I'm wondering if it is just me getting lazy in my old age (I'm sure it is a factor at least) or if there are others out there that are deciding on how much 'stuff' or decor you have is determined by the amount of cleaning/time/etc it involves? I want my home comfortable, cozy, welcoming but also clean. And I am in the middle of it right now when this thought popped into my head. I also needed a break so I sat down here to rest for a minute before making lunch. I also don't want to be a slave to my home so that I don't enjoy it or the yard....any thoughts?

I think age does impact this answer as does lifestyle (work out of the home? kids? pets? traveler? hobbies? caregiver? entertainer or not?). I can honestly say I'm in the stage of life where less is more esp. when it comes to cleaning all my stuff. I give more thought to what's brought into the home as well as more thought to what should be going out (donate, sell, give, toss). One's health should also impact this survey. Unfortunately, I can't afford a cleaning service like some of my friends or my answer would probably have been different.

If it's "getting lazy in old age", you're definitely not alone! I don't like clutter - too much to have to clean.

We live in the central valley of CA, and the weather is usually so nice this time of year we can keep the windows open most all the time. It gets SO dusty that I have to dust at least once a day, and cleaning all that grime is tedious.

On a side note, we now have to leave the windows closed, AC on, and keep my youngest daughter inside much of the time because of the air quality. She'd developed asthma since we moved here, and she's had a TERRIBLE time with it the last week or so.

"Cleaning and maintenance" determine about 99% of the decor, decisions, etc.

Oh, I'm sure we have stuff that needs a bit more, just for "looks" kind of stuff. But, not much.

Cleaning is always a part of my decisions regarding decor. I don't, as a rule, like clutter, but even if I wanted more "stuff" I'd still pair it down to make it easier to clean. In my last house, I once timed myself and found I could dust the entire house in 2 minutes!

Not one iota. I tend to like an overdecorated look, and with that comes the expectation that the do-dads, trinkets, fringes, fabric folds and curliques are going to collect dust and cobwebs. I just deal with it.

Oh wait. I DON'T deal with it. I just write the check to the cleaning lady! LOL!!!

This is very much on my mind lately as I realize I really don't like to clean house (and I'm it!) However I find I don't mind every once in a while cleaning off a certain shelf etc. I should never admit this but I rarely do a "housecleaning" any more. I'll clean a toilet or a floor or dust a table but stem to stern. . . no way. However I am starting to pare down, but more in the cellar etc. I know I simply will not be doing those projects or do I really need that stool missing a rung? So I've happily been taking things to our swap shop. I will never be a minimalist. I really, really enjoy certain individual pieces of china, like my little bowl with the bluebird inside that I eat a soft boiled egg from. I have lots of open shelving and will take all the contents from a "bay" and wash them & the shelf itself. I will be 74 soon & realize that the time will come when I don't want to do even that, so will probably have things packed away. Makes me think of a conversation with a minimalist sister yesterday. I was telling her about preparations for the show of my decoupage at the town library & what I had to do for it to get ready. She said so then I had to put all that stuff away and then take it out again. No, it just is left out. Doesn't bother me. Would drive her crazy.

I was going to say not at all, but remembered that since we have indoor cats we only buy upholstered fabrics which can be easily cleaned but that's the only concession. As far as accessories, I've realized my contentment in my home with it's "more-is-more" style is important. Doesn't take long to swiffer around a couple times a week to keep the dust at bay and occasionally (a few times a year) do a more thorough cleaning. We live in quite a clean air and dust-free area which helps.

I spent many years working and didn't have much time to "play" in my house with furnishings and accessories so am in that phase now. Perhaps later I'll tire of that and want more "empty" surfaces but for now I'm happy with it.

Wish I'd bought shares in swiffer long ago tho.

Well, I think I normally would have said that cleaning does definately determine my decorating, but in our new home have chosen some high mainetenance surfaces (black granite in kitchen, dark wood floors, light neutral walls). What I decided is that if I LOVE the look I don't mind the upkeep.

