Print your Free Cleaning Checklist Now!
Keeping a clean space when life gets busy is a struggle. I know what it’s like to have a perpetual pile of dishes in the sink, pile of laundry in the hamper, and pile of stuff on the table that just Never.Ever.Gets. Done.
I recently got hitched (woot!) and moved out of my parent’s home into a teeny tiny apartment. I’ve had to realize that if there’s a mess, I probably made it, and I definitely need to clean it.
My husband and I are equally busy between work, college (me), and community and social activities. Although he is amazing at doing his share of dishes and laundry, my flexible schedule gives me more time at the house, which means I’m the one with the majority of housework.
So how do you keep a clean space when life gets crazy? Here are some tips:
1. Have The Necessary Supplies
With cleaning, I find less is more when it comes to supplies. Depending on the size of your space, you probably only need a couple of things to get started. I find I can clean everything with:
- Sponges- Different colors for kitchen and bathroom
- Utility Rags
- Paper Towels
- 1 All-purpose cleaner
- Broom
- Vacuum
- Spray mop
You can expand by adding items like dusting spray, dusters, windex, heavy- duty bathroom cleaner OR use even less by using products like Norwex cloths which do not require any cleaning products. Start with a few items, then find what works for you.
2. Do a Daily Quick-Clean
This is so simple, but has made the biggest impact on how clean my home is. In the morning, I set a timer for 10, 15, or 20 minutes, and just do what I can. This is just enough time to tidy up before work or class. Often, I get more done than I thought I would, and I leave the house with more peace of mind. Before bed, I make sure there are no dishes in the sink, counters are clean, and clothes and shoes are off the floor. These sporadic cleaning blitzes are quick, but make such a huge difference in how my space looks and feels.
3. Make a List
I have a DAILY and WEEKLY checklist of items I want to accomplish. Some people like to take the approach of having one daily list, then one “big” item to do a day. This is so you don’t have to do a huge cleaning overhaul everyday, while still making sure everything is cleaned by the end of the week. Example:
Daily:
- Wash Dishes
- Pick up clothes off the floor
- Make the Bed
- Sweep the Floor
- Etc.
Weekly:
MONDAY- Vacuum under furniture
TUESDAY- Dust
WEDNESDAY – Laundry
THURSDAY- Deep clean bathroom- scrub sink, toilet, shower
etc.
Breaking up your tasks into certain days makes them SO much more manageable, and you will be able to accomplish more in less time.
I understand that depending on the size of your space and lifestyle (i.e. you have multiple kids, roommates, shared living space, lots of carpet, etc.) It might take a whole lot more to tackle cleaning. These tips can still get you started and you can adapt them to your specific needs.
To help you out, I created a blank free cleaning checklist that you can fill in with days and tasks! Click below to download: