When it comes to cleaning your home, you’ve probably developed a routine that works well for your schedule. Occasionally, the cleaning schedule will need to be adjusted to accomplish this cleaning task on time every time.
Here are a few tips to help you create a house cleaning schedule that you can handle even on a busy week.
Creating a Master List for Cleaning
First, start by making a master list of everything you need to do or see that it gets done during the week. This list includes doing dishes, restocking toilet paper, or washing the tablecloth; anything and everything you can think of should be added to that master list should be.
Once the master list is complete, go through and prioritize everything, starting by placing the most critical items at the top of the list.
Break the list down to each room and write it on a piece of paper that you can place in that room. When you enter the room, you will know specifically the chores that you need to address while you are there and get them done. You also won’t feel so overwhelmed because you are only going to see what needs to be done for that room.
In addition to the tasks on the master list, you can add a secondary list of cleaning supplies that are needed to clean. This cleaning supplies list can be beneficial, especially if you live in a multi-floored home. The secondary list will contain all of the cleaning supplies that you need to get the job done.
- It will prevent unneeded trips going back and forth between rooms and floors.
- You will save precious time.
- You’ll know upfront whether you can get the job done in one go.
The master list should live on the inside of a cabinet, or it can be taped to the back of the door, whatever works best for you.
Planning Your Cleaning Schedule
All your house cleaning chores mustn’t happen on one day. One primary reason for this is that you will most likely feel overwhelmed and feel as though you have set yourself up for failure from the beginning. What you need to do is to break it down, and its easier than you think.
Give yourself 20 minutes every night before going to bed to do the things you know need to be done. This can include things like:
- Preparing lunches for the next day
- Laying out an outfit and ironing it if you need to
- It may also include sweeping the floor in the kitchen
- Dusting the tables in the living area
Set a reminder on your calendar so your phone will alert you when you need to accomplish your chores. Determine what days are the busiest for you and avoid overwhelming yourself with chores on those days.
You always want to make this cleaning schedule work for you. Balance is everything.
Share the Workload
Don’t forget to ask the rest of the family to help you. It’s important that the entire household plays a role in keeping the house clean. This will help them to understand the time, effort, and value of keeping the home clean.
Age can be a great way to divide specific house chores up amongst a family. For example, sweeping the floors is always a great place for young ones to start. Taking out the trash is an appropriate chore for tweens and teens that know the risks associated with carrying a garbage bag across the living room!
Consider putting together a general list of cleaning supplies that you need to use in order to accomplish your tasks. Make sure you purchase these products on a regular schedule, such as at the end of the month so that you can have them in stock at the beginning of each month. These lists can help, as you can share them with other household members too!
When the workweek starts over, all chores should be done, and you have a clean house once again. Doing chores shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should be a positive thing that everyone participates in so that the house runs as it should.