If I cannot throw it into the washing machine, I don't buy it!!! And even if I'm not supposed to throw it into the wash, I do anyway!!! That goes for clothes too. No more lay flat to dry. I definately won't buy bedding or window treatments that cannot be washed. I even try to get rugs that go in the machine. I've got 3 kids, DH, and an older cat who just happens to get sick often and never on the hard floor!!!

I like my "stuff" and because we live in a small house,it is not hard to keep clean. A quick go through with a microfiber cloth and a quick vacuum in the morning in the living and dining rooms and a more thorough cleaning once a week and a couple of times a year a "move everything and wipe down every surface" clean. I can't imagine a house without a bit of clutter.

Martha

Not too much. I have found my mom saying, "have you thought about that idea its gonna be a pain to clean!" but I generally don't mind. Although more recently I have said but if I get that, I'm gonna have to clean it... Doens't usually change my mind but I do think it. Plus I enjoy cleaning my own house. My only problem is the amount of time it takes -- for me to feel clean and happy I usually need about 8 hours. Unfortunately, my work schedule keeps me away from the house (and this is our first) from 8am until at least 8pm and often closer to 10pm. I suppose once my husband and i have children cleaning may have much more of an impact.

I often think about how much cleaning an item will take when considering a purchase. I live with my large furry beast and anything that will attract the dog hair is definitely out. I do love the stuff that makes a house homey and have things that I love, but wish they weren't dust magnets.

Since we have been getting our house ready to sell, we have decluttered big time - bulky, extra furniture and knick-knacks are out - the rooms look so much bigger - it is amazing, open and clean and easy to clean. I don't want to spend lots of time cleaning and not having lots of stuff out makes it sooo muche easier.

I find joy in having a clean house but not a lot of joy in lots of time spent cleaning - I try to keep up by doing a little each day.

The yard is a different story - I spent all day working hard in the front yard yesterday getting ready for the Broker's Tour that takes place next Thursday - it was a glorious day in the mid 70's with a little breeze and I had such an enjoyable time - I'll garden as long as I can walk and bend - it is a joy and one of my favorite ways to pass time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Cattknap,

I always make sure whatever I buy blends with my kitty cat's fur

Seriously, don't ever get a glass coffee table. What a pain in the rump!

Lovely, I can SO relate to the blends matching kitty fur and glass tops!! We used to have two cats and a dog, thank goodness for carpet cuze it didn't fly as much. We have lost our beloved four legged family members and with the new addition we have put in laminate floors and tile...I think it would DEFINITELY be a nightmare to have pet hair with these! It's been a bad enough pain with MY hair loss all over the place. I can't believe I have any left after all I found cleaning yesterday

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ladeuce,

Cattnap, best of luck on the Broker's Tour and I hope all your hard work outside stays for the week. I, too, would MUCH rather be outside and yet all the work I do out there usually stand less of a chance lasting than inside!
I'm glad I posted this thread, I think we all feel pretty much the same. We want our homes comfy, some of us like a little "more" in our homes than others, nothing wrong with that at all. I am trying to not be such a pain about keeping things clean once I get it done but heck, that is a LOT of work! I don't want to get OC about it like I think I used to do, but I also don't want to just do it over again. Given that, I also want to feel 'ok' about home and company. And for me to do that, I am finding I just need to eliminate a little bit of stuff. (Actually I need to eliminate a LOT of stuff but that will have to come later on I guess). Till then I just have to make myself get into a better routine, make the best of it all, and enjoy my choices. Glad everyone is feeling good about the thread.

it impacts me a HUGE amount. I have never placed "objects" on my coffee table or end tables. I have virtually no "knicknacks" and very little wall decor.

I look at the magazines and some photos here and wonder "where does all that stuff come from? and how do they keep it clean?"

I dont object to it in someone else's home, I just can't deal with it in mine.

Not at all, even when the kids were little. Love my stuff, love my family and pets, and learned a long time ago not to be OC...the only way to save my sanity.

P.S.: In recent years, the Swiffer has been a G*o*d send!