I have clear memories of my mom calling out to us kids, “Company’s coming!” “We need to pick up and get ready, FAST!” We needed to jump into speed cleaning mode. My mom kept a clean house, so it wasn’t like we needed to scrub toilets or mop floors. But, the clutter of daily living would have accumulated, and she wasn’t crazy to have it all be seen by whoever was dropping in at the last minute.
I find myself going into “Company’s Coming” speed cleaning mode occasionally and have thought it would make sense to have a clear strategy or protocol to kick into at that time. I thought you might want one as well. Therefore, I’ve written this post and also have a Speed Cleaning Checklist for you to print out and have on hand for those every-once-in-a-while occurrences. There might also be times that you just don’t want to spend a long time cleaning for whatever reason (including not being ‘in the mood!)
One thing you can do before you ever get that last-minute ‘Company’s Coming’ call, is to make sure you’ve got good cleaning tools and products on hand. A good duster, sponges, toilet scrubber and cleaner, sink, and counter spray; you know the products you love and that work for you. And, if you don’t, do some research and get the good stuff. You’ll need a container on hand to grab the clutter and a couple of new candles to add to the ambiance. You’ll be the most prepared last-minute cleaner ever with these easy cleaning hacks.
Speed Cleaning Tools
Here are a few tools that will speed up your speed cleaning if “Company’s Coming”!
Quick Overview of 5 Speed Cleaning Tips
C is for Clutter
Clutter is the first and most important issue to hit and you need to hit it hard! This speed cleaning routine covers the hot spots in your house. So, starting with clutter just grab a container and slide the clutter in it. (But, don’t forget where you put the container!) Give yourself 5 minutes max to get the job done.
L is for Living Room
After you’ve hit the clutter, you can move on to the living room. Think dust, fluff, and picking up big chunks. This can be accomplished in 5 as well. If you’re doing this as a timed speed cleaning, use the stop-watch function on your phone and make sure you beat it!
E is for Eating Area
On to the kitchen and dining room. A few more things here, but they’re obvious. Think surfaces and kitchen messiness. Set the timer for seven minutes in this area. If this is a dinner gathering you’ll be spending more time here eventually.
A is for Anything Else
As you continue the speed cleaning of your house, don’t forget to hit the bathroom, then eyeball the entryway and finish with whatever else is you see. This last bit could take up to eight minutes.
N is for No Time
If your company is less than 5 or 10 minutes away, go into Super Speed Cleaning Mode! Eyeball your living space and attack the critical things first: Big clutter, sink dishes, stale bathroom, chunky floor. Light a candle. Do what you can and know that their house probably is enjoying the lived-in look as well!
Hopefully, you will enjoy the visit and WON’T comment about the dust you missed or the opened mail on the counter. Just think of it as part of the ambiance of your home. 🙂
Download your free Speed-Cleaning Checklist
Wrap it Up
Deep cleaning a messy house weekly or otherwise will make speed cleaning activities minimal. But, normal family life tends to hi-jack clean houses! And, if last-minute guests are arriving very soon, the house will look like it’s going to look!
However, two things are true. You can always say ‘not tonight’ and reschedule for another time. A ‘no’ response is totally acceptable. And, an explanation is never required. Or, if you want to see these people and they really need to see you, do what you can and then embrace the time with your people.
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Warm hospitality comes out on top when going up against a spotless house! Your guests came to spend time with you and once you’ve picked up’ kick back and spend your best time with them. Everybody wins!
Now it’s time to say, “Congratulations!” You are amazing! If you completed steps 1-4 within 25 minutes or less, you should be crowned SPEED HOUSE CLEANING QUEEN FOR THE DAY! Pat yourself on the back, post it on Facebook, and then go pour yourself a glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee; put your feet up and wait for your company to arrive!
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Finding a new purpose in living and joy in the day-to-day was the goal when author Kathy Rowland and her entire family (adult kids and grandkids) moved from the PNW to Texas several years ago. The focus of Quiet Hollow is to encourage ‘next chapter women’ – those who are retired, empty-nesters, or have found themselves without a spouse to jump back into life. And, she shares multiple tips, ideas, and possibilities toward that end. Kathy completed her almost 30 years as an elementary teacher and hopped into over a decade of volunteer work, side hustle-type businesses, and grandchild care before discovering her unique and fulfilling purpose for the next chapter of life. What you read on Quiet Hollow is a large part of that calling. Another part is the happy life she’s leading in Central Texas in the same neighborhood as the 3 big kids and her 5 grandkids. She and her college sweetheart husband made sure to add a pool to their new Texas home, so there are lots of noisy, splashy days in their little oasis of a backyard. Come join her on Quiet Hollow in a conversation about finding and living the life you were created to live in this later stage. The chats will be full of laughter, support, faith, and inspiration to create.
Great Job Kathy!
Thanks Trudy! Fun seeing you here 🙂