Tips on housekeeping?

Question

I am a married mother of 2 young children. I wake up in the morning get them and myself ready for the day (because my husband has already left for work). I don't really have time to do any cleaning in the morning and by the time I get home from working a full time job, I have to cook dinner, and get the kids ready for bed. By that time my energy is spent and all I want to do is work on my homework or go to bed. I am tired of dedicating my whole weekend to cleaning the house. My husband takes care of the outside and home & car maintanance. Are there any quick and easy tips for me to to keep a neater house?

Answer 1

Check out this website, it may help you out.
I personally swear by the flylady!---

www.flylady.net

Answer 2

I once had this same problem, I learned that if I clean up as I'm cooking dinner, do the dishes immediately after, that takes care of the kitchen. If you have homework, maybe you can try putting in a load of laundry before you start, when the laundry is ready to go into the dryer, you will probably be ready for a quick break from the books. If your children aren't too young, you can kind of make a game out of picking up the worst of things like in the living room, or bedroom, even if they just pile everything in one spot, that is an improvement from being spread all over. If your husband is that good about doing the outside work and car maintenance, he may be willing to help say with the kids baths. I also found a laundry basket in each room to throw loose things into helps with the clutter, puts all in a single spot for later, and keeps the floor and furniture free of clutter. You do not have to have a perfectly neat house, it sounds as if you have a full plate with kids, school, housework, and husband. As long as your house is not dirty, (clutter is not dirty) and your children are safe, you should be ok with a little clutter. Our homes are meant to be lived in, not showplaces. Makes some time for yourself.

Answer 3

Planning! I find that a solid schedule throughout the week works best. Instead of cramming everything into two days spread it out and do a little bit each day. I pre-plan all the dinners for the week on Sunday mornings so each week night is set for something easy and good. I also designate chores for each day...monday wednesday and friday nights are laundry..usually only 2 loads. Monday is also vacuum/swiffer wet jet the floors. Tuesday night is bathrooms, Wednesday is bills etc.etc. I find that doing it this way is quick and easy. If you clean the bathrooms EVERY Tuesday it is so much quicker than waiting until it is a disaster and then wasting hours. Also..I'm sure your Husband can fold some clothes or vacuum a room so get some help from him inside. Set up a schedule that works for you, plan things in advance and after a couple of weeks you will see how easy it can be.

Answer 4

I am a stay-home mom of two kids...ages 10 & 11. I home school them as well. Between their schooling, extra activities outside the home, my house work, errands that need to be run, meals that need to be made, lessons that need to be planned for each "next day" and everything else in between...there's hardly ever any time for cleaning...or even me! So, I started getting up about one hour earlier each morning. Granted, it's made me a lot more tired on some days, but it has really made things a lot easier to deal with...and my house is as spotless as it can be, with two kids and a hubby!

Answer 5

You have a full plate alright. And some things are just more important than housework. If you just keep the dishes washed and the laundry done on a needed basis, and maybe you and your husband can afford ( much needed relief for all of you, so well worth it) to have some cleaning company come once or twice a month. One less burden on you and your whole family will benifit.

Answer 6

I have two large baskets under my coffee table where i toss stuff until i can later put them in there place. I also have large baskets in my kids rooms to toss toys, diapers etc. And in my laundry/pantry room i have yes that's right more large baskets on a shelf system Ive added for more storage. The best thing about it is you really cant tell how messy i am when you walk into the room all the mess is in the baskets and all you see is a room with pretty baskets.

Answer 7

I am in the cleaning business and here is our secret!
Try this cleaning cloth. You have to buy in packages of 5 but they are only like $3 bucks a piece. I have ordered them and use them on everything, especially cleaning windows and clean mirrors. They are made out of tiny fibers. They are guaranteed not to scratch and all you do is rinse the cloth under water, wring it out and wipe ANY surface with no streaks or scratch. Use em over and over. I have not thrown one away yet!
I am sold on this ...I encourage you to try it out….hope this helps…Steve

Answer 8

yes it is hard when you have to look after kid´s and work , I think if you go to this site you will find it very helpful there lots of advise and help here , there lot´s of things you can do in 15 min´s and after you have checked this site out you will find out how easy it can be. Good Luck, google, Get Organized Now

Answer 9

having easy storage for everyday used items ..toys, mags, paperwork etc...I always pick up the house befored i go to bed because i feel better in the am if i rise to a neat house

Answer 10

KITCHEN
Every Day
# Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds).
# Wipe down the stove top (one minute).
# Wipe down the counters (one minute).
# Sweep, Swiffer, or vacuum the floor (two minutes).


