HOW TO MASTER YOUR CLEANING SCHEDULE
HOW TO MASTER YOUR CLEANING SCHEDULE
Cleaning house is technically not the most fun thing you can choose to do, but there are solid ways to learn how to master your cleaning schedule.
A clean house tends to bring peace and calm simply because things are in order and chores are done, leaving room for important things like family time. Getting yourself on a cleaning schedule is the way to make this happen.
Many people think of schedules as boring and confining, but once you create a schedule that works for you, it actually brings a lot of freedom.
For me, a cleaning schedule tells me what needs to be done and when to do it. Not everyone needs to be so particular, but no plan often means no action. And no action, in this case, means a messy and dirty house. And I think we can both agree that this is not the desired outcome.
So, let’s talk about creating your cleaning schedule and getting things going in the direction you are shooting for.
All it takes is some upfront organization and planning!
If you want more coaching and encouragement in getting your cleaning process in order, check out my CLEANING GUIDE! It is full of great ideas, direction, and worksheets. Plus is addresses daily, monthly, seasonal cleaning AND cleaning with kids.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Rather than creating an ideal schedule, it is good to start with a minimal schedule. If things in your home are already out of hand, why not shoot for a “little bit better” rather than perfection.
You know those bathrooms that have not been cleaned in months? They will be better off with a wipe-down than with nothing at all.
First up, take inventory of all the rooms in your house that need cleaning. How many bathrooms? How many bedrooms? The kitchen? Living spaces? Do you have an entryway? A mudroom?
Once you have a full list of rooms to take care of, start writing two lists:
- Small steps to take right away to work towards a clean space (for example: wiping down bathrooms or dusting the master bedroom).
- An ideal list of what needs to be done on a regular basis to keep things spic and span.
Just keep in mind that once you do the big work to get your house to the level of clean you want, it is easier to keep it that way. The first time is always the hardest!
Now you want to start thinking of when the ideal time for cleaning will be. Once a week? A little every day?
Everyone works differently with this. I prefer a little bit every day. That way I do not live in a constant state of overwhelm at one huge cleaning time per week. I have friends who say that my way of doing things seems stressful because chores are never fully completed at one time.
Do what works for you and your family.
Of course, your present schedule will dictate how this works. If you have a full-time job and three small children, a Saturday cleaning time will probably work for you. If you are a stay-at-home mom, a little every day might be just the ticket.
Do. What. Works. For. You.
You will find cleaning worksheets and a bunch of other printable goodness by signing up for my newsletter below:
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FAST
This suggestion is going to surprise you but I guarantee that it works!
Rally the troops and get everyone in the house involved. Husbands, kids, partners, etc.
They helped make the mess, they get to help clean it up.
Even small kids can be involved, believe it or not.
A 2-year old can pick up their toys and place them in a basket. An eight-year-old can run the vacuum in the bedrooms. And a 12-year-old? Well, they can anything you can do.
Trust your kids to follow directions and clean their own spaces. Of course, the final result might not be the same as if you did it, but the whole point of letting kids be involved is to teach them to be responsible and learn skills. As they grow older their skills will increase. It is so nice to have a teenager that can handle it all when you can not make it happen!
And husbands? Well, the same goes for them. Sit down and talk with your partner about your goals and you will probably find that they are more willing than you thought they would be.
Everyone likes a clean and organized living space.
Now, I will say that a house is not a museum. You have to leave space for daily living and messes. This is life. You are not seeking perfection, just a clean and livable to a standard that works for your family.
HOUSE CLEANING SECRETS
My biggest house cleaning secret is PRIORITIZATION.
What needs to be done and when does it need to be done.
In general, the “wet” rooms like the bathroom and kitchen need more attention more often, so add those to your schedule first. Daily or weekly wipe-downs are definitely in order.
For me, the floors are a big deal. I like a clean floor and it tends to be the thing I can not live without. If I have time to do only a couple of things, sweeping and vacuuming are my go-to’s. Carpet that looks messy or dirty drives me crazy. And wood floors that have dirt I can see bring me lots of agitation.
Figure out your must-dos and do them!
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FAST AND EFFICIENTLY
Having a clean house is NOT an impossible dream!
In fact, it is not a dream at all. It is a very possible and doable dream that just takes some planning and up-front organization.
Doing the planning work upfront is so helpful and it will keep you on task when tasks are called for. Knowing your goals and having a plan to reach them will go a long way in getting things done! And inviting the people who live with you to be a part of that plan will lead you to exactly where you want to be.
Make your plan, work your plan, and enjoy your clean house!
Happy cleaning!