I know I claim not to be that into new year’s resolutions, but the fact I’m writing a second post about resolutions may indicate otherwise! Kinda funny. Anyway…let’s get down to business! When I wrote about my Use Less Plastic goal last week, I mentioned quickly that I was also planning to make up a cleaning schedule, and several people commented about that. I decided to make the schedule purrrty and share it with all of you, in case anyone would like to use it, too!
I created a 4-week cleaning schedule that I can print out about once a month. Each weekday has a task associated with it, with a few extra items thrown in here and there that only need to happen on a monthly basis. I am really hoping this helps me to stay on track with cleaning as well as make it all feel a little less overwhelming. Despite all this planning I do publicly on the blog, I am not a super organized person, but having lists to check off is very motivating for me. We’ll see how it goes!
Here’s a quick outline of the cleaning plan I created:
- I decided that dusting, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, and changing the bed sheets and towels needed to happen on a weekly basis, so I assigned each of those items to the same day each week.
- We have white carpet throughout the house, so I have one day dedicated to vacuuming but also included “maintenance” vacuuming in my daily to-dos at the bottom of the schedule.
- There are a few monthly items that I spread out through the 4 weeks.
I created a PDF of the cleaning schedule that you can download and print out for yourself. There are three pages in the PDF – page 1 is my complete plan, page 2 is my plan but generalized, and page 3 is totally blank if you want to change it all up but still want to use the pretty calendar. The grey box at the top is where you write in the month and the grey squares on the calendar are for the dates for that month. You can click the image of the plan above to access the pdf or click any of the links in this paragraph. If I realize I forgot anything and add it in, I will update the PDF file!
As always, this blog is what is because of YOUR input and comments! Please share your own house cleaning and organization tips that you may have or ways you successfully conquer the task. I’m sure we can all benefit from the ideas!
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
Thanks for this. I never think about cleaning the baseboards or cabinets until the middle of having people over when I notice every. single. fingerprint.
I know I should include cabinets on my kitchen cleaning but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Maybe I’ll include it on the dusting days since I’ll already have the pledge out.
isn’t it funny how we have these cleaning mental blocks…like not wanting to do the cabinets when you do the rest of the kitchen. I have those, too!
This has been one of my resolutions too. I made a somewhat similar list
Sun: Clean out car (no not technically part of the house but it’s nice to start the week with a clean car)
Mon: Clean bathrooms/change towels
Tues: Dusting and Mirrors
Wed: Vacuum
Thurs: Mop
Fri: Change Sheets
Sat: Rotating chore
Week #1: Clean fridge, oven, and wipe down kitchen appliances
Week #2: Walls, baseboards, and doors
Week #3: Windows and blinds
Week #4: Kitchen cupboards and pantry
I actually started before New Years although unfortunately I get side-tracked a lot and would fall behind so my resolution is more to stick with it (plus my daily to-do list). When I do it works pretty well.
Thanks for sharing your plan! I follow a similar plan and it works! And yes, weekends off 🙂
I have a cleaning schedule, as well… I’m going to replace it with yours because my schedule includes vacuuming one too many times, daily. 😀 I guess there’s some OCD involved… 😉
Jane this is great. Our house is still total chaos from the renos and the holidays. I really need this in my life right now. Thanks for such a great printable.
I miss how clean my house once was!! I’d never give up the kiddos, but wow, it’s hard to keep up with it all. Love this list, makes it all seem reasonable to attain!
OK, I’m getting serious about 2014 now. It’s Monday and I just finished vacuuming….then I printed the PDF cleaning schedule calendar, hung it on the fridge and put a check mark on Monday 🙂
Thanks for motivating me!
I love this idea and have had something similar in my mind but never executed it. I know have the tools I need. My hubby and I both work from home so we are in the house all the time. There is no reason why we can’t be more on top of house cleaning. Luckily, he will jump in and help. If we have a schedule posted now even the boys can join in on the fun. Haha – I’ll see if that really happens.
Great idea Jane!