Cleanliness is not only next to godliness, but also good for your health. At the end of the day though, keeping your house clean is easier said than done.
One way you can stay on top of cleaning is to establish a calendar, so that way everyone knows what needs to be cleaned and when.
Here are some simple steps that will help you put together an effective schedule everyone will stick to in your Chicagoland home.
Benefits of a Cleaning Calendar
There are many reasons to make a cleaning calendar to help you maintain your home. Some of the greatest benefits you might see from this method include:
- No more frantic cleaning sprees right before guests come over
- Responsibilities are evenly divided among family members
- Reduced stress and more time to relax
- Increased efficiency (no more playing “not-it” when it’s time to assign chores)
- Less procrastination
If any of these benefits sound appealing to you, it’s probably a good idea to implement a cleaning calendar.
How to Create a Cleaning Calendar
Putting a calendar together might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a pretty simple task. Just follow these steps.
Determine Your Calendar Length
First, figure out the length of your cleaning schedule. Will it be weekly? Biweekly?
Most people find that a 4-week schedule works best. It leaves room for weekly chores and monthly tasks like testing smoke detectors.
List Your Chores
Next, make a list of everything you need to get done each month.
Go room by room and think about what needs to be cleaned, and how frequently you need to clean it.
Some chores need to be done on an almost daily basis (washing dishes, wiping down counters, etc.), while others can be completely bi-weekly, monthly, or even seasonally (such as changing furnace filters).
Assign Specific Chores to Specific Days
Then, designate specific days for specific chores. Remember, you don’t need to fill every day of the calendar.
It’s totally fine to schedule some days off, it might even be necessary, especially if you’re having a hard time getting everyone on board.
Figure out what makes the most sense for your family. For example, maybe Wednesdays need to be off days because your kids have soccer practice, and don’t get home until later in the evening, or if a famous Chicago snowstorm is on the way and you know commuting will take longer.
Assign People to Specific Chores
After this, assign people to specific chores. They can keep those jobs permanently, or you can set up a rotating system.
A rotating system often works better, especially when kids are involved, and it ensures that everyone takes a turn doing the less appealing tasks like cleaning the bathrooms.
Write it Down
Finally, put everything you’ve agreed upon with your family into writing. You can use a paper calendar or an electronic template, whatever works for you.
Many people like the visibility of a paper calendar, and it’s easy to refer to so you make sure everyone completes their assigned chores.
Need More Help Keeping Your Home Clean?
A cleaning calendar can help you figure out what to clean, and when to clean it, but if you still don’t have the time to do the cleaning, your calendar is essentially useless.
If you need help making sure chores get done on a regular basis, contact us at Hour Maid today.
We offer house cleaning, maid service, and condo cleaning, in Chicago and the surrounding area, on a one-time, weekly, or bi-monthly basis. We also provide all the supplies and equipment at no extra cost to you!
