By KATE DOHENY

LAYOUT EDITOR

Mother has made me clean the house since I was old enough to hold an Endust container. A few years after that began, she realized it was time to teach me how to use a dishwasher and, subsequently, the washer and dryer. I thank her immensely for teaching me the Beautiful World of Clutter-free-ness, as cleaning and organizing are two of my favorite things in the entire universe now.

This is not a satire.

Luckily, I am actually very skilled in the Cleaning and Organizing Department of My Life (I know, I’m totes bragging). I’m aware of my capabilities because I am constantly asked to clean my siblings’ rooms — or the kitchen, or both — whenever I get home.

Now, I realize to some people it may seem like I am being taken advantage of as the youngest child and therefore the most naïve, but I genuinely do not see my situation in that upsetting perspective. It is, however, the reason why my siblings deemed me “Cinderella.”

First, let me distinguish the difference between cleaning and organizing, a discussion I have had with my eldest brother Thomas (he shares my ability and passion in these subjects).

Cleaning is simply putting things in places that seem good enough to give the appearance of a clutter free room, while all of the clutter is probably just thrown under the bed or in the “Junk Drawer” that within a month expands to 75 percent of drawers, among other containers, in the house.

Organizing is what should be done during the cleaning process: items put away in their proper places, or items put away in new proper places (insert labeling here, fun with permanent markers and your choice of decorative paper), in addition to removing dust and dirt from surfaces.

Now, cleaning and organizing together take significantly longer than the typical cleaning process. This is totally worth it to me, however, I put on some good jams and start working. Usually it takes hours, because I probably organize more than is really necessary. Converting an untidy room into a clear space is one of the Best Feelings in the World (Keller Williams and The String Cheese Incident shoutout).

The only way I can probably make my passion for cleaning and organizing relate to the Normal Brain is by saying that it is therapeutic to me. I am making a space clear, and at the same time I am clearing my brain and body of stress that I may have been experiencing beforehand. It is relaxing.

I am not able to act on my hobby as often as I would like to since I have so many commitments throughout the week, and I am lazy. My room does become a “pigpen” (LOL Mom words) sometimes, especially when I am extremely stressed.

Even when my room gets less clean than I’d like, I usually still make my bed. That would be my one tip to everyone: Always make your bed if you don’t have an entirely spotless room. Just a little bit of cleanliness in a slightly dirty room will make you feel that much better about yo life and yo choices.

In my high school career, I often joked with my Grandma that colleges should offer scholarships for my trade, as I was sure I would receive one. I have years of experience in  this area of work and an undying passion for a house that has plenty of room for dancing.

And, in other conversations with my Grandma, I have discovered that a boss part of my “hobby” is that I am quite prepared to be a fantastic housewife!

Unfortunately, Future Husband: you must know that I am a horrendous cook.