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Ultimately, the best cleaning routine isn’t what I do or your best friend does, it is whatever will work for you. What days you do what task don’t matter as much as getting them done. And mostly, that is what I want to help you with – knowing how to get them done and avoiding the things that stop you.
Create a Routine that fits your life!
If you need help with a place to start, you can read about a routine that has worked for me and thousands of readers over the years. But like I said, it may not work for you and is just a starting place.
Think about your life and how your weekly schedule usually works, then plan the chores on the days it makes sense or you have more or less time for longer or shorter tasks. Maybe even group tasks differently. I tell you my reasons for grouping them how I did in my schedule, but decide for yourself.
Keep your Cleaning Routine handy!
It’s safe to say you won’t remember to do the cleaning routine without being reminded to do it (unless it is a habit you’ve been doing for years … but even then, I like to cross something off a list). Use a planner or post a schedule somewhere with your cleaning routine. You can use a FREE Printable like the one pictured to edit and create your personal Cleaning and Laundry Schedule.
I know this sounds OBVIOUS, but seriously, give yourself a list so you have something to check off. It is so satisfying to cross things off a to do list, isn’t it?!
Keep it flexible!
At the beginning of the week, when hopefully you’re planning through the week ahead, it’s okay to make an adjustment here and there. It is not a failure of the plan just because you have to tweak it once in a while.
Here are ways being inflexible with your routine is sabotaging you:
- Do not play catch-up with your cleaning routine.
- Do not use your cleaning routine as a punishment on yourself.
- Do not be a perfectionist and make things harder than they need to be.
- Cleaning some is better than cleaning none.
What if you’re too busy to fit in cleaning? I’m going to put something out there that may sound harsh, but it needs to be said. If you aren’t going to make time to clean your house, you need to cut something out of your schedule, pay someone to clean for you, or delegate to other members of the household (ding-ding, this is the best option). You don’t need a perfectly clean home, but you need a home that is clean enough to be healthy.
Do NOT play catch-up!
Playing catch-up is when you don’t get something done on Monday and then it goes on your catch-up list … usually until the next Monday again. When you start Tuesday, take care of Tuesday first. If you’re lucky enough to have extra time, then do whatever cleaning and laundry you want to do that will make you feel good.
A good cleaning routine focuses on what is ahead, not on what you didn’t accomplish tomorrow. Because when you finally start living for what’s coming, your whole mindset changes. If you skip a few chores here and there, but mostly get things done (like, your home is clean enough to be healthy), then it’s OKAY.
Don’t forget the Daily Habits
If you ever have to choose between daily cleaning habit or your weekly cleaning routine … choose your daily habit, always. It doesn’t matter so much that you have mopped kitchen floors if your counters are full of dirty dishes. Do the dishes, take out those full garbages. And if some days that is all you can do, then do that. The 6 Daily Habits to Keep Your Home Clean add up, and give you the momentum and motivation you need to develop and stick to the weekly cleaning habits.
If you are new to a cleaning routine and easily overwhelmed, start with your daily habits and build from there.
Remember …
The best cleaning routine is the one you can keep. You get to create the life you want. You want a clean house? Make it happen, make a plan.
From my home to yours,
Mary
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