Cleaning. UGH! No one really enjoys cleaning...or do they?
I have a strong obsession with cleanliness, possibly due to the influence of the women in my family who took pride in maintaining their homes. Their meticulous attention to every detail not only transformed the spaces they inhabited but also instilled in me a deep respect for tidiness and order. It gave them a sense of accomplishment, if you will, as they meticulously arranged furniture, polished surfaces, and organized every corner. This dedication to creating a harmonious environment also sparked joyous gatherings, where the excitement of a clean home was matched only by the warmth of family and friends. Over time, I found myself mirroring their habits, believing that a clean space contributes to a clear mind and a more focused life.
But I know the stigma around women who cook and clean is often negative. We are looked at as old-fashioned and without ambition, but I disagree wholeheartedly. I worked full-time until my daughter was two and a half, balancing the demands of my career and the responsibilities of home life. She was in daycare while I managed my career and home with great dedication and enthusiasm. When I was laid off, instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as a golden opportunity to expand my family and embrace the joys of motherhood more fully. So, just because I am a stay-at-home mom now, does not mean I am no longer driven! On the contrary, I have a multitude of ideas, extensive plans, and I am constantly reinventing myself in ways that most people might not even realize. I engage in creative projects, pursue new skills, and I delve into various hobbies, all while being a housewife and a mom. My days are filled with purpose and passion, proving that I choose and can do it all, not just for my family but also for my own personal fulfillment and growth.
I do have a cleaning schedule that I follow as part of my weekly routine, making it easier to manage household chores effectively. Though I don't stress if I occasionally fall behind, I find that having this routine in place helps me maintain a sense of order in my home. Each week, I allocate specific days for tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and washing linens, which keeps the workload from becoming overwhelming.
I am sharing my schedule for inspiration and collaboration, as we learn from each other.
Everyday - Beds--> every morning before we go downstairs, we make all of the beds. However, if someone is still sleeping, then their bed gets made after breakfast.
Toys - if you are done with it, put it away. That is the rule in my house. However, that rule doesn't always resonate with my little people on daily basis. In that case, we make sure that all of the toys are put away before bed time. We all partake in this activity and it makes for a quick cleanup!
Monday - main cleaning day. This is the day that the weekend "stuff" gets put away. The day I clean my floors, dust and vacuum every room, and clean the bathrooms.
By vacuum every room, I mean just the upstairs and the stairs. We have a Shark IQ Robot Vacuum which is scheduled for cleaning every other day. So that saves me a ton of time when cleaning my first floor.
Tuesday - put away laundry [see Friday] and any extra dishes that have been piling on the counters and/ or the dishwasher. I involve both of my kids in folding and hanging/ putting away their own clothes. They actually like to help.
Wednesday and Thursday - touch up days. Kitchen cabinets, stove, and baseboards get a quick wipe/ dust down. Kids help pick up all of the trash because Thursday is garbage day. If the floors gets super sticky or the carpets need a refresher, I do it. If it does not, then we enjoy the days off.
Friday - laundry day. This is the only day that I will wash everything. I am also that mom that just piles it up in the baskets and leaves in the my closet until "put away day" [see Tuesday]. Bed sheets - I change those every or every other Friday morning before I make the beds.
Weekends - we are too busy to do any cleaning on the weekends. But if the yard needs to be cleaned up, if decorations need to be put up or taken down, filters changed, garage swept... I use my husband for all of that. 😉 His job is also to vacuum the upstairs on Sundays if I know I will have a busy Monday and won't have time to do it.
By staying on top of cleaning daily, it remains manageable; however, neglecting it for a while can make it challenging. Utilizing a cleaning service initially can help establish a routine, making it feel less burdensome.
I dedicate an hour each morning to cleaning, but I don't let it take up my entire day, as I need time for my kids and various activities.
TIP: Do not forget to use your kids and spouse. They live there too and should help. 👌
What does your cleaning schedule look like? Share please!
Also, check out how I get rid of Soap Scum. My worst enemy!
x, Dijana