5.28.2013

Operation {Re}Organization: Let's Get Clean!


Confession: I'm lousy at cleaning. There, I said it :). Our house is far from clean 98% of the time. I have no routine, no set schedule, and a really hard time prioritizing scrubbing toilets over things I actually enjoy like spending time with family and friends and this blog. My current "routine" for cleaning includes frantic last-minute vacuuming and sink-wiping before we have guests over. Please tell me I'm not alone on this one.

But here's the thing - I really like having a clean house. The type A part of me has a mini internal freak out when I come home to visible dust bunnies and soap scum in the tub, so I think I've had enough of my current "routine." It's really been driving me nuts lately. 

For the past few weeks, I've been thinking about making some changes to the way I approach cleaning. I've discovered that I need a way to hold myself accountable without making things too cumbersome. This involves following a schedule. So I looked to Pinterest, Google and some other bloggers for some help. I found some good ideas and even came across this weekly cleaning schedule quiz from Modern Parents Messy Kids, that, as silly as it is, really helped me figure out what kind of schedule I wanted to have.

I'm a checklist kind of gal, so I wanted something that gave me the satisfaction of crossing an item off a list and getting things done a little at a time, but didn't want to be too strict about it (i.e. Monday is always vacuuming day). For instance, I know myself well enough to know a list like this one wasn't going to be a great fit for me:


More power to you if stick to a schedule like this - I wanted a little more flexibility. It's all about finding what works best for you. 

I ended up dividing up tasks into four categories: daily, weekly, monthly and as needed. No specific days assigned (except for the daily tasks, of course :) ).

Daily tasks:
  • Loading/unloading the dishwasher (no dirty dishes left in the sink!)
  • Make the bed
  • Wipe down the kitchen counters
  • Take out the trash and recycling
Weekly tasks:
  • Sweep the floors and vacuum the carpets
  • Scrub counter tops
  • Scrub the bathroom (toilets, sinks and tub)
  • Clean mirrors and windows
  • Dust surfaces
  • Change sheets (this will probably be a bi-weekly task)
  • Declutter living room and return items to their designated spots
  • Go through the inbox (i.e. incoming mail, coupons, bills, etc.)
Monthly tasks:
  • Spot clean oven and microwave
  • Clean out fridge and freezer (throw away expired items)
  • Clean/dust baseboards and hard to reach corners
As needed tasks:
  • Wash couch slipcovers
  • Self clean oven
  • Wash dog bed

Once I made the list, I decided looking at a plain ole set of bullets isn't much fun, so I made up a pretty-looking checklist to help me stay motivated and organized. If I've gotta do it, why not make it a little fun?
Since I didn't assign a task to a specific day, I made a grid to the right of the task's name so I can write in the date I completed it. That way, I can make sure I get to each task within its designated window of time. This checklist takes me through two months of cleaning.

This plan goes into effect today, so I'll have to update y'all on how it goes in another month or so. Ask me about it, ok? I need y'all to help me out. There's nothing like blurting out your plan to the blogosphere to keep yourself accountable, huh?

What's your cleaning style? Are you a checklister, a strict schedule-follower, or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants cleaner? Any tips or tricks on getting it all done?


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20 comments:

  1. You are awesome! Like you, I also have a Type A personality and like everything to look nice and neat, but my house is far from it. I scramble when guests come over too! I've thought about making a schedule like this, but it just hasn't happened yet... Good luck to you!

    Chrissy
    www.everydaywiththejays.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Chrissy! I'm hoping this schedule will help me get organized without driving me crazy :). Have a wonderful week!

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  2. I absolutely love this idea! I am totally a list kind of person, my fiance finds them scattered around quite often! Thanks for the great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome! I needed something like this desperately...and after a week, it's already made a difference! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  3. Fabulous idea! Love the idea of a grid to fill in when a task has been completed! :) and it helps that it's pretty..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! It keeps me accountable without being too rigid on scheduling. I like a little flexibility :).

      Delete
  4. This is a great idea! I can totally relate to how you feel. Thanks for sharing. This is my first time visiting your blog and I can't wait to read more, we seem to be on the same page.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Kristina! I'll definitely come check out your blog. Thanks for visiting mine!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love this! I love having checklists and a system for my cleaning. I have a similar set up for my kitchen. If you don't really plan, it seems like stuff just.doesn't.get.done!

    I'd love to have you come link up this post at my Home Improvement blog party that is going on right now: http://nicoleslifeafter20.blogspot.com/2013/06/home-improvement-diy-homemakers-edition.html

    I think my readers would enjoy seeing your system, since this is something we talk about often at my blog! =) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nicole! I just linked up :). Cleaning's a beast, but needs to get done! So why not have a little fun with it. Have a great weekend!

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    2. Thanks for linking up! I'll be sharing your post and other links on my FB page throughout the day.

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  7. What program did you use to create this? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used Adobe Illustrator - it's my go-to program for graphic design!

      Delete
  8. I love it! What program did you use to create it? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
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