Spring Cleaning 101: Dining Room

Sitting down for a meal AS A FAMILY…

May be a common occurrence, may only happen once a week, once a month, or never.

What does your dining room look like on a regular basis? Is it just a showcase for furniture? Or is it used for what it is meant to be used for? Eating TOGETHER?

I am not sure of your personal family boundaries when it comes to eating meals together as a family, but I have to say that I feel so many things in our culture are competing with family mealtime. I have to admit that some of the things I do, cause that conflict as well. Even though I may schedule something around that time, I will NEVER (I know, a strong word, but I hopefully will never) get after someone for missing something because of a family meal. It is easy to not take serious;y the event of eating together. Though after each time you do, I can dare say you appreciate it more and more and think “ah, we have to do this more often…”

And you are right.

That is the question.

I want to encourage you to not only spring clean this room, but also spring clean something else, which is my #1 on my “Spring Cleaning 101: Dining Room.”

1. Spring clean your schedule so that you can have more family meals together. It benefits EVERYONE. Yes, you may feel too busy, but give it a whirl. Plan it out each week. You may have to adjust each person’s schedule a bit, but give it a try! Some nights, just won’t work. I get that. But what about on weekends? Instead of going out, cook a meal at home! Or, always eat breakfast or lunch together on the weekends, and so forth.

Now to the actual cleaning…
2. Declutter and organize what DOES belong. Whatever does not belong in this room, find the right place for it and do not allow it to come back in. Make sure everything has a home and make sure everything in this room pertains TO this room.

3. Wash the whole table (including legs) and chairs.

4. Wash curtains and rug.

5. Clean windows, window sills, and screens.

6. Dust any furniture, house decor, baseboards, lights, and vent covers.

7. Wash switch plates, doors, and doorknobs.

8. Mop or vacuum floor thoroughly.

9. Prepare a meal to eat together AS A WHOLE FAMILY.

Almost every house has a dining room. What do you use yours for the most?