Creating a Cleaning Routine You Can Actually Stick With

Love the idea of a clean home but don’t know where to start? Creating a cleaning routine, you can stick with can get you on the right track. A solid cleaning routine can reduce stress and free up more time for the things you love.

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“You’re home should make you say ‘ahh’ not ‘ugh’.”

Keeping a clean home can be a struggle. We all know we have to do it eventually, but who really has the time or the energy? Trying to find the time to get it done can be stressful. Likewise, creating a cleaning routine, you can actually stick with can help reduce your stress. Plus, free up time for all those things you’d rather be doing.

I’ve been using a cleaning schedule for years. Initially, I started with this elaborate schedule from some website I ran across. I’m sure you’ve run across those too. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work. It was too much. Luckily, I’m here to help you create a cleaning routine you can actually stick with. A cleaning routine that will help you keep your house clean once and for all.

My Mission

"My mission is to help you eliminate the overwhelm and stress of day-to-day life. Calm doesn't just happen. You create it."

Let’s Get Started Creating A Cleaning Routine You Can Actually Stick With

Creating A Cleaning Routine

Creating a cleaning routine, you can actually stick with isn’t really that hard. First, you decide what tasks you need to do. Then, decide when and how you’ll tackle them. If you’re lucky, other family members might join in to help as well.

Me, I’m not one of the lucky ones here.

Sure, My husband and daughter have things they do to help out. But, if I’m being honest, I’m just too “particular” for them to tackle any “REAL” cleaning.

Creating a cleaning routine will help you decide when you can get the work done. Thus, freeing up more time for the things you love and for your family. So, let’s get started creating a cleaning routine you can actually stick with. One that will have you looking at your home saying “ahh,” not “ugh.”

So, grab some paper and pen and we’ll get started.

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Create your task list

Everyone’s home is different, we all have different tasks required to clean, but the basics remain the same. Dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, it’s not at all glamorous, but those are the basics for every home.

First, start by creating a list of all the tasks you can think of. Don’t overthink this too much. You can always add to it later as you go along.

It took me a while to round all those little tasks up. Don’t forget your lovable furbaby tasks too.

Next, decide how often each task needs to be done—Weekly, every other week, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual.

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Pick a method that's best for you

Aside from actually doing the work, this might be one of the most challenging steps. But, don’t let it be. If you’re not sure which method works best for you, try them all out. See what feels best.

I used to clean my whole house in one day, and I’ve even gone back to it over the years. Currently, I use a combination of daily and weekly cleaning.

I think it all really depends on the season in your life. Think about how much time you have in your day. What’s the overall feeling you’re going for?

The 4 Methods

Below are 4 different methods for creating a cleaning routine schedule. See which one you think would fit best. Start with that and go from there. Like I said earlier, you can always switch it around.

Daily

Daily Cleaning is my personal preference. I like the feeling of a home that’s always company ready. I’m more relaxed and at peace when things are tidy. I typically spend 15-20 mins in the morning making beds, cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast, pickup up stray items in rooms from the night before. Then, 30-60 mins in the afternoon/evening doing my daily house cleaning tasks. Dishes and kitchen are done after each use. If you keep it up, it really doesn’t take long.

Weekly

Like a said above, I’ve done weekly cleaning, too, and It is nice to set aside one specific day to get it all done. If you’re working a ton of hours and unable to do the daily routine, then this is your go-to. I do love the feeling you get after it’s all done! Everything looks and feels so crisp and clean.

Time-based

Time-based is simply working on things as you have time. Start with a list of the things you want to get done. Determine how much time you have to clean at that moment and just start going, working down your list.

Big project cleaning

We all have that one area of our home that always needs a little extra TLC. Maybe this is your entire home at this point. I’m not judging. I’ve been there.

When these areas become my focus, I like to focus on one thing at a time.

From my own personal experience, when this is your entire home, go for the highest reward. Which area will make you feel like you’ve really accomplished something?

And if you’re still struggling with deciding where to start, think about where you like to relax and start there.

Once you have this room cleaned up, add it to your daily routine to maintain it.

Procrastinator Tip

Time your tasks! You may be surprised at how long your tasks actually take. This is a game-changer for procrastinators like myself! It might sound silly but seriously, try it. Time yourself doing your tasks. How long does it really take to unload the dishwasher or clean your bathroom? Finding out exactly how long it takes to do something takes away its power and gives it all to you. You can tell yourself. It’s only 4 mins.

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Create your schedule

Now that you’ve decided what tasks need to be done and how often and determined your frequency or style for cleaning, it’s time to put it into action and get all those tasks scheduled.

There are many ways to do this.

Paper Schedule

A paper version of your schedule is just that. It’s a physical version you can hang near your wall calendar or have it written down in your planner.

Digital Calendar Schedule

A digital schedule is created using google calendar, ical, or whatever your digital calendar of choice is. You can schedule individual cleaning tasks or time block your cleaning time. I personally use time blocking on my digital calendar, and you can check out my post on Time Blocking Your Day if you need more information on how to do it.

To-Do Apps

There are also some great apps out there that help keep your to-do’s and tasks organized.

I’ve tried many over the years. Currently, I use todoist. But, you can use your phone’s task list, google tasks, Microsoft Todo, and many more. I found a great list of the 49 Best To-do List Apps of 2021 if you need some ideas.

My Personal Choice

I personally use a combination of two. I time-block my days in google calendar and then have the individual task for the day in my todoist app.

For instance, I time-block in my calendar that I start my daily housework from 9:30 to 10 am. So, I pull up my todoist app at 9:30, and everything I need to do that day that is housework related is in there under housework. As I complete tasks, I mark them off.

Most importantly, I can pull up my day anytime from anywhere and know exactly what I need to do. I know that when I get distracted, and I will, I can go back to my list and pick up right where I left off. No more wasting valuable time figuring out where I was and what I need to be doing next. If you’ve ever walked into a room, stood there looking around, and then said, “why did I come in here?” you get what I’m talking about.

It’s Your Turn

Now, it’s your turn. Pick whichever method fits your life best or combine them as I do. But, think easy, simple, and less stressful, start there. Next, get those tasks on your schedule, and lastly, start right where you are for today or tomorrow.

You’re Ready to Get Started

That’s it! Now that you’ve identified all your tasks, decided what system you’ll use to keep track of your new schedule, determine the best cleaning frequency or methods for your needs, and set your schedule. All you need to do is get started.

Everything will take time to adjust to. It’ll take time to find your groove. This is a new habit, and we all know how challenging it can be to create new habits. The important thing is getting started.

My Recommendations

I’m always going to recommend a basic daily routine regardless of your actual cleaning schedule. Seriously give it a whirl.

There are two things I do every day regardless of my cleaning schedule:

Our Bedroom

I make sure our bedroom is always tidy. It’s where we go to unwind at the end of the day, so I’ve found that keeping it tidy allows me the space to relax and feel at peace.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is your home’s hub and is the bane of almost everyone’s existence. It can get out of control quicker than any other room. Staying on top of it is key to not becoming overwhelmed by piles of dishes and cooked on gunk.

I’ve been around the block a few times, and believe me, any sort of daily routine helps keep things in order a lot easier than waiting for everything to pile up and take over your home.

You’re all done! Hopefully, after walking thru the steps, you’ve created a cleaning routine you can stick with.

If you found this post helpful, please share it on your social media. You never know who else it may help. Also, I’d love to hear how your new cleaning routine is making your life easier. Please leave a comment below or shoot me an email if you liked the post, have questions or suggestions regarding this post or any future posts.

I wish you the very best in creating more calm in your life.