Cut Clutter: Tips to Organize Household Chores

Taking care of what we have accumulated over the years can be overwhelming. There are so many things, so many chores. I feel like I spend half of my life just cleaning the house, never-mind the boat, the car, and the guest home. 

One easy way to address the drudgery of household chores--Hire a maid. Well I'd love to, I just can't afford the expense. I would have to hire one full-time to keep my chaotic home in order.

Fortunately, I came up with a way to whip things into shape. My home is in order and it makes me look like a neat-freak. It also reflects on the way I feel.

You'll be surprised how a dirty, unorganized home can effect most areas of your life. Think about it: Are you embarrassed when someone shows up uninvited to your home? Are you sitting at work thinking of all that needs to be done at the house? This used to be me.

Sitting down to work in a clean, clutter free environment really helps me to stay focused on my work, and I've noticed improvements in the way I feel.  I've also noticed that my family smiles and laughs more. There's also more time for being together and doing the fun stuff.

I use the calendar for everything. When I started out in marriage twelve years ago, I only used one for managing finances. It was amazing that my home could stay in order by a calendar too. Why hadn't I thought of it before?

How it works:

Make a list of all the chores you can think of. Be sure to include things you'd normally hold off on for Spring cleaning, like polishing the trim, organizing attic, taking things to GoodWill, etc. You'll find that you never have to Spring clean again!

Now that you've made your list, divide them into categories. You may do this however you wish. I divide mine like this

1. Things I do everyday--Dishes, laundry, make the beds, etc.

2. Things I do once a week--Scrub the tub, wash windows, etc.

3.  Things I do less often--Organize closets, polish furniture, clean baseboards, etc.

Once done, grab your calendar.

Everyday tasks need not be written, you could just place a "D" in the upper right corner if you like.

Now, take your list of weekly chores and write one chore in each block for the week. If you have more than that, write two chores in each block andd so on.

When your finished with that, take out your list of things you do less often. Pick a day or two of the week that you are least busy. Mine are Tuesday and Thursday, so I would do this for example. Write one chore in every Tuesday block and every Thursday block for that month.

Simple as that.

Now you have your organized cleaning schedule. Those things that usually are pushed to the side for Spring or Fall cleaning days, are now done. You can pat yourself on the back and enjoy the rest of your day.

Everything from home make-overs to lawn and garden tasks. Just jot them down and check them off as you go.

We have become a family of list-ers. The calendar is a useful tool to help your kids learn to be organized too. My husband keeps one in the garage and at work to help him meet his goals.

So, go on and get that calendar filled in. You'll feel better when your list is checked off and there's nothing else to do. You may even get a head start on the next day's tasks.

Happy cleaning,

Ann