Tidy as You Go
Staying on top of the cleaning and homekeeping game is no easy feat, especially when you have a busy household with kids running around. But over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that have made a world of difference for our family. One of the biggest game-changers? Tidying as I go.
I find it easier to keep up if I tidy as I go and I clean some parts of my home every day – Mondays are for bathrooms and laundry, Tuesdays are for the kitchen, Wednesdays are for dusting, Thursdays are for vacuuming and mopping, and Fridays are for pulling it all together. This system has worked wonders for keeping our Nottingham home in tip-top shape without getting overwhelmed.
It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes a day. When I’m cooking, I make sure to wipe down the counters as I go. After the kids have their meals, I quickly sweep up any crumbs or spills before they have a chance to set in. And when I’m putting away laundry, I fold items right out of the dryer to keep that never-ending chore moving along.
The key is identifying those little windows of opportunity throughout the day and making the most of them. Sure, it might take a bit of extra effort in the moment, but it saves me so much time and frustration down the line. No more feeling like I need to carve out an entire weekend just to get my home back in order. With a little bit of intentionality and some quick, daily touch-ups, I’m able to maintain a tidy, functional space without sacrificing my sanity.
Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
Another trick that has truly transformed my homekeeping game? Keeping things simple when it comes to my cleaning supplies and tools. I used to have a million different products for every nook and cranny, but I’ve found that a few versatile essentials are really all I need.
My go-to homemade cleaning solution is just a mix of water, vinegar, and a small squirt of dish soap. I use this recipe for my floor cleaner: 3 parts water, 1 part vinegar, 1 small squirt of dish soap, and 5-15 drops of essential oil (optional). It’s safe, effective, and covers pretty much any surface in my home. No need for a million different bottles cluttering up my cabinets.
And when it comes to tools, I’ve found a few key items that make a big difference. I have a lightweight microfiber mop for quick cleanups, and a spin mop with a bucket for deeper cleaning sessions. The spin mop just does a better job of getting into all the nooks and crannies, but the microfiber is perfect for those times when I need to tackle a mess fast.
By sticking to a simple, streamlined system, I’ve not only decluttered my cleaning closet, but I’ve also made the actual act of cleaning a whole lot easier. No more feeling overwhelmed by a sea of bottles and rags – just a few trusted, versatile tools that get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Enlist the Whole Family
Of course, keeping a home clean and organized is no easy feat, especially when you’ve got little ones running around. That’s why I’ve found it so important to get the whole family involved in the process.
I start involving my kids in simple chores at a young age – things like helping with the laundry, running the vacuum, or using the duster. And I make sure to celebrate their efforts, even if the task isn’t done quite to my standards. After all, the goal is to instill good habits and a sense of responsibility, not perfection.
As they’ve gotten older, I’ve assigned them more specific daily tasks – emptying the dishwasher in the morning, taking out the trash, tidying their rooms. I use a chore chart to keep everyone on track, and they know that completing their responsibilities is the first step to earning privileges like screen time or playdates.
My husband also plays a big role in our homekeeping routine. We try to tackle bigger projects together on the weekends, like deep cleaning the garage or reorganizing the pantry. And he’s always happy to lend a hand with the daily grind, whether it’s sweeping the kitchen or folding laundry.
By making homekeeping a family affair, I’ve not only been able to lighten my own load, but I’ve also instilled a sense of pride and ownership in my kids. They take real joy in contributing to the well-being of our household, and I love seeing them develop those important life skills. Plus, it’s just more fun when we’re all in it together!
Embrace Imperfection
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is the art of embracing imperfection. As much as I’d love to have a spotless, magazine-worthy home at all times, the reality is that life happens. And with two rambunctious boys and a perpetually shedding dog, there’s always going to be a certain amount of mess and chaos.
Housecleaning goes completely south when my kids are home for the summer! I used to stress myself out trying to maintain an unrealistic standard of cleanliness, but I’ve since learned to let go and focus on what truly matters. As long as our home is safe, functional, and relatively tidy, I’m content.
These days, I try not to sweat the small stuff. So what if there’s a few crumbs on the kitchen counter or a stray sock in the living room? I can take care of it later. My priority is spending quality time with my family and making memories, not worrying about achieving perfection.
And you know what? I’ve found that this mindset has actually made me a more effective homekeeper. When I’m not constantly berating myself for falling short, I’m able to be more present and intentional with the tasks at hand. I tackle them with a positive attitude, knowing that as long as I’m making steady progress, that’s what really counts.
So if your home isn’t always spotless, take heart. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not any less of a homemaker. With a little creativity, some helpful systems, and a whole lot of grace, you can keep your space feeling cozy and functional – without sacrificing your sanity in the process.
