One Year of Using the Flylady System

[@kellyssimplesouthernlife2174]

Im one of the older fly babies and like you i have had to let go of the perfectionism. When i first began to watch the FlyLady i was shocked at the way she mopped and even the condition of her own home at times. Now i am so grateful that she has taught everyone that it doesn’t have to be perfect. She has given me permission to be ok with good enough. My mother raised me to do everything perfectly and if you didn’t do that, you were a “slob”. For years i just couldn’t keep up and i deemed myself unworthy and lived in shame of my messy house. I’m in a different season now as an empty nester and i can keep a clean home. You young moms go easy on yourself! I enjoy your videos!

[@CarryGrace]

It’s so hard to let go of the perfectionism, but it makes such a difference! I’m so gladly that you have had success with the Flylady system. ❤️

[@sibongilethwala7080]

I was also shocked at how she mops and how she dusts. I would think if you're not going to do it properly then why do it at all. Then I never did anything. So letting go of that perfectionism is empowering. My new motto is done is better than perfect.

[@margaretsofocleous8137]

@@sibongilethwala7080 you probably realised later she only mopped and dusted that way in the weekly homeblessing hour .She means you to thoroughly detail clean when working in zones

[@sibongilethwala7080]

@@margaretsofocleous8137 Yes, I did. It makes a world of difference keeping up with the high traffic areas and then zone cleaning getting one zone sparkling at a time and feeling that pride of something thoroughly done.

[@kellyssimplesouthernlife2174]

margaret sofocleous yes! I get it now, I am so grateful for this method now

[@maxinereed7667]

This is the perfect video for me today. ❤

[@CarryGrace]

So glad!

[@tonpap]

The Flylady system is great for getting to know your place: what each room needs and how often. Then it all becomes personal: it’s up to you how clean you want your place to be so you adjust time and effort.

[@CarryGrace]

Very true!💕

[@DanielleHigginbottomBrown]

I love the Fly Lady system. My weekly home blessing takes place over the week, not just one day. I have also broken my home up into 6 zones, and I dedicate a full Monday to Friday to each zone. I am also thinking of breaking my home up into 7 zones, just to ease things up a bit. I find my kitchen & 2 pantries a bit much for just "1 zone"

[@AMcDub0708]

We have pets too and I also have 4 kids. I find I need more vacuum time also. Here’s what I do instead. I stick to the 10 mins for the weekly home blessing but don’t do a zone that day and move it to Tuesday-Friday instead. Then I include a mini home blessing on Thursday, which I call a Home Refresh in my planner. It’s a WHB but pared down to just sweeping, spot mopping, vacuuming, and emptying the trashes only if needed. Just doing the WHB once a week wasn’t keeping my home nice, in fact, by Thursday the carpets and floors were gross and it looked like I hadn’t done ANY housework all week!! So that’s what works for me. Glad you’ve found your groove too!!

[@CarryGrace]

You have a good system going! It’s always great when you find what works for you.

[@sibongilethwala7080]

I love your aura and that you take the time to reply to every comment. That makes everyone feel valued.

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you! I do try to respond to each comment. It means a lot to me when people take the time to watch and comment on my videos.

[@nancyschaecher2548]

About 5 years ago, following retirement, I started on the Flylady system. I truly was a homemaking slob. I couldn’t close closet doors and had tubs and boxes lining the bedroom and basement walls. I dug the pics out today (I developed about 10 to a page) and I find it hard to tbelieve we actually lived that way. We still have more decluttering in a few areas, but I so appreciate her and people like you to help keep us on track. Our garage is much better, but it and my husband’s office still need more work. Last month I slid some and now am getting back into it but as you know it’s never as bad as the initial month. I now enjoy my home, have room for guests, and love coming home every day. It is such a good feeling. Thank you for your work taking along via videos.

