I used to think if I was going to be a stay-at-home mom, then I’d better have a super clean house to show for it. So, I spent my days creating and following cleaning routines, and my little girl spent her days following me around the house.
Something I regret.
The guilt that comes with how clean your home, along with the struggle to be present in your child’s life, is all too real.
But, it doesn’t have to be. I’ve discovered a happy medium; the secret to keeping the clutter away, while still being present for my family. I want to help you do the same.
The Secret to Having a Clean House
Have a morning and evening routine. That’s it. Each routine is designed to quickly clear away the inevitable messes from living in your home, and shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes each. Let’s use mine as an example.
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A Manageable Morning Routine
- Take a few minutes for you
When you get up for the day, pull your bedding back to let your sheets air out. In the meantime, take the time to change out of your pajamas and get dressed from head to toe. You can look pulled together with very little effort, and you’ll feel more productive.
- Make the Bed
Once you’re dressed, go ahead and make your bed. I know some people say they prefer a messy bed, but I’m going to challenge that. What really happens is you get used to having a messy bed and the mess becomes background noise; visual clutter that you don’t necessarily notice on a conscious level, but that your brain takes note of every time you pass it. This small act unwittingly taps into your mental and emotional energy, draining your capacity to focus.
On the other hand, making your bed makes your bedroom feel like the restful retreat that it is meant to be. And, it’s so much more inviting to climb into a made bed at the end of a long day.
- Quick-Tidy the Bathroom – Pick up dirty laundry, put away anything left out on the counter, and wipe down the sink and mirror. (Keep it simple with a dampened microfiber cloth like this one.)
- Do 1 load of laundry
Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than hearing the swishing of the washing machine. Doing just one load a day makes doing laundry more manageable. The key is to complete it, wash, dry, fold and put away over the course of the day so clean laundry doesn’t start to pile up and take over.
And that’s your morning. The house feels clean, you look good, and you’ve got the whole day ahead of you!
Now for the evening.
An Easy Evening Routine
- Clear Surfaces from all Clutter
I prefer to do this at night before we go to bed so that I wake up to a clean slate the next day. It only takes a few minutes, especially if everyone in the family is responsible for putting away their belongings and messes. Involving everyone in your household is key to success with any routine.
- Quick-Tidy the Kitchen
After dinner, wipe down the kitchen counters, sweep the floor and empty the sink of all dishes. Depending on your kids’ ages, they can be responsible for kitchen clean up.
- Fluff the Throw Pillows and Blankets
As you walk through the living room on your way to bed, put all of the throw pillows and blankets back in place, giving the pillows a little fluff. If there are kid toys strewn about, have the children put them away before their bedtime. Now the room is fresh and ready for a new day.
This simple routine leaves my house looking pretty clean and me feeling accomplished at the end of the day. But, as I discuss in Home on Purpose: Mindful Living in a Hectic World, your definition of clean will likely change with each season of life. However you define clean, be careful not to let it define you.
Before you go, click here to your free guide to help you kick clutter to the curb.
angie says
These are great tips, Sharon. I do some of these, but not all. My biggest weakness is the kitchen. Going to work on it!
Gee says
Luv the tips Sharon. I am a stickler for a tidy home. 20 years ago I left teaching to be a stay at home mom. The baby is 20 ๐ and I am still here. Now I am a stay at home painter and after school (sometimes) grandmother to our dear Bella.
Like you I put my feet on the floor and start to move for the day… getting dressed then making the bed. Then coffee and the rest of the home. The last thing I do at night is pull things back together so in the morning we do not face chaos.
Must have calm!
Hugs, Gee
Cynthia says
Sharon, like your tips. I have been staying home since I got diagnosed 20 some year ago. I have to say the first thing I do is make the bed and take care of the pups and then make sure the kitchen and the bathroom is clean everyday. I then take it from there and clean as I go. I try and do something everyday and in the new house it will be so much better being on one floor!!
