Housework has a lot to answer for. Few people like it, most couples argue over it and when you’ve got little people running around the house, getting through the homework can often feel like an impossible task. As soon as you tidy one room, another is being destroyed in a process.

You spend so much of your day running about to complete different tasks when you get home the routine of feeding, washing and trying to encourage your kids to do their homework feels like the day is done. And, that’s before you’ve made dinner, had a chance to tidy the playroom, let alone relax and just chill.

The other day, I had one of those crazy moments whereby I couldn’t bear all the lotions and potions in the bathroom, sprawled across the surfaces and it felt so messy. I never get around to having a sort out, so I had a strop about the mess and spent thirty minutes throwing out lots of out-dated creams and lotions. As I emptied the drawers it dawned on me that this may have the first time I have cleaned out this dreaded drawer in ten years. Ten years! Oh, the shame! But equally, the pure excitement of having a sort out.

When I thought about what I could achieve in thirty minutes, it made me think about the TOMM method. Gemma Bray, aka The Organised Mum and now author, has created her own method for getting the cleaning done in half an hour a day, Monday to Friday, leaving weekends free of chores. Sounds great, right?

I am fortunate to have met Gemma is person and she is as lovely and smiley in real life as she is on her social media pages. The Organised Mum Method (TOMM) is now religiously followed by hundreds of thousands of parents across the country. Gemma was even invited onto Good Morning Britain to talk about it.

Gemma, a mum of three, comments in this interview with Manchester Evening News and relays this story in the opening chapter of her book on why she started TOMM “I started the method 12 years ago after my eldest child was born. I was struggling to keep on top of everything in the house and look after a newborn, so I created the method which enabled me to get everything done but still have lots of time leftover to enjoy my new baby. “I sat at my kitchen table and drew it up on a piece of paper and stuck it to my fridge, and I have followed it ever since. Essentially, TOMM is an efficient way to keep on top of everything at home. We work in 30 minute chunks daily Monday to Friday. Weekends are kept housework free so you can enjoy your time off without having to do a mammoth clean at the weekend.”

The Organised Mum Method (TOMM) means that each day has its own focus room, and these never change. The pattern goes:

  • Monday – living room
  • Tuesday – bedrooms
  • Wednesday – hallway and stairs
  • Thursday – kitchen
  • Fridays – focusing on a different area each week in an eight-week cycle

If you are like me and already thinking “there seems like a lot do in the 30 minutes. I don’t think I am going to get it all done!”, I completely hear you. But, Gemma says “don’t worry! The way the method works means that the longer you follow it, the cleaner your home will become! Meaning that soon you’ll be whizzing through the list in your 30 mins. This is because you’ll be keeping on top of all areas of your home on a regular basis! If you think your home is in need of some emergency help then maybe start with the 1 Week Boot Camp! For When You’ve Lost Control of The Housework! and then you can move onto The Organised Mum Method.”

Gemma says to make a list of ‘pick and mix’ of jobs. Start by assessing what needs doing as a priority and then do those first. Gemma, who lives in Kent has now achieved something that many of us influencers, bloggers and writers hope to achieve one day. She has written a book (also known as her forth baby!) and I’m so proud to be able to share this article with you all about it. Having met up with Gemma in November 2018 when we did a social media talk together, she was so excited to tell me she was writing a book. I could see how much this meant to her and I am so thrilled for her that the book launch is now happening in just a few months time.

In summary, TOMM promotes a balanced approach to keeping on top of it all, which means it is achievable for busy people. The book is a must buy as it really will help mums, dads, caregivers, grandparents and let’s face it, everyone to get through the homework and keep the weekends free for more fun activities!

The Organised Mum Method: Transform your home in 30 minutes a day (Hardback) is available to pre-order now.

Released on 5th September 2019.

Find out more at https://www.theorganisedmum.blog/