How to Keep Your House Clean: 23 Tips for Busy Moms
Did you know the average person cleans their home between 3-4 hours per week, but if you’re a parent that number jumps to 7 hours?! Maintaining a neat house can be an intimidating job, particularly for busy moms who have many duties to manage. Below we offer simple techniques and approaches on how to keep your house clean and manageable every day of the week.
We’ll delve into the importance of putting everything away after use, which includes DIY closet organization ideas, using over-the-door organizers for additional storage space, and organizing smaller items with decorative baskets. We’ll also discuss adopting a room-by-room cleaning approach to keep important rooms such as the bathroom, bedrooms, and kitchen tidy on a daily basis.
We’ll also explore creating and following a weekly deep cleaning schedule with daily tasks allocated throughout the week for laundry duties, thorough bathroom cleaning or vacuuming sessions and living room cleanup. Lastly, we’ll cover incorporating nightly “tidy-up” sessions into your routine involving all family members in these activities.
I decided to share what’s worked for me based on my own daily struggles. Picture this: life bustling around you, the days blurring into one another, and there I was, battling the never-ending struggle of keeping my home clean. Laundry piles that could rival skyscrapers and clutter that seemed to have a life of its own – my house was a mess, and so was my sanity. Between work, family, and trying to find a moment for myself, I felt like I was stuck in a tornado of chaos.
But let me tell you, that breaking point was also a breakthrough. I realized that a tidy space meant more than just Instagram-worthy aesthetics; it meant a clear mind and a peaceful haven. After some ups and downs, I cracked the code to managing both my home and my sanity.
And now, I’m spilling all the beans about what I learned on that journey, along with a handy free guide you can download now called How to Plan a Stress-Free Week without Burnout. It’s your ticket to a clutter-free home and a life that’s all about thriving, not just surviving.
Maximize Storage Solutions For Optimal Organization
If you want to learn how to keep your house clean long-term, then you’ll need to learn how to use storage solutions strategically to keep your home tidy. They reduce visible clutter and give everything a proper place. From shoe racks to hidden storage options, there’s plenty out there to help you stay organized effortlessly.
Use Shoe Racks at Entryways
A shoe rack at your entranceway is a genius way to prevent dirt from invading your home. It’s like a bouncer for your shoes, keeping them in one designated spot and not scattered all over the house.
Make Good Use of Hidden Storage Options
Hidden storage options are the secret weapon of stylish organization. Storage ottomans and coffee tables with drawers offer extra space to stash away items you don’t use often but still need within arm’s reach.
Take Advantage of Vertical Shelving Units
If your floor space is limited, go vertical. Vertical shelving units make the most of your wall space while keeping everything accessible and orderly. They’re a lifesaver in small apartments or homes where every square foot counts.
For budget-friendly options, try DIY floating shelves or splurge on built-in shelves. Home Depot has a variety of choices, from simple metal brackets to sleek modern designs that add both functionality and visual interest.
Incorporating these smart organization strategies into your daily routine helps maintain orderliness at home and makes cleaning less daunting, even on busy days.
Adopt a Room-by-Room Cleaning Approach
Maintaining cleanliness in your home can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work and parenting. One effective strategy is to tackle one room at a time. This approach allows you to focus on specific tasks without feeling rushed or stressed about other areas needing attention.
Here are some hacks you can use to clean your whole house in minimal time:
Keep Your Bathroom Clean Regularly
The bathroom is one area that requires regular cleaning due to its frequent use. A simple daily routine of wiping down the sink and shower with a damp cloth after use, emptying trash bins, and replacing used towels with fresh ones can keep it looking clean and fresh.
Maintain Cleanliness in Bedrooms Daily
Your sleeping quarters should be your haven – a spot to unwind after a taxing day’s worth of effort. Keeping it tidy involves making the bed every morning, putting away clothes immediately instead of leaving them lying around, dusting surfaces regularly, and vacuuming once a week.
