Keeping a small home clean and organized can be a challenge, especially for busy moms who are juggling multiple responsibilities, sports games, invites, and everything in between. But with the right cleaning schedule and simplified routine, you can maintain a tidy home without feeling overwhelmed.
We also know balancing a clean home with the demands of motherhood can be a daunting task, especially in small spaces where clutter accumulates quickly. That’s why these life-changing cleaning tips are absolute game-changers. They’re practical and innovative and are designed to simplify your cleaning routine, making it more efficient and less time-consuming.
So before we share our ultimate cleaning schedule tailored specifically for busy moms who live in smaller-than-average homes, let’s chat about the 9 cleaning tips and how to use them in your own space.
1. The Viral “Opening and Closing Shifts”
The concept of “opening and closing shifts” for homes has gone viral, captivating busy moms looking for a structured approach to household chores. Inspired by the hospitality industry, this trend involves creating a set of morning to-dos (opening shift) and night to-dos (closing shift) to maintain a tidy and organized home.
Morning tasks might include making beds, unloading the dishwasher, and a quick tidy-up of living spaces, setting a productive tone for the day. Evening tasks typically focus on resetting the home for the next day, such as clearing clutter, running the dishwasher, and prepping for tomorrow’s meals.
Morning Routine
Start your day with a quick 10-minute tidy-up session. Make the beds, pick up any clutter from the living areas, wipe down the kitchen counters after breakfast, and throw in a load of laundry. A clean and organized start to the day sets a positive tone for the rest of your schedule.
Evening Routine
Before bedtime, dedicate another 10 minutes to tidying up. Ensure that toys are put away, dishes are cleaned and put back in the cupboards, laundry is folded and put away and any clutter from the day is addressed. This way, you’ll wake up to a neat and orderly home.
This method helps distribute daily chores into manageable chunks, making home maintenance less overwhelming and more efficient. Adopting this system not only keeps homes cleaner but also creates a more calming environment for families, making it a perfect fit for not only anyone with ADHD but also busy moms in small spaces.
2. Use the “Clean as You Go” Method
This is a simple but effective tip that has forever changed how I clean and works especially well for busy moms. I now allow time in my day for a quick clean up afterward, so wiping down kitchen counters while cooking, pick up toys while walking through the house, and tidying up the living room during commercials. This method helps prevent messes from piling up, reduces the need for lengthy cleaning sessions, and stops overwhelm in its tracks.
2. Focus on One Zone a Day
The strategy of focusing on one zone a day is a game-changer for busy moms managing small homes. This method breaks down cleaning tasks into manageable chunks, assigning specific areas of the home to each day of the week.
For example:
Monday – Floors
Sweep, vacuum, and mop all the floors. This ensures a clean foundation for the rest of the week’s tasks.
Tuesday – Bathrooms
Give your bathroom a thorough clean. Wipe down surfaces, clean the toilet, scrub the bathtub, and replace towels. Regular weekly cleaning prevents grime buildup and keeps your bathroom sparkling.
Wednesday – Kitchen
Beyond the daily wipe-downs, focus on deeper cleaning tasks like scrubbing the stove, cleaning the microwave, and wiping down the fridge shelves. A clean kitchen is crucial for a healthy home.
Thursday – Dusting and Vacuuming
Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and light fixtures. Follow up with a thorough vacuum of all floors and carpets to keep dust and allergens at bay.
Friday – Decluttering Day
Spend some time decluttering one area of your home. Whether it’s a closet, a drawer, or a toy box, regular decluttering sessions help maintain order and prevent overwhelming messes.
Saturday – Bedding and Linens
Change the bedding and wash any linens that need refreshing. Clean sheets are not only hygienic but also promote better sleep.
Sunday – Rest and Reset
Take it easy on Sundays. Use this day to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with your family. A day of rest ensures you’re ready to tackle the upcoming week.
By dedicating just a bit of time each day to a different zone, you can maintain a consistently clean and organized home without the stress of trying to tackle everything at once. This method is especially effective in small spaces, where clutter can quickly accumulate and disrupt the harmony of your home.
3. Monthly Deep Cleaning Tasks
In addition to your daily and weekly chores, setting aside time for monthly deep cleaning tasks ensures your small space remains in top shape. These can include cleaning out the fridge, washing windows, organizing the pantry, and deep cleaning the carpets. I find it easier to schedule these monthly tasks into my calendar in advance, that way I never forget and I never have to worry about the dreaded deep clean once a year.
4. Download Your Free Busy Moms Cleaning Schedule
We know how hectic life can get, which is why we’ve created a printable cleaning schedule to help you stay organized and on top of your chores. This schedule breaks down tasks into manageable chunks, ensuring that your home stays clean without taking up all your free time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I keep my house clean with kids around?
A: Establishing routines and involving your kids in the cleaning process can make a big difference. Assign them simple tasks like putting away toys or wiping surfaces. Consistency is key to maintaining a clean home with children (Busy Mom Smart Mom) (This Mom is on Fire).
Q: What are some quick cleaning tasks I can do daily?
A: Daily tasks can include making the beds, wiping down kitchen counters, sweeping floors, and tidying up common areas. These tasks take only a few minutes but help keep your home looking neat and organized (Faithful Moms).
Q: How do I deal with clutter in a small space?
A: Regular decluttering sessions are essential. Focus on one area at a time, and be ruthless about getting rid of items you no longer need. Use storage solutions like bins and baskets to keep items organized and out of sight (A Mother Far from Home).
Q: How can I motivate myself to clean when I’m exhausted?
A: Break tasks into small, manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time. Setting a timer for short cleaning sessions can also help. Reward yourself with a break or a small treat after completing each task (Jasper & Willow).
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