Cynthia
Susan says
Great tips, Sharon! If I don’t make the bed, get dressed and ready and put in a load of laundry first thing in the morning, my day just feels more chaotic all day long. But if I get these few things done, I feel like I’m off to a productive start.
Mrs. Hines says
I couldn’t agree more, Susan…of course it’s 2:45 p.m. and I’m still in my underwear. ๐ I blame it on ADD.
Mrs. Hines says
I like your plan to “take it from there” that’s a good way to put it. Can’t wait for you to be in your new house!! I know you’re excited.
Mrs. Hines says
LOL! We’re two peas in a pod, Gee. ….my baby is 15 and I’m still here… I actually went back to the classroom for a while there, but am home again and couldn’t be happier about that. I think not facing chaos in the morning is key to a good day.
Mrs. Hines says
The kitchen is my biggest weakness, too Angie. We left dishes in the sink last night. ๐
Sally Hanson says
Great tips!!! But it sounds just like Flylady! Get dressed to lace up shoes is one of her mottos, make the bed, do the bathroom swish and swipe, and she has weekly and daily routines for each room. Read your blog for the first time today and truly enjoyed it – even though I’m a working wife that’s 60 yrs. old, I still struggle to keep my house presentable. Will be visiting this site more often.
Angela says
Wonderful tips Sharon….most of which I do as well. Thank you, tho for saying “clean enough”! When I was younger, I prided myself on keeping a clean home but as I’ve gotten older, I’m settling for “clean enough”! ~~Ang
Mrs. Hines says
Welcome Sally! I’ve heard of Flylady but don’t read her blog. Sounds like I should.
Mrs. Hines says
You and me both!
Anonymous says
Great article Sharon & thanks so much for the shout-out!
Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust
Mrs. Hines says
I loved your post, Michelle…had to share it!
Jeanette says
Except for the laundry I doing good on these! Takes 15 minutes each day for me, of course, except for that laundry! Thank you Sharon! ~Jeanette
Mrs. Hines says
Taking some time for you is very important! I try to do that too.
Inspire Me Heather says
Great tips, thanks! I have to have my house tidy before I leave it too, I don’t like coming home after a long day to do more work.
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
Agree – and on the nights when I’m not falling asleep on the sofa – I definitely (try) to do this! And I can’t live with an unmade bed – the rest of the room can be in complete chaos but if the bed is made I feel better!
Kelly
Mrs. Hines says
me too, Kelly…a made bed covers a multitude of sins!
Mrs. Hines says
I feel the same way..it’s so much more pleasant to come home to a tidy home instead of seeing a “to-do” list when you walk in the door. But I had a much harder time keeping up when I was still teaching. I think it was more of a time management issue than anything else.
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
Great advice! I always make my bed for exactly the reasons you noted above. There’s just something about a made bed that makes it all seem straight and clean.
Mrs. Hines says
indeed!
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Great tips, Sharon! I think it takes me 20 minutes to finally get to bed after I walk around the house straightening things up and fluffing pillows. ๐
xoxo
Denyse
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
Wonderful tips, Sharon. Thanks so much for sharing them.
Mrs. Hines says
Me too..sometimes I get distracted and start decorating…and then I end up staying up all night. ๐
Mrs. Hines says
Anytime..these are my favorite kinds of tips to share.
Julie Urtel-Fiato says
Totally agree, great tips, and I do all of them! ๐
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Great ideas… I really do need to create an “everyday cleaning routine” and this is definitely manageable.
Mrs. Hines says
Maryann, this has been so manageable. I feel like it sets me up for success and I feel so productive at the end of the day.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Awesome tips!! ๐
Mrs. Hines says
They’re awesome if they work and so far so good! ๐
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Dynamite tips! I use them too… it’s amazing how spending a couple of minutes making the bed or picking up after yourself can do wonders for how the house looks!
Mrs. Hines says
Thank you, Jen. It makes all the difference, doesn’t it.
laurie says
Great tips, Sharon. Thank you for sharing these. laurie