Ensure an Always Tidy Kitchen
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, but keeping it clean can seem like an endless task due to constant meal preparations throughout the day. However, by washing dishes right after meals or loading them into the dishwasher promptly, wiping kitchen countertops frequently during cooking processes, and sweeping floors nightly, you can make all the difference.
Don’t forget to involve family members in this room-by-room approach- not only will it lighten your load but also teach children responsibility from an early age, which will benefit them later in life too. Remember, consistency is key here: even if it doesn’t look perfect the first few times around – stick with the system, and it will eventually become second nature for everyone involved.
Create and Follow a Weekly Deep Cleaning Schedule
Caring for a neat residence can be an intimidating challenge, particularly for mothers who have to juggle work and family. But fear not, my fellow mamas. With a weekly deep cleaning schedule, you can conquer the chaos and keep your home sparkling like a disco ball.
Creating a weekly cleaning schedule is like having a personal assistant, minus the attitude. It helps you stay organized and ensures that your house doesn’t turn into a hot mess. Plus, it gives you an excuse to use colorful highlighters. Win-win.
If you’re ready to create your own cleaning schedule, go ahead and download our printable cleaning schedule that you can edit and fill in what works for you!
Schedule Laundry and Dusting Duties
Laundry and dusting are like those annoying relatives that never seem to leave. But by dedicating specific days to these tasks, you can show them who’s boss. Assign a day for each task to keep yourself organized and in control of your housekeeping duties.
Allocate Days for Thorough Bathroom Cleaning and Vacuuming
Bathrooms are like the VIP section of your home – they need extra attention. Designate specific days for thorough bathroom cleaning to keep them fresh and germ-free. Trust me, your family and guests will thank you for it.
Similarly, schedule regular vacuuming sessions to keep your carpets happy and your allergies at bay. If you’re looking for a great vacuum, look no further than the Dyson. It’s the best investment I ever made and has a become a staple in my cleaning routine.
Assign Certain Days for Living Room Cleanup
The living room is where the magic happens – family movie nights, dance parties, and epic pillow forts. Keep this space tidy by assigning specific days for cleanup.
So, my fellow mamas, let’s conquer the cleaning chaos with our weekly deep cleaning schedule. Because a clean home is a happy home, and a happy home means more time for wine and Netflix. Cheers.
Put Everything Back In Its Home
A fundamental step in maintaining a clean house is putting everything away after use. This practice helps prevent clutter from accumulating, making cleaning less stressful and time-consuming. It’s a lot simpler to spot your keys when they’re not concealed beneath a mound of mess.
Here are some creative storage ideas to ensure your items always have a quick “home” where you can put them:
Implement DIY Closet Organization Ideas
Maximize your closet’s potential with DIY organization ideas. Use drawer dividers for socks and underwear, and add extra shelves for your ever-growing collection of shoes. Your closet will be so organized, it’ll make Marie Kondo proud.
Use Over-the-door Organizers for Additional Storage Space
Don’t have enough floor space? No problem. Bypass the floor space issue with an over-the-door organizer. Store your shoes, accessories, and even pantry items without sacrificing precious square footage. It’s like having a secret storage ninja in your home.
Organize Smaller Items with Decorative Baskets
Who says organization can’t be stylish? Decorative baskets are the answer to your cluttered living room and messy entryway. Toss in toys, mail, or anything else that needs a home, and voila. Your space is instantly tidier and Instagram-worthy.
Having a designated spot for every item makes tidying up much easier. When everything has its place – whether it’s neatly folded clothes inside an organized closet or miscellaneous objects stored away inside pretty baskets – keeping your home neat becomes second nature rather than a chore.
Incorporate Nightly “Tidy-Up” Sessions into Your Routine
Keep your house clean with quick, 10-15 minute “tidy-up” sessions every night. You can even time yourself to keep yourself accountable. You’ll be surprised with how much cleaning you can get done in such a short time!
