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What memories do you have from your childhood? One of my memories is cleaning the house. There was an unspoken rule that I was to clean the whole house just about every week. I didn't mind much but sometimes I just would rather do other things.  

I was never a “surface” cleaner. I was a true “deep” cleaner so when I cleaned, I cleaned e-v-e-r-y  s-i-n-g-l-e nook and cranny I could find. That is why cleaning took me so long (and still does) and why it's hard for me to find someone to clean. I have yet to find someone who cleans like I do although once I had someone who came very close. Oh, and my super power is that my eyes go to every nook and cranny that someone missed even when my eyes are closed. Both are habits I have found hard to break.

When my daughter was a teenager, I remember her telling me that her friends’ moms didn’t clean like I did, and then she said I was Mrs. Clean! Do not mistake this for a compliment because it wasn’t, LOL. But looking back, I can see why she said that. And what I'm about to say isn't a complaint, it's just true. It was because of my upbringing. I was a clean freak and I thought it was normal to spring clean my house (or close to it) every week because that's what I did growing up.  I only found out it wasn't normal when I was talking to someone a many years ago about cleaning. By the sound of it, I could tell the person I was talking to didn't clean like I did. So I probed and asked questions. Finally I asked, "So you don't remove everything from the countertops and wipe down the counters, cabinets and backsplash every week?" She said no! I was shocked.

One thing is true and will always be true…I love a clean house; I mean a really clean house! This is why I tell our clients, “make your home sparkle” especially if their home is not updated. You’d be surprised how fast any house will sell if it’s sparkling clean. Buyers truly appreciate it. 

To help you with house and home tips that will not only save you time and money, but it will save your sanity, I'd like to share a Facebook group we stumbled on called, The Hacky Homemaker.  I hope you enjoy all the great tips as much as I do. Spring is right around the corner and if you’re planning to list your home for sale, this FREE Cleaning Checklist from The Hacky Homemaker will be perfect for you! Help us support small businesses by joining The Hacky Homemaker Facebook group for some great homemaking tips! And consider joining our Small Talk - Real Estate & More! Facebook group where you can find trusted professionals and small businesses. You never know when you may need their products or services!

~Lisa