[@CarryGrace]

You are so right! It’s never as hard to start as it was the first time! Garages are SO hard. 💕

[@suzannebunbury2961]

Great video, helpful. Thank you ♥️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👑

[@lovefortruth3414]

Carri Grace, I just love how you explained before how you adapt the Fly Lady system for you. I remember another video where you said zone 5 is your flex zone. THAT one thing right there sold me on Fly Lady and I ditched TOMM almost entirely! The thing I kept from TOMM is the levels of cleaning. Beyond level 1 Daily cleaning, you have weekly. Monthly, seasonal and other. That right there kept me mentally paralysed as to how to make sure the "other" cleaning could get done by the time I finish the monthly and seasonal cleaning in only 4 short sessions per month per zone. So, I do it where, after the Weekly Home Blessing, each zone cleaning day is dedicated to a diffrrent level of deep cleaning, and I still use a timer and pick up where I left iff on ezch kevelvthe next time I'm in that zone. So, the first day, I do 15 minutes of either bootcamp or "other cleaning. The next day, I do 15 minutes of detailed rag dusting on visible surfaces. The next day I do about 30 minutes of the shower in that xone anwhichever is outside), and tge last day, I detail vacuum thst zone (excluding the outside). And, I loop my zones, instead of making zones 5 and 1 shortened weeks. Alsi, I've found over tge oadt 3 years, that no mstter whst sydtem I gollowed, my bedroom zone and my outside would always get less attention ghan yge ither 3 zones, and I would miss alot that needs to be done in tgere. So, my putside is zone 1, my bedrromarea is zone 2, my living room and the areas inckuded with itcare zone 3 and my kichten and its accompanying room are zone 4. So. The areas that get yhe most fsily and weekly attention are in back of the line snd ghe sreas that I miss tge mist that are really in need get put in the ftont of the line. Those few simple adjustments have worked out very well so far. Also, as far as baby dteos and routines, I'm taking 1 ir 2 at a time and working on tgem until tgey are fone pretty much on auto pilot. No matter how long it takes, before I eork on another. But tgst fiesn't mean I don't pick up on moe habits and toutines as I go. When they just click right away for me. In other witds. I'm trudting my brain to let me know when it's time to take on snother habit or routine.

[@jenniferronco3781]

I love that you did this for a whole year. It really gave me the confidence that you know what you are talking about! Great job!

[@04otti]

Actually, I love the idea you casually brought up of working in a zone until it's finished before moving on to the next one. I may actually switch over to doing that for a few months and seeing how it works for me. Thank you!

[@CarryGrace]

04otti Thanks! I hope it works well for you. At the end of this month I will spend a full week in zone 5 and then the next week a full week in zone 1 and continue on. I feel like it will work a lot better than zone 1 and 5 in the same week. 💕

[@vivianhudacek1556]

I can relate to everything you said, from the perfectionism to trying other systems to adapting FlyLady. I also spread Weekly Home Blessings throughout the week, & I allow more than 10 minutes bc it’s impossible to vacuum, mop, &/or dust my house in that amount of time.Zones have been my biggest bugaboo,but I think I’ve finally latched onto making that component work for me too. Enjoying your videos!

[@alexa574]

Great video. Yes Flylady system is amazing! I found similar self discovery, My major takeaways, Love Flylady message that Housework done badly, still Blesses your family, Progress not Perfection!, and consistently sticking with your routines and showing up daily. Flylady works from the inside of you, starting with your habits and attitudes, it is not just a cleaning system, for me its a critical life system, you can take and use her principles in business, parenting and even with relationships . I feel like I am a more confident mom, wife, friend, employee, person, and that's with not every day doing the entire systen, the internal changes I see in my mind shift has been worth it!

[@LindseyHazel]

Progress over perfection is huge! I’ve started and stopped the flylady system a lot over the past two years but I’m determined to make it work now and love your tip about sticking with it for a year! I too find myself looking at other systems like Clean Mama or Clutterbug or etc but I really think flylady is the best for me and my procrastination and perfectionism! Thanks for sharing these Nikki!

[@CarryGrace]

I hope you find a good rhythm that works for you!

[@alexa574]

I too check out other systems throughout the years, I always come back to Flylady for the badics, and sometimes I do add some of the other programs as well. That s the beauty of once you have the basics, you can modify iT to fit you at whatever stage you are in.life.

[@Gen1-Rev22]

Congrats on one year with the Fly lady cleaning system! 💐🏆

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you!

