Today at the Garvey’s, it’s “leave it like you found it day.” Yesterday was “clean the house night” and every week (for the past two weeks, thanks to Jay’s brilliant suggestion) the day immediately following clean the house night is “leave it like you found it day.” The goal (as the clever name of this day implies) is to leave everything exactly as it was found all day long. (And since we cleaned last night, this means sparkling clean and clutter-free! Woohoo!)
So, if the toothbrush wasn’t on the counter before brushing your teeth, the toothbrush goes back in the drawer—just like you found it. If your pajamas weren’t on the floor when you woke up this morning, they don’t stay on the floor when you’re done getting dressed. If the blanket wasn’t in a heap on the couch before you watched T.V., it gets folded when you’re done.
Now I know what you’re thinking: Shouldn’t everyday be “leave it like you found it day?” Ideally (for the parents in the house anyway) the answer is yes. But I’m guessing if we announced that one to the kids they wouldn’t even try it for a day. Here’s why: it’s too hard! Seriously, to say “OK, from this day forward you will never leave anything out ever again when you’re done using it” is completely unrealistic. And deep down I know it, the kids know it, we all know it. An absolute, draw-the-line-in-the-sand approach like this is much less effective because deep down we know it’s really not possible to be perfect—especially when we’re trying to create a new habit.
But, leaving things like you found them for one single day—now that’s doable. And the best part is—it’s actually quite fun. We’re all in it together. And saying “Hey, remember what today is…” as a subtle hint, is much more fun than “Pick up your backpack! Put away your shoes!” as a not-so-subtle-command. Plus, it’s one step forward in the process of making everyday leave it like you found it day.
If you have cleaning on your horizon this weekend, why not try a establishing a “leave it like you found it day” in your home? Who knows, it may turn into leave it like you found it two days (like my daughter is already lobbying for,) or leave it like you found it week, or leave it like you found it month, or even leave it like you found it lifetime…but let’s not get ahead of ourselves! One step at a time—that’s how change happens.
Have a great weekend!
What a great idea. We’ll have to try it, even if it’s not the whole house, if I could just have a “leave it like you found it” in the kitchen for a day, I’d be thrilled.
Wow, what a simple but awesome concept!
I think you may be starting a revolution.
Awesome idea!! THANKS!!
I use the line that the boys learned in Boy Scouts, when camping: Leave no trace. (no trace that you were there camping….so I shouldn’t be able to tell you just showered/ate/whatever).
I like this idea… with no kids yet though I think my husband might laugh at me if I announce to him that it’s “Leave it like you found it day”!
LOVE this idea! We are definitely implementing it 😀
TOO FUNNY – I haven’t checked your blog for awhile (I miss it!) and this post is exactly what I’m trying to do for the next month. My son’s birthday party is May 30th and I figure if I keep up with the ‘leave it as I found it’, come party time I won’t be freaking out with all the cleaning I’d need to do and then I can focus on the fun stuff and not cleaning.
The days I mop are always, “Don’t even think about walking on my kitchen floors with your shoes on” days. And sometimes the day after, if it’s been more than 2 weeks since I had time to mop. I need to enjoy my clean floors…if only for a day. With sand trails from the playground or grass clippings after yard work. I just need a day of clean. Is that so wrong? 🙂
I want one! I have a p touch from years ago that works great but this is so cool how it hooks up to your computer and becomes a printer!