Q: We are undergoing a hugh remodeling of our home.  Needless to say our house is dirt from one end to the other.  I am not sure where to begin to clean it all up.  Do I do it one room at a time? Or do all rooms by the chore, such as vacuuming?  I am just depressed because I usually am a pretty good house keeper.

Daryl: I can appreciate your situation—we, too, have done our share of remodeling, building on, sanding floors, painting and generally messing things up.  One time I even found sawdust in my refrigerator!  Just know that the results are worth the process.  As you bask in your practically new home, you’ll soon forget the dust and upheaval that once plagued you, so hang in there!

As to your question, it’s kind of six of one and a half dozen of another. A lot depends on the size of your home and how many helpers you have and the ages and stages of your children.

From an efficiency standpoint, it’s best to do all the rooms by the chore, such as vacuuming everything, as you say.  In this way you have to get out equipment and supplies only once and furthermore dust isn’t as likely to be tracked by foot or carried by air from room to room.   It’s especially efficient if you do all the wet cleaning—washing windows, woodwork, mopping floors, cleaning bath and kitchen fixtures, etc.  And then do all the dry cleaning—vacuuming, dusting, polishing, arranging and decorating, etc. 

From a psychological point of view, it can be helpful to fully clean one area (such as a room).  This way you experience at least some results quicker and every time you see the room you’ll feel a surge of hope—clear evidence that it is possible for all the rooms to eventually look good.  

Sometimes it’s even smart to combine the two systems, at least to a small degree.  For example, if you first wipe off at least one counter or shelf and put something pretty on it, or set out a vase of fresh flowers, or hang a picture you can feel some hope and heart to motivate you as you proceed  with the “by the chore method.”      

Fortunately there’s really no worry, as I can see, because you are already a good housekeeper and your former habits and skills will quickly serve you again.  It won’t be difficult to re-establish your routine and soon be in control again—with everything nice and new.

Success to you!