Every Week
# Mop the floor (five minutes).
# Wipe the cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances (10 minutes).
# Wash the dish rack (four minutes).
# Wipe the switch plates and phone (one minute).
# Wipe the inside of the garbage can (one minute).


Every Season
# Empty and scrub down the inside of the refrigerator (30 minutes).
# Empty and clean the insides of the utensil drawers (15 minutes).
# Scrub down the cupboard exteriors (30 minutes).
# Clean the stove-hood filter (10 minutes).
# Perform "Shiny Sink 101"

BATHROOM
Every Day
# Wipe out the sink (30 seconds).
# Wipe the toilet seat and rim (15 seconds).
# Swoosh the toilet bowl with a brush (15 seconds).
# Wipe the mirror and faucet (15 seconds).
# Squeegee the shower door (30 seconds).
# Spray the entire shower and the curtain liner with shower mist after every use (15 seconds).


Every Week
# Scrub the tub (three minutes).
# Scrub the tiles (five minutes).
# Mop the floor (two minutes).
# Wipe the switch plates, doorknobs, and doorjambs (one minute).
# Empty and wipe out the wastebasket (30 seconds).


Every Season
# Take down the shower curtain, then launder it according to the care instructions.
# Empty, weed, and clean the medicine cabinet (20 minutes).
# Perform "Shiny Sink 101" on the tub and sink.

BEDROOM
Every Day
# Make the bed (two minutes).
# Fold or hang clothing and put away jewelry (four minutes).
# Straighten out the night-table surface (30 seconds).


Every Week
# Change the sheets (five minutes).
# Dust all surfaces — including electronics, books, picture frames, windowsills and ledges, and tops of door frames — and remove all cobwebs (10 minutes).
# Dust or mop the floors or vacuum the carpeting (five minutes).
# Throw out old magazines (one minute).
# Wipe the switch plates, doorknobs, and doorjambs (one minute).
# Wipe and disinfect the telephone (30 seconds).
# Empty the wastebasket (20 seconds).
# Vacuum the heating and air-conditioning vents and the inside of the closet (three minutes).


Every Season
# Wash the insides of the windows (15 minutes).
# Strip the bed and flip the mattress (five minutes).
# Launder the mattress pad and dust ruffle.

LIVING-AREA
Every Day
# Pick up crumbs and dust bunnies with a handheld vacuum (one minute).
# Fluff the cushions and fold throws after use (two minutes).
# Wipe tabletops and spot-clean cabinets when you see fingerprints (one minute).
# Straighten coffee-table books and magazines. Throw out newspapers. Put away CDs and videos. (Two minutes.)


Every Week
# Dust all surfaces — including electronics, books, blinds, picture frames, windowsills and ledges, and tops of door frames — and remove all cobwebs (15 minutes).
# Dust-mop the floors with a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer, or vacuum the rugs and carpeting (five minutes).
# Vacuum the upholstery (five minutes).
# Throw out old magazines (one minute).
# Wipe the switch plates, doorknobs, and doorjambs (one minute).
# Wipe and disinfect the telephone (30 seconds).
# Shake out or vacuum the doormat (one minute).
# Vacuum the heating and air-conditioning vents (one minute).


Every Season
# Wash the insides of the windows (15 minutes).
# Lift big pieces of furniture and vacuum or mop underneath (10 minutes).

Here's how to do the Shiny Sink 101
Adapted from www.FlyLady.net (a.k.a. Marla Cilley)

1. Fill sink to the rim with very hot water; add one cup regular bleach. Soak for one hour.
2. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
3. Scrub with Ajax, Bon Ami, or baking soda.
4. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
5. Shine with Windex or another glass-cleaning spray. Dry thoroughly.