Focus on high traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. These are the places where chaos likes to hang out.
Focus on High Traffic Areas During Nightly Tidy-Ups
- The Living Room: Pick up toys and put them back where they belong. No more stepping on Legos in the dark.
- The Kitchen: Clear off countertops and wash those dishes. Say goodbye to the science experiments growing in your sink.
- The Bathroom: Put away toiletries and give the sink a quick scrub. Your future self will thank you when you’re not searching for toothpaste in the morning.
Involve Family Members in Nightly Tidying Up Routines
Teach your kids about responsibility by giving them age-appropriate tasks. Little ones can pick up toys, while older ones can load the dishwasher or take care of the pets.
Make cleaning fun for the kiddos. Turn it into a race or play some upbeat music. Who knew chores could be a party?
Outsource Your Chores
For all you working moms out there, we totally get how crazy things can get between job duties and family stuff. So worse comes to worse, when you can’t get it all done, that’s where outsourcing your chores swoops in as a real game-changer.
Imagine coming back to a spotless home without having to hustle through cleaning or laundry. It’s not just about the tidy space – it’s like a break from the endless to-dos. Handing off tasks like scrubbing or grocery shopping to reliable services means you snag back precious time and wave goodbye to that constant stress.
Hire a Professional Cleaner to Clean Your House
Professional cleaning experts bring their skills and expertise to your home, ensuring a thorough and efficient clean that might be hard to achieve with your busy schedule. Whether it’s a regular cleaning schedule or occasional deep cleans, a professional cleaner can tailor their services to meet your specific needs. By enlisting their help, you’re investing in a clean and organized living space without sacrificing your valuable time and energy.
Use a Laundry Pick Up/Drop Off Service
Laundry pick up and drop off services are one of the most convenient ways you can outsource household chores. With this service, you can bid farewell to the hours spent sorting, washing, and folding clothes. Instead, simply schedule a pickup, and let the professionals handle the rest. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your clothes receive the care and attention they deserve.
Use a Mother’s Helper to Help with Daily Household Tasks
Sometimes all you need is an extra pair of hands to maintain the cleanliness and order of your home. This is where a mother’s helper comes in – a fantastic resource for tackling those daily household tasks that can quickly pile up. Whether it’s supervising kids’ homework, assisting with meal preparation, or doing light cleaning, a mother’s helper can provide the support you need to keep your house in top shape.
So, instead of drowning in chores, outsource them so you can kick back, enjoy weekends, and bond with the fam without burning out. This isn’t just about getting things done; it’s a sanity-saving, work-life balancing move that keeps both your career and family life on point.
For a detailed guide on outsourcing your chores, check out How Savvy Working Moms Get Help With Household Chores.
FAQs on How to Keep Your House Clean
Conclusion
Maintaining great cleaning habits is not just about aesthetics; it’s a vital aspect of our overall well-being and peace of mind. Implement the strategies and tips discussed in this blog post to create a more inviting and pleasant living space.
Remember, consistency is key, and small daily habits can make a significant difference over time. So, make it a priority to declutter regularly, establish cleaning routines, involve the whole household, and stay proactive in tackling messes. Start implementing these practices today, and enjoy the numerous benefits that a clean and organized home brings to your life. Here’s to a happier, healthier, and tidier living space!
Maintaining a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. Learn how to efficiently manage household tasks while nurturing your own needs. Take control of your daily to-dos with our free guide, How to Plan a Stress-Free Week without Burnout, and unlock the secrets to harmonious living and productive days!
Hi I’m Yesenia,
a working mom of two kids. I’ve experienced all of the beautiful and crazy moments of early parenthood: breastfeeding, picky eaters, toilet training, balancing work with kids, and the list continues!
I created Hard Knock Mama to help working moms navigate through their child’s early years and find a successful balance in their home, work, and life.
