How to Make the Best Cleaning Schedule for Busy Working Moms

Hello there! Are you a busy working mom attempting to balance work, children, personal time, and an endless cleaning to-do list? Perhaps you have googled “How to create a cleaning schedule for busy working moms?” more than once. I can empathize with the struggle. It can be overwhelming to confront a heap of toys, dirty dishes, and mysterious stains on the carpet while preparing for an important presentation. However, you are not alone!

3 Reasons Why Busy Working Moms Need A Cleaning Schedule?

Being a working mom is similar to being a superhero without a cape, gadgets, or fans. Instead, you have a child who enjoys redecorating and a sock that always vanishes in the laundry. But don’t worry! I’m here to assist you in combating chaos with the ultimate weapon: a practical cleaning schedule for working moms.

So, let’s work together to tackle this challenge! Grab your mop or wine glass (no judgment here!), and let’s start mastering a cleaning routine that even the busiest bee can manage.

1. Create a Comfortable and Manageable Space for You and Your Family

Let’s be honest. We have much on our plate as busy working moms. Life is all about balancing our responsibilities. Between work, kids, and trying to sneak in a little “me” time, cleaning can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list while you are stressed out seeing the unorganized house with some dust and stains here and there. However, don’t put too much pressure on yourself when thinking about cleaning your house. It’s important to remember that having a spotless home isn’t the goal. With a cleaning schedule, you will keep up with the bare minimum, which is very necessary for you, and you can keep your house together most efficiently and effectively.

2. Reduce Your Stress and Pressure By Creating a Cleaning Schedule

Your life is packed with a to-do list you must attend to immediately or within that day, and cleaning is not on this list. In your busy days, when you take care of the essential house tasks, such as putting your children to bed, bringing them to school, cooking meals, and focusing on the hours you dedicate to your work, you must be exhausted. The last thing you want to think about is maybe cleaning the toilet at this point.

Don’t worry, though. You’re not alone! We all struggle with keeping our homes well-organized and clean, and that’s okay. Just remember, you’ve got this, and a cleaning schedule will help you tackle one at a time (read more about time management techniques for working moms by clicking here).

3. Maintain Your Life Balance

As remote work or hybrid work has become part of how we work these days, it can be tough to separate our work and personal lives. Before we know it, the day has passed, and we are left with a messy home. But a cleaning routine with a cleaning schedule can be like a roadmap to help keep things organized and create guilt-free “me-time” for yourself. It’s a win-win situation!

It’s perfectly okay if you’re not aiming for a picture-perfect home. However, if you desire a tidy and peaceful living space, it’s definitely achievable. The solution is creating a customized cleaning schedule that suits your preferences and lifestyle (read more about work-life balance tips for working moms by clicking here).

How To Begin Your Cleaning Journey

After a tiring workday, coming home to a messy and disorganized house can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that progress can start with just one small action, like picking up a sock or toy from the floor. Remember that every journey starts with a single step.

1. Where to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed 

We’ve all been there – feeling overwhelmed by the mess and not knowing where to start. But don’t fret. Take a deep breath and tackle one small task at a time. It could be as simple as clearing the coffee table or putting away some laundry. Remember to celebrate even the tiniest of wins.

2. Understanding the Daily Cleaning Habits 

Have you ever encountered the famous phrase, “A little goes a long way?” Well, it applies to cleaning, too. Consistent cleaning practices, such as wiping kitchen surfaces or a quick vacuum, can noticeable impact over time. Consider adopting the ‘daily six cleaning list’ – a simple routine of six tasks to complete every day that can transform your living space without causing stress.

3. Making Cleaning Fun (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Why make cleaning boring when you can turn it into a fun challenge? Just put on some lively music, set a timer for 30 minutes, and see how much you can accomplish in that time with the ’30-minute cleaning rule.’ It’s like a game that will motivate you to get more done and feel a sense of pride in your achievements at the end.

4. Quick Cleaning Routines for Busy Days

Sometimes, we don’t have the luxury of cleaning an entire day. That’s where the ‘one-hour cleaning method’ comes in handy. The key is to prioritize which areas or tasks require the most attention and focus on completing them within an hour. This method is perfect for those busy days when time is limited.

5. Crafting Your Personalized Cleaning Schedule

A generic cleaning schedule is like a one-size-fits-all t-shirt; sometimes it fits, sometimes it doesn’t, and most times, it’s just plain uncomfortable. The key to a successful cleaning schedule is personalization. Let’s craft one tailored just for you.

How Do You Create Your Personalized Cleaning Schedule?

1. Deciphering Your Cleaning Style 

Do you prefer dedicating a chunk of time once a week or quick daily tidy-ups? Understanding your cleaning style and preferences is the foundation of your cleaning schedule.

2. The Master Cleaning Schedule

3. Avoiding the Procrastination Trap 

We often procrastinate by saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow“. Setting clear and achievable daily goals, such as the ‘daily 6’ or a personalized list, can prevent the inertia caused by ambiguity.

4. Mixing Work and Housework

When you are also working from home, staying productive and refreshed is essential. One way to do this is by tackling small cleaning tasks during work breaks. For example, after cleaning out your inbox, you could take a quick break to declutter your desk drawer. During lunch break, you can actually take out some trash and take a walk to refresh your mind!

5. Seeking Balance

Finally, it’s essential to maintain a balance in your living space. Your home should feel lived in, not like a staged showroom. Don’t be afraid of a bit of chaos every now and then. It’s okay to have days where you relax, have a glass of wine, and let the toys scatter. Remember, there’s always tomorrow!

