In yesterday’s post, I mentioned that I had made a couple of charts (More like lists, really.) to help me stay on track with my housework. I thought I’d share them today so you’d all have an idea of what I’m doing, and maybe a little inspiration if you could use some help getting started.
Let’s start with the Daily Details. These are things, organized by each room, that need to have some attention every day. My list looks like this:
Daily Details
Living Room- toys, clothes, books picked up and put away
Dining Room- table cleared after each meal/activity and wiped down as necessary, nothing left on floor under the table
Kitchen- dishes put away (in cupboards or dishwasher), counters/stove cleaned off and wiped down,
sink empty and clean
Entry/Stairs/Landing- everything picked up and put away that doesn’t belong, shoes organized
Family Room/Hall- toys/books/games picked up and put away, furniture clear and put together correctly
Downstairs Bathroom- personal items removed after use, towels hung up, messes cleaned up as soon as they are made
Kids Rooms- toys/clothes picked up and put away, clothes put neatly in closet or dresser, beds made neatly
Parents Room- clothes put away, dressers cleaned off, bed made
Parents Bathroom- towels hung up/dirty clothes picked up, counter cleared off and wiped down
Outside- toys/bikes/etc. picked up and put away, dog poop cleaned up
As you can see, it’s general tidying that, if done consistently, will make maintaining a neat living space so much easier.
I also have a list that breaks down bigger jobs to be done once a week on certain days. It looks like this:
Duties by the Day
Monday- dust bookshelves/blinds/desks/ceiling fans/etc.
Tuesday- Girls’ laundry, ½ bath cleaned, sweep and Swiffer entry
Wednesday- Boys’ laundry, Swiffer dining room and kitchen floors
Thursday-sweep and Swiffer family room/hall, clean downstairs bathroom
Friday- clean and vacuum master bedroom, clean master bathroom, vacuum living room
Saturday- Mom and Dad Laundry, wipe down walls as needed
Sunday- vacuum kids’ rooms/stairs/landing/family room rug
Again, it’s just a few things each day to help keep this place looking like a home we’d be happy to let unexpected visitors into. I am praying that by combining the two, I will have the formula to my success as a homemaker. (Or at least an uncluttered living space.)
Laundry and floors are my hardest chores to keep up on. What chores do you find most challenging? I’m relying on my lists as tangible reminders of what needs to be done. What would help you in your quest to make your home more inviting?
