Even when I’m in a crazy busy season of life, my daily and weekly cleaning lists are the back bone of my housekeeping routine. After pulling them together during my FlyLady days, I’ve tweaked my basic cleaning lists over the years to meet the needs of each season. With my kids getting older, I can delegate many basic cleaning tasks to them and focus more on the monthly zone cleaning.
My daily/weekly cleaning/task list is the backbone of the Cleaning section in my new Home Management Binder. If I get into a busy season, this one page list will keep me going until I can have time to include zone cleaning in my schedule. When I go away for 2 conferences this year, my husband can refer to this list to keep the household and kids on track.
My one page cleaning/task list is divided in half: weekly tasks on the left and daily tasks on the right. I assigned some of the weekly tasks to a family member, however, if that person is busy doing other jobs, I re-assign the task to another person. These weekly tasks are in addition to the new Family Cleaning Hour we started this past Saturday.
I’ve included some of the regular kitchen prep tasks I mention in my menu plan on the weekly task list. For example, I always make yogurt on Mondays and prep vegetables over the weekend, usually Sunday afternoon. As I work on the menu plan section, I may add a few more tasks like a weekly snack-making session. Some of the jobs on the weekly list will be moved to our Family Cleaning Hour list as we get into an established routine.
The daily list includes reminders for the children’s routines along with reminders for tasks that I’m less enthusiastic about like wiping the counters and sweeping the kitchen floor. I didn’t include emptying the dishwasher because it happens by necessity everyday in this family of 7. Table setting is noted on our family calendar since it rotates between 2 sets of kids.
I used to do my daily cleaning after I dropped the kids off at school and before I started writing. The 30 minute block of time seemed perfect. Yet, I felt stressed and behind when I did sit down to write. Now, I do the bulk of my cleaning in the morning while the kids are getting ready for school. With laundry and getting lunches ready my 1st priority, I work through the list and delegate tasks to children who have finished their own lists. Because most tasks take about 5 minutes, I can stop and deal with issues with the kids as they come up.
Resources
daily/weekly cleaning and task list (printable)
blank daily/weekly cleaning and task list (printable)
My Organizing and Home Management Binder Resource Page
Love this! I need a bit more organization and dicipline at home.
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) recently posted..White Sausage Gravy with Biscuits and a Fried Egg
I definitely need to start something like this! I only have two little ones right now, but I’m noticing a huge difference in how much time I have since number two came along. I need to make every moment count to be sure that I don’t wind up with everything falling down on me all at once!
Jaime @ slightlysteady.com recently posted..2/25 Nomday Monday Real Food Recipe Link Up!
Just start with the basics. What’s the bare minimum to keep things good enough? I remember those days all too well. For months, I would feel like I was rushing through the day, then all of sudden, my youngest was 4 and everyone else was in school.
What a genius idea, Barb! I totally need to do something like this, maybe life won’t feel so hectic (and the house wouldn’t get so messy making the ‘big’ clean up so tedious).
Stacy Uncorked recently posted..Art Show Yawn-Fest, Funny Princess Nagger, Baby Bear Rescue and Michele Obama Dancing – Random Tuesday Thoughts Rebel
Baby steps! I had the list sitting on my counter for 2 weeks while I reworked it. I have a few more changes and then it will be good until summer time. I started working on the zone cleaning list last week; I’ll need a month to get that one in sync with our current season.
What conferences are you going to??
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I’m going to Type A Advanced in April and the Food Blogger Potluck at the end of July. I can’t wait for either!
my husband might pass out if I put myself on a cleaning schedule. it really would make for an easier weekend though
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound…andDadtoo recently posted..Dr Seuss Kids Crafts and Activities
LOL – Think of it as keeping your relationship fresh and full of surprises.
I really thought we would need a full hour. Once I got the kids going, it was 20 minutes tops. I think if they were dragging, I would set a timer like I did with cleaning the toys in the basement. Heck, I was overwhelmed by the toys in the basement. I can’t imagine they felt better than me. One kid did break down in tears and go to his room.
This is something I’ve tried but never succeeded in. But I’m very impressed your husband is on board. Mine gets in the zone, does it, and is done with it.
julie recently posted..Menu Plan: February week 4 and March week 1
I may have neglected to mention that my dh was not present for the first cleaning session. 😉 Next time, I’ll make sure to have a job or 2 for him. He’s really good about focusing on one thing. Not so good about seeing the big picture and supervising. Not that he can’t learn.
I’ve been starting to get some weekly tasks done on the same day each week. I need to get it written down though. Thanks for the motivation!
Becky recently posted..Keeping Finances Simple
I need this. That is all. (Also thanks for sharing!)
Alissa recently posted..Meet the Author – Victoria Kann “Pinkalicious” Series
Easy peasy!
This is amazing… I am in awe!
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My best friend Jen always used a system similar to this. I thought she was brilliant! And I think you are brilliant too : )thanks for sharing. Love, Becky
Aw, thanks! It really helps me to focus. Otherwise I would be all over the place. Seriously.
Wow Barb. I’m impressed, and not at all close to doing anything like that. But I’m impressed.
Estelle
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It’s good to have the list. Having the track of all your activities especially cleaning will let you reminded and brings you to accomplishment of what you need to do. As we make cleaning a daily menu, it will be easier to set the tasks as a normal everyday routine. Now every member of the family will have their own part of making your home a lovable place.domestic cleaning lancaster
Maybe this will help keep me on track. I’m not nearly as organized and disciplined as you are.
I’ve had a lot of real life practice!
Marilyn from Merry Monday stopping by to say thanks for joining and hope to see you next week!
Marilyn Lesniak recently posted..Raspberry Poke Cake With Fresh Raspberries
I am a huge list maker. I couldn’t function without them. I love how organized you are but with a family of 7 I guess you have to be. Thanks for linking up at the #HomeMatters Linky.
~Bonnie
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I love seeing how other families run their homes. Thanks for sharing at Simple Lives Thursday; we hope to see you again this week.
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