Adulting is not hard, just do it! Things your mother should have told you, maybe I forgot.

 February 21, 2021

I was helping my adult child move into a new apartment and a few conversations made me think...didn't I mention these things and did anyone tell me? I soon realized that several family members told me by example and as a possible solution to a problem. (or maybe a hint to clean?)

Let me make it easy for you! Adulting is not  hard, just do it!

• Clean up your kitchen every night. Fill the dishwasher, wash the pots and pans, wipe off the counter and kitchen table. Start the dishwasher if full before going to bed. Your day starts off much better when you walk into a neat kitchen in the morning. 
• Set up your morning coffee the night before. 
• In the morning, while your coffee is brewing, empty the dishwasher. 
• Make your bed every day even if it means pulling up the covers and smoothing out the bumps. Do it as you get out of bed. 
• Throw dirty clothes into a laundry basket every day. When the basket gets full, do the laundry! To keep your clothes looking clean--sort by color! Whites look dingy if washed with jeans. 
• Hang up some things when partially dry (shirts, sweaters, pants) ...will save on ironing. Do not leave clothes in the washer or dryer over night!
• Pull the shower curtain over when you get out of the shower. This helps it to dry and will prevent mold. 
• Check your mailbox every day. Shred and recycle. Avoid piles of mail.
• Look at yourself during work virtual meetings. What is everyone seeing? Are you projecting a professional image? Is your work space clutter free? Is the area behind you representative of your goals? 
• Start a grocery list on your phone of things that you need as you run out or remember you want to buy them.

Once a week:

• Collect all towels-- kitchen, bathroom and bathroom rugs. Wash them together if the colors allow. Throw in your oven mitts, pot holders. etc. Wipe down everything in the bathroom while tthe towels, etc. are washing and drying.  (including mirror and door knobs) Empty the trash can. Replace towels, etc. where they belong after removing them from the dryer.   
• Strip your bed-- sheets, pillows, mattress pad, etc. Wash and dry them together. Remake your bed.
• Vacuum and dust. 
• Clean out your refrigerator, discard left over food (good to do this the night before trash collection)
• Wipe out your microwave.
• Call your mother and father!