Works 4 Me Wednesday: Cleaning Schedules

I am no stranger to the demands of running an organized, smooth operating, clean home while balancing the demands of being the chief bottle washer and CEO of the household. I work full time outside of the home and have 2 children under the age of 3. Life is stressful and demanding. It is hard to get all the cleaning and home management items checked off my list each week. So, here are my best tips for operating on a household organization/cleaning schedule.

1) Divide and Conquer

I cannot and don't accomplish it all on my own. I am blessed to have an amazing husband who helps me greatly in accomplishing it all. We have each decided on certain jobs/roles we will conquer each week. For example, I tackle the bill paying and he tackles the mowing. I trust he gets his jobs done by the week's end and he trusts me to get mine done.

2) Let the little ones help

Yes, it would be easier to tackle it all on my own. Sometimes letting Hannah "vacuum" takes a bit longer. But, we are modeling good behaviors and what it means to be a wife and mommy. So, I take the time to let them help.

3) Let go of perfection

This summer I will be bringing to you a 30 day challenge of organizing your home. Included in that challenge will be a deep cleaning schedule. However, for the weekly cleaning maintenace just keep in mind that visitors to your home aren't going to be looking in every nook and cranny. Do your best and let go of perfection. Little ones are only little for so long. Savor that time!

3) Keep a Schedule

Keeping a routine and schedule is the easiest way for me to accomplish all that needs to be done. Below is the schedule that I keep. For some of you this schedule will seem lacking, while others may see it as exhausting. But it is the schedule that works 4 me and I am openly sharing it with you.

Monday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away. Clean kiddos bedrooms (I do this in the evening while the kiddos play in their rooms.) All dishes washed, dried, and put away before bedtime (including dishwasher). Wipe down all appliances, tabletops, and patio door windows.

Tuesday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away. All dishes washed, dried, and put away before bedtime (including dishwasher). Wipe down all appliances, tabletops, and patio door windows. Clean my bedroom (dust, vacuum)

Wednesday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.All dishes washed, dried, and put away before bedtime (including dishwasher). Wipe down all appliances, tabletops, and patio door windows. Clean upstairs bathroom and clean hubby;s office area.

Thursday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.All dishes washed, dried, and put away before bedtime (including dishwasher). Wipe down all appliances, tabletops, and patio door windows. Pay bills for the week and balance checkbook. Dust all living room and dining room areas.

Friday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.All dishes washed, dried, and put away before bedtime (including dishwasher). Wipe down all appliances, tabletops, and patio door windows. Clean bathrooms thoroughly.

Saturday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away. Vacuum all remaining areas and scrub (hands and knees style here!) kitchen, dining, and bathroom tile floors.

Sunday: At least one load of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.

How does your cleaning schedule differ? I would LOVE to know!