Today we are discussing cleaning schedules, particularly, creating one that works for you. If you are anything like me, you have 311 different thoughts running through your head at any given moment. Because of this, there’s a tendency to overlook certain chores that need to be done; or maybe you struggle with time management. Several years ago, I discovered something that has been so helpful, and you can adapt the method to your own style.
3 Steps to Creating A Cleaning Schedule
Make A List of Every Chore You Need To Do In Your Home
I truly mean every single chore; whether you do it every day or once a year. Here’s a printable to help you get started.
Break This List Into Categories
Create a realistic list of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and yearly chores. I think everyone has a magic number as to how often they do a particular job. Some vacuum daily, some weekly, some monthly… no judgment… just be true to the way you actually clean. If you are not going to dust every day, don’t put it under the daily list. Find your sweet spot with each chore because you’ll be more likely to follow your schedule if you don’t heap 50 chores into one day. Here’s a printable if you’d like to use it.
Create Your Master Chore List
From here, you can branch off on how you want to create your final lists. I have one sheet that shows me everything I need to do on a daily basis. Then, I have a list broken into 4 week increments showing me what I need to accomplish weekly and monthly. Each chore is assigned to one day of the week. For example, I grocery shop every week and assigned that chore to Mondays. I clean out my van once a month, so I chose a Sunday that I’m not working and assigned the chore to that day. My last list shows items I only attend to 2-4 times each year.
I keep each sheet in a plastic page protector so I can cross things off with a dry-erase marker and reuse over and over.
I also found this idea on Pinterest from Girl Loves Glam, and I think it’s brilliant! Instead of having individual papers with all your lists, you can create a dry-erase method.
However, you decide to create your lists is up to you. By having everything broken down, you can see what you need to accomplish each day. Be sure to keep it manageable. On days I know I’m busier, I choose to limit the number of chores on my list. If I have days that are more open and flexible, I add a few more. Remember, this is about you being able to make it work. I don’t think anyone functions in the same manner when it comes to doing jobs around the house, so make this your own.
Ellen from Ask Away says
what a simple yet fabulous and practical idea!
XO Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com
Erin says
Thanks Ellen!
Ruthie says
I love this idea! I tried to do a print out of daily chores but I never have enforced it. Maybe if I create my own it will work better. Going to give this a try!
Erin says
I think it’s hard to follow other people’s cleaning schedules because some people clean a lot, some, not so much. This way, you can tailor the schedule to your own cleaning style.