[@Prudence-on-the-Path]

Thank you for sharing how customizable the Fly Lady system is. I appreciate your efforts and inspiration to help me customize my own system 😊

[@traceycosta9196]

I’m new and just learning about the fly lady. For me with the zone cleaning, I think is just like to focus on one room at a time and deep clean then move into another room. I don’t like the idea of moving to another area without finishing all in the area already working on, hope that makes sense . Thanks for video.

[@CarryGrace]

Yes, that totally makes sense. 😊

[@Jean-ni6of]

If it make sense to you, that's what counts. Thank you.

[@jacquelynjordan4120]

Thank you for sharing and for so many helpful videos! You are a blessing in my life!

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you!

[@jamiebirdsongs]

This really resonated with me.. thanks. I get so frustrated with myself and give up or go on to something new. It is perfectionism, but I didn’t think of that. Thanks!

[@jenlibertowski3984]

I like one week per zone and just keep looping through.

[@CarryGrace]

I’m pretty sure that is where I will land.

[@MalitaJones]

That’s what I’ve been doing and I just got going with the system, but a week per zone makes sense to me. My zone 5 are a couple of areas that would be totally fine if they got skipped in a short month.

[@audra2211]

Exactly! I've been playing with even increasing my zones by one or two and I let go of following the zone schedule a while back... just loop through.

[@sibongilethwala7080]

Much easier to keep track.

[@CarryGrace]

Malita Jones It really does make sense, but I’m sure the Flylady had/has a good reason for setting them up the way she did. It might be easier to keep everyone on the same zone schedule for those that use all of her daily emails and prompts.

[@debbiemize2269]

I, too, use the FlyLady system tweaked to fit me. Due to physical issues, I cannot sweep, mop, nor vacuum, so have hired a housecleaning service that comes every 2 weeks. I do use the system to keep my home neat and tidy between their visits, just not the floors 🤣. I do what works for me. I do wear shoes every day, can’t stand to be barefoot, but my shoes are my house slippers! My bed is made most days, but if I don’t get it done, oh well. I am very punctual with the swish and swipe and dishwashing. Since it’s just my husband and me now, kids are grown and gone, laundry doesn’t need to be done every day. I check the hampers, and start a load when needed. Towels are laundered on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s (or Sunday) and sheets are changed and laundered on Saturdays or Sunday. As FlyLady says, it’s progress, not perfection. And I battle my perfectionism!

[@CarryGrace]

That's great!

[@Jean-ni6of]

I hope to a lot more of your videos. You make so much sense. Thank you!

[@CarryGrace]

Thanks so much for watching!💕

[@misa5941]

I think one thing to remember is the size of your house. When it started, homes were on average 1400-1700 sq ft. Now the are often double that or more. So if you’re house is bigger, realise your might need to be ok either not getting it all done or perhaps you adjust the times to increase by the % that your house is bigger. Basically tailor it to your house. I’ve a small house so sometimes I don’t need all the time.

[@CarryGrace]

Very true.

[@crystalbr4650]

Thank you for sharing what works for you and how you tweak the Flylady system. And inagree that it is too hot in Florida for shoes all the time.

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you! 💕

[@AMcDub0708]

I have House flip flops that I only wear inside 😁

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

Hey Nikki! I have been following you for a long time and seen you try out some different routines. I struggle with a cleaning routine also and I am 55!! I started a new routine in May thanks to Covid lol I had time to work on it and it actually happened organically. I noticed in April I was cleaning 1/3 of the house each day and moved on to next section the next day or day after etc. So I am kinda do a modified fly lady version of cleaning but I only clean 2 or 3 days a week (not including daily chores). I divided my house into 3 zones and clean 1 zone each day but only 3 days one week and 2 days the next week. I call it my One & Done Zone Cleaning Routine. It's been working out but still tweaking some things. Loved everything you touched on in this video. 💜

[@CarryGrace]

That sounds like a great plan! I have always said that the best plan is the one that works for you! 💕

[@HomeSweetHomeschoolLife]

I keep my house pretty clean, however I started zone cleaning last week. My house was in need of a deep cleaning.