Best Cleaning Schedule Tips for Busy Working Moms

Managing a full-time job, motherhood, and keeping the house tidy can be quite a task, but with some smart planning and self-discipline, you can strike a balance.

1. The Art of Multitasking 

It’s common knowledge that mothers are excellent at multitasking – while on a work call, they can simultaneously fold laundry or clean the kitchen counters. The key is to make the most of every opportunity. When I clean, I listen to a 10-minute meditation program. It cleans up my mind, and I can actually do somewhat more physically driven work to give myself a bit of a break from working all day in front of my computer. If you are interested, click here (affiliate link) to subscribe for a 7 to 14-day free trial from Headspace and enjoy your guided meditation program. Also, read more about the practical 9 tips to increase productivity mindfully.

2. Embrace the ‘Little and Often’ Approach 

As a full-time working mom, you don’t have to set aside large chunks of time for cleaning. Instead, clean a little every day. Just 10-15 minutes daily can make a massive difference over a week.

3. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate 

You don’t have to do everything independently, and even toddlers can help with simple tasks like picking up toys or putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Enlist the help of family members to make cleaning a collective effort. If you want to master delegating, read more about the techniques effectively!

4. Setting Boundaries Between Work and Housework

When working from home, it is crucial to establish clear boundaries between work and household tasks. Set specific work hours to manage time and maintain focus.

Prioritize Tasks: Efficiently manage your tasks by establishing a hierarchy. Take on washing up and laundry today, and leave the vacuuming and dusting for tomorrow. This method will distribute your tasks and make them more manageable.

Acceptance is Key: Embrace the fact that certain days may be hectic. It’s perfectly acceptable if your living space isn’t always ready for a photoshoot. What truly matters is that it provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

How to Stay Motivated on Your Cleaning Challenges

We’ve all experienced the struggle of starting to clean but losing motivation along the way. How can we stay motivated and tackle cleaning challenges? Here are six practical tips you can use to stay motivated and use the benefit of a cleaning schedule.

1. Confronting the ‘Unmotivated to Clean’ Dilemma

Sometimes, we don’t feel motivated to do something, not because we don’t have enough time but because we lack the drive to begin. One way to overcome this is to shift our focus from the process to the outcome. Imagine how peaceful and organized your living space will look after you complete the cleaning task. This visualization of the end result can provide the motivation you need to get started.

2. When Housework is Overwhelming 

Are you feeling overwhelmed with household chores? Try breaking it down into smaller tasks. Instead of seeing it as a huge project, focus on individual chores such as cleaning the living room or sorting laundry. By segmenting the tasks, they will feel less daunting and more manageable to tackle.

3. The One-Hour Cleaning Method – Your Secret Weapon 

Setting a timer can transform a task into a fun challenge. Allocate one hour and aim to complete as much as possible within this timeframe. A sense of urgency can increase your efficiency.

4. Finding Motivation When It’s Nowhere in Sight 

Transform cleaning into enjoyable ‘me-time.’ Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks to make it a fulfilling experience. Remember, even small efforts count as progress.

5. Avoiding Cleaning? Understand the Why 

If you consistently dread cleaning, exploring the root of your aversion may be helpful. Is there a specific task or chore that you dislike? Are the tools and equipment you’re using not practical? Identifying the source of your dislike can aid in finding solutions to overcome it.

6. Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small 

After finishing a cleaning session, take a moment to appreciate your efforts. Celebrating small victories, like the freshly vacuumed carpet, the sparkling kitchen counter, or the organized bookshelf, can motivate the next round!

Final Thoughts on The Cleaning Schedule for Busy Working Moms

How To Make A Cleaning Schedule for Busy Working Moms?

In summary, to create a cleaning schedule for working moms, you must prioritize tasks based on their importance and frequency. Break tasks down into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal activities. Integrate a ‘quick-cleaning’ routine for busy days, ensuring you tackle the most pressing chores. Allocate specific days for more significant tasks, like Mondays for vacuuming or Wednesdays for deep bathroom cleanings. Monthly tasks include cleaning the oven or decluttering a particular room. Finally, set expectations realistically, understanding that it’s okay if not everything gets done. Remember, the goal is a comfortable living space, not perfection. Adjust the schedule as needed to fit your unique needs and lifestyle.

Now, Are You Ready To Tackle Your Cleaning Journey?

Balancing work, parenting, personal time, and cleaning can be complex. Each movement needs its own rhythm, and everyone’s rhythm is unique. Throughout the challenges of keeping a tidy home while juggling other responsibilities, we’ve discovered that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While plenty of methods, schedules, and tips are available, the key is customization. Also, read the tailored cleaning schedule tips and customized cleaning schedules for working moms to learn additional cleaning and creating cleaning schedule tips.

What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s perfectly fine. The ultimate goal isn’t to have a home that looks like it belongs in a magazine but rather a space filled with love, comfort, and, occasionally, a little chaos. 

So, to all the hardworking moms out there, remember to give yourself some grace as you navigate through the ups and downs of life. Embrace imperfections, celebrate small victories, and know that in the grand scheme of things, a misplaced toy or a stray sock isn’t the end of the world. Here’s to finding your own rhythm, creating a cleaning routine that suits you, and enjoying the beautiful imperfections of life.

Cheers to you, the unsung heroes of every household. If you wish to read about “Seven Essential Tips for Finding Work-Life Balance” and “Best Meal Prepping Tips,” tune in for more!