, but you don't need to wait until Spring to clean. I know it's easier to do it beginning

Spring because everyone else are in the spirit.

The benefits of Spring Cleaning:

• You will feel better about yourself and your home for the rest of the year.
• Now you can invite your friends and family over for some BBQ or a party.
• Your home will thank you.
• The stress and clutter feelings that you've been having, will be over.
• And so much more.......

The set backs:

• You will probably feel lonely and all stressed out.
• You will probably go out more often, not because it's beautiful outside, but because your place is an eye sore.
• You will probably give others excuses after excuses why they shouldn't come over to your place or office.
• You will probably not have the past over dinner at your place, or any other holidays.
• You will probably avoid coming home.
• You will probably front up the money to have someone else do it for you ( good for the cleaning service ).
• And many more that you know I didn't have to mention.

So, back to the question, "To clean or not to clean, is there an option?". To clean of course. You will not regret it.

There is always on option or time to do this or that. Just set your priorities. There's a difference between what you

want and what you need. Make a list of what is important for you and look around to see if it's true or not. Ask yourself,

if what is important to you is something that you need or want. Either or, do what is important. You may choose hanging

with your friends, partying, living on facebook, sleeping all day is more important than cleaning your place, but think of the

outcome. Patterns that we learn from childhood to our adulthood may result in positive outcomes or negative.

I am not a psychiatrist but this is ABCD things that we all know about. You don't have to clean all by yourself. Ask a friend,

neighbor, family or partner to help out. If everything fails, you can always ask else where. Contact Organizing Made Simple

today, for your next 'Spring Cleaning' adventure. You will thank us and yourself for it.

So, there you have it folks. Spring is great! But don't get out the house and forget what's in there. Remember

to not only live for the present, but to also live for the future. You de-clutter your self out today, you can hang out and have

fun without thinking about the state of your home, and have real fun stress free.

Organizing Made Simple

Herve T. Professional Organizer and Home Designer.

Stay tuned for next week's topic, 'Flat mates' issues about cleaning the common spaces. How can I cope?'.

1 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-origins-of-spring-cleaning.htm

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_cleaning 3 http://www.marthastewart.com/article/spring-cleaning-organizer

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"How clean is too clean"? Is there such a thing?

Greetings readers!

Welcome to my first blogg.

A while back I was asked, "how clean is too clean"? I was a little taking back by that question. I think that question is rhetorical and personal. I don't think anyone should be told by another how clean they should be. Well don't get me wrong, I still think the word "clean " means what it really means.

Some might argue that, 'Well... I am clean but my friend is way too clean'? How can "clean" be way too clean? You are either clean or dirty, period. 1The meaning of "clean is to free from dirt, unsoiled, unstained, habitually free of dirt." Therefore if you are a clean person, then you are a clean person. Stating, ' I am not a clean freak, I'm somewhat clean' doesn't help anyone. Being clean doesn't have to do with being half clean, or being clean sometimes. You're either clean or you're not. It would seem that unclean people, like to call clean people names; like 'clean freak', 'weirdo', 'psycho on cleaning', 'neat freak', etc. Now the name calling is so rampant that people who are self acclaimed clean, are ashamed of it. How the table turns. I don't think there's anything wrong about being "clean" or " too clean" ( which there's isn't anything as too clean). So what if someone is a "clean freak" or "too neat".

The opposite of clean is "dirty", let's see what this word really means. 2 Soiled with dirt, foul, spreading or imparting dirt, obscene, unpleasant, hostile, insulting, etc. Wow!

I don't think anyone in their right mind would want to be perceived as such. No judgements here. Don't get me wrong. Being dirty can quickly lead to clutter, poor time management skills, stressful, unhealthy and overwhelming. People with a dirty home tend not to want people over their homes, they are usually ashamed of the situation.

Cleanness promotes health, a better home, a happy life, stress free, time management skills, respect from others, etc. While being afraid or ashamed to be seen as too clean, don't bring anyone anywhere. I never hear someone who is proud of being dirty, nor being a clean freak. Well.....I will the first to say, " I am proud to be a clean, and an organized person". I have nothing against anyone who is unclean or thinks that I am a clean freak. Being clean has made my life easier. I love having people over and live my life without guilt.

I hope that I shed some light to that question. Clean or not clean, you can only be who you are and not calling each other names. Everyone do what's best for them. If you need to know how to be FREE from 'dirt' please feel free to leave your comments or question.

Please note, the purpose of this article is not to bad mouth anyone or to promote name calling.

