How To Clean a Living Room in No Time at All

Here's How:

1. Start with a large, empty box and a waste basket placed in the center of the room.
2. First, collect any dishes and glasses around the room and take them to the kitchen. Put them away or into the dishwasher, out of sight.
3. Next, collect all trash and garbage(newspapers, wrappers, old magazines, etc.) and throw them into the wastebasket.
4. Then, collect anything that doesn't belong in the living room (clothing, toys, mail, project equipment) and throw them into the box.
5. Take both the wastebasket and the box to the garage, basement, closet or other out-of-the-way spot. Don't put items away now. You don't have time. Just get them out of sight!
6. Grab 2 washcloths -- one damp (but wrung out very dry), and the other completely dry. Quickly wipe off picture frames and mirrors, first with the damp, then the dry rag.
7. Next, wipe all objects and tabletops with the damp rag, and remove moisture with the dry cloth.
8. Neatly stack magazines or books on the coffee table. Rearrange decorative objects to an attractive position.
9. If you have some around, bring in a fresh flower arrangement or fresh plants and place them around the room.
10. Spritz a light air freshener into the room.
11. If you have any time left, quickly vacuum the major traffic areas.
12. If you have yet more time, do a quick wipe-down of the powder room. Put out fresh hand towels.
13. Turn on some soft music, comb your hair, and sit down! Take a breather and graciously welcome your guests.

Tips:

1. Move quickly! Stash unneeded items out of sight to be sorted later.
2. Delegate kitchen and bathroom cleaning to others, if possible.
3. Be a gracious host -- stop cleaning and concentrate on your guests once they arrive.
4. Don't try to do too much. The key here is quick!

What You Need:

• Waste Basket for Discards
• Empty Box for Items to Keep
• 2 Washcloths--one damp and one dry
• Room Freshener
• Vacuum (if you have time)
• Fresh Flowers and Plants
• Soothing Music