Cleaning in general can be daunting, but when you look around and see the windows, baseboards, dust bunnies and piles of clutter building up, it can be difficult to know where to start! If you struggle with focusing on the task or not having enough time in a day, it almost feels unmanageable. But I am here to help! We are going to turn it into a game!
Game pieces:
-Donation Box -Trash Bag -Laundry basket -Miscellaneous Box/basket
-Windex and cloth -Dust rag and cloth -Cleaner and cloth -Broom/sweeper/vacuum
-Mop (if needed) -Timer
A timer?! Why a timer? Because it's a game, remember?! We are going to break this down so any room can be tackled within a short period of time. The goal: Beat the timer on each level. If you don't beat it, add 2 minutes at a time and beat that timer to finish up before heading to the next task. Start with a room at the top floor of your home and work your way down. All the supplies will be kept outside the room until needed. Ready?
Round 1:
Level 1: Set the time for 5 minutes. Take the miscellaneous box/basket and collect anything that doesn't belong in that room. Set it outside the room. Did you beat the 5 minute timer? Great job! You won the first level! If you need more time, go ahead and add those 2 minutes at a time.
Level 2: Set the timer for 3 minutes. Gather up all the trash in the room. Set the trash bag outside the room so if you find anymore trash you can get rid of it quickly. Great work! Next level!
Level 3: Set the timer for 3 minutes. Gather all the dirty laundry and put it in the basket. You're in the kitchen? Put all the dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher instead.
Level 4: Set the timer for 5 minutes. Take all the other items not in their assigned spaces and put them in a central location (ie. a table, countertop, bed or couch)
Level 5: Set the timer for 14 minutes. Put everything in their assigned spaces (clothes in drawers, blankets put away, clean dishes in the cupboards, hair supplies in the cabinet, etc.) Each item should only be touched once. If you touch it, put it away. If it needs to go in the trash, dirty clothes, or miscellaneous boxes, they are right outside the door. If you come across something that doesn't have a space yet, assign it a spot or trash/donate it. Did you beat the timer?!
Congratulations! You just picked up that entire room in 30 minutes or less! Let's get it clean now. Round 2! We clean from top to bottom, so the dust can settle before we clean the floors.
Round 2:
Level 6: Set timer for 2 minutes. Use the dusting rag and wipe down the door and door frames and the top of any artwork or mirrors.
Level 7: Set timer for 4 minutes. Use the cleaner to wipe down all flat surfaces, light switches and door knobs.
Level 8: Set the timer for 4 minutes. Spray and wash all windows, including ledges and top sash. How are we doing?
Level 9: Set the timer for 6 minutes. Wipe all the baseboards down with the dusting cloth. Set all the cleaners outside the room.
Level 10: Set the timer for 4 minutes. Do any last items, such as making the bed, fluffing pillows, folding blankets, or washing the front of appliances.
Congratulations! You beat round 2! The only things that should be left to do are sweeping and mopping. Let's tackle Round 3! 
Round 3:
Level 11: Set the timer for 4 minutes. Sweep/or vacuum the room. Make sure to get the dust bunnies you pulled off the baseboards!
Level 12: Set the timer for 1 minute. Bring all the supplies to the next room.
Level 13: Set the timer for 5 minutes. Grab the miscellaneous box and put everything away in their assigned spaces wherever they should be in the house. If they don't have an assigned space, create one or trash/donate the item.
You Won! Congratulations! You've just spent 1 hour or less getting that room shiny clean! I like to save the mopping until the very end and do all the rooms at the same time. So give yourself a pat on the back. You did it!