1 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/clean

2 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dirty

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Recommendations and testimonials

Recommendations -----Anito R. “You could not find a more creative and artistic person as Herve Tennessee. He very personable and knowledgeable of his craft. I highly recommend him.” January 4, 2010 -----Tersh R. (client) Tersh hired you as a organizing in 2007 and hired you more than once Top qualities: Personable, Good Value, High Integrity “Herve really cares about well arranged spaces. He cares about my spaces even more than I do ! :)” February 23, 2009 -----Marie N. (client) Marie hired you as a Promotional work in 2009 and hired you more than once Top qualities: On Time, High Integrity, Creative “Herve Tennessee has on several occasions distribute copies of my publication, flyers and other promotional materials. Each time, he was very attentive, creative and reliable. Herve is a very warm and approachable young man and clients enjoyed his positive outlook. I would definitely hire Herve again for future promotions.” January 6, 2010 ------Tersh R. (client) Tersh hired you as a House Cleaner in 2008 and hired you more than once Top qualities: Personable, Good Value, High Integrity “What I loved a bout Herve is that, because of his love of neatness, i could leave him to do the cleaning and neatening, without much need to communicate, think, and talk about the stuff in the room, because he simply picked it up , cleaned, and put it back; some things, that he put on shelves, or in cabinets, he took pictures of ( with my digital camera) and he put those pictures on my computer, so that I could see what had gone where.” January 6, 2010 ------Alex M. Chair College and Young Adult Committee, Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth (colleague) managed you “Tennessee Herve was a pleasure to work with. He brought a professional attitude and a drive to help build our organization. I am sure he will go far in all his endeavors and I highly recommend him.” January 4, 2010 ------John W. Usher, Citi Wang Theater (colleague) worked directly with you “Herve and I work as theater ushers. He always does a great job. He's always happy to see everyone and boosts morale at every show he works. John Wong” January 4, 2010 ------Tameka P. (client) Tameka hired you as a Promotional Model in 2007 and hired you more than once Top qualities: Personable, On Time, High Integrity “I recommend Herve because he is extremely personable and works well with others. He was punctual everyday for the job and came to work! He is trustworthy and very consistent. He would be a great asset to your organization.” January 5, 2010 -------Anito R. Usher, Boston Opera House (colleague) worked directly with you “Herve Tennessee is a true professional. His passion for his work is shown through and through. Herve is a true people person, I highly recommend him as an Usher/Customer Service Representative at Citi Performing Arts Center-Wang Theater.” January 4, 2010 ------Kathleen E. , Assistant, Goodwin Procter LLP (colleague) worked with you “My primary employment is at Goodwin Procter LLP as legal secretary. My secondary job is working at the Wang Theater and the three other union houses in Boston (Shubert, Colonial and Opera House). I met Herve Tennessee several years ago when we worked at one of these theaters together. Since that first meeting, we have worked together or in the same theater countless times. Herve is a hard worker, proactive and always willing to go the extra step to get the job done. He thinks outside the box and keeps a cool head when the pressure is on. And he does all of this with a smile on his face. He is a very thoughtful person and a congenial co-worker and friend. He is ambitious, but in a good way. He doesn't sit back and let life happen. He is constantly thinking about what he wants out of life and takes steps to educate himself on how to achieve his goals. He's a remarkable person.” January 4, 2010 -------Robin S. ( client ) Herve is such a wonderful organizer! He made my home and my heart happy and peaceful again ♥ ...Use his wonderful services! ------Dinah B. (client) Herve worked for me over a period of several months early in 2008. He cleaned and organized my basement, and cleaned and organized several closets. He is an excellent worker. Pleasant, dependable and efficient. I would not hesitate to hire him again should the need arise and I recommend him highly. -------Dan B. (client) I worked with Herve on a five-room painting project. He was fantastic to work with. Came on-time prepared to work and was professional, hard-working, knowledgeable/experienced, thorough, and neat. Also, a pleasure to work with. I would easily hire him again for more projects.

Greetings from 'Organizing Made Simple!'

Organizing Made Simple helps its clients to prosper in their daily lives, by helping them to manage efficiently their life, time and home.

Greetings from 'Organizing Made Simple!' We are your 'home experts.' We do: -PERSONAL SHOPPER -PERSONAL ASSISTANT -ORGANIZE -GREEN CLEAN

-RENOVATE

_HOME STAGE

-DESIGN

Herve Tennessee is the owner of Organizing Made Simple in MA. Herve is a home Designer and Professional Organizer. Services include, interior and exterior decorating, personal assisting, green cleaning, personal shopper, painting, dresser, small event planning, and cooking. He will fix up your space from top to bottom be at your Home, Office, or Garage. He has been in the business for over 4 years. Making people happy and feel peaceful in their space is his specialty. His services are beneficial to everyone, from young couples, single folks with flat mates, first home buyers, to settled grand parents. Organizing Made Simple services everyone in East Massachusetts. He will work with you one on one to get tasks done. He will teach you easy steps to keep your home, office, car and life organized. He also offers made services for your home and office and he utilizes natural cleaning products. If you need anything done, 'Organizing Made Simple' will make it happen. Thank you. Herve ~derek_herve@yahoo.com~