[@CarryGrace]

Zone cleaning is so great for deep cleaning!

[@mtnblubird4304]

“hold the routine, and the routine will hold you”

[@CalmintheChaosHomeschool]

Subscribed because I’m a homeschooling, YouTubing, and working from home, mom who needs to figure out a cleaning system 😁

[@CarryGrace]

Happy to have you here.

[@bedirler7]

I love watching your videos. I was also thinking the same regarding the zone cleaning. I feel that zone 1 and zone 5 don’t get the attention they need. I was thinking to finish the zone then continue. So it’ll just run over I suppose. Thank you for simplifying it. 😘

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you! I really do think finishing one zone a week is what I’m going to do. I am all for simple! 💕

[@audra2211]

They really don't and zone 5 is a really visible and important zone in most homes

[@CarryGrace]

Audra Yes, Zone 5 is important!

[@cheykath]

I could have sworn I saw a video from you several years ago about why zones weren't working for you. Has that video been removed? I think it was when I discovered your channel. I am intrigued though because it seems like you are using zones now? P.S. I can really identify with searching for that perfect routine! My schedule revisions have become a running joke in my house!

[@CarryGrace]

Lol! It’s VERY likely that I have a video about zones not working for me! I have been through many seasons where it works well and other times where it doesn’t. I’m in a season of Zone Cleaning again. I always come back to it. ❤️

[@CarryGrace]

I’m not sure which video it would have been…there may be several. 😂❤️

[@cheykath]

I am very grateful to you and other youtubers for sharing your journey. It makes me feel less alone. I appreciate the inspiration and motivation. ❤ I am going to stick with flylady for the next year instead of hopping from system to system.

[@CarryGrace]

@@cheykath Sticking with it for a year is a great idea! It definitely takes time to fine tune it all and figure out little things that can be tweaked to make it perfect for you and your home. ❤️

[@CharlesAvilaMeasInst]

Super helpful video and content. Thanks for this and I’ll check out some of your other videos now!

[@mylsimmons]

Thanks for your review! I noticed it was posted a little over a year ago. Have you made any of the adjustments you talked about? Also, that shirt is a lovely color on you!

[@CarryGrace]

I ❤️ the Flylady System, it helped me create good routines. I am currently not doing Zone Cleaning, just weekly and Monthly cleaning a tasks from the Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner. I have a ton of videos about it.

[@jennyb8788]

Loved this video- very helpful!x

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you. I’m so glad it was helpful. 💕

[@alishajohnson3328]

Please let us know what you end up doing with the zones. I am having the same problem with my home as well.

[@CarryGrace]

I will! I’m really leaning towards looping through each zone one week at a time to give myself the adequate time to do them. We’ll see how it plays out.

[@alishajohnson3328]

Do you mean doing one room for the whole week or so you mean after the week your not done with all the rooms in your zone?

[@CarryGrace]

Alisha Johnson No, not one room per week. Most of my zones have more than one room in them. I mean that I will spend an entire week in zone 5 before moving to zone 1. Then I will spend a full week in zone 1. When you follow the Flylady Schedule as written zone 5 and zone 1 usually share a week because they are at the beginning and end of the month.

[@alishajohnson3328]

Ok I got it now. Thanks you!

[@alishajohnson3328]

Thank*

[@powrdreemer]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@CarryGrace]

Thank you for watching!

[@Bina6019]

Yes - I don't do shoes in the house - too uncomfortable...but i have my zone cleaning routine and daily routine.

[@CarryGrace]

Those are the important things!😉❤️

[@gonndirwas9605]

I use barefootshoes. They are so comfortable!

[@nopseudosleft56]

Love your accent 😊🥰

[@louisedillon2413]

I hate wearing shoes, too. In the house I am always barefoot. I wear flip flops when I am in public or sneakers when I am going to be walking a lot.

[@CarryGrace]

I knew I couldn’t be the only one!😊💕

[@donnabrewer6968]

Any where in the south is to hot for shoes

[@deliarealtor]

FlyLady is great but I do one zone each week day.

[@CarryGrace]

Great! That’s awesome that you have a routine that you know works for you. 💕