Getting it all done

Christine - posted on 03/24/2011

I don't Hit the lottery hire a maid, a cook and a house keeper.

Michelle - posted on 03/24/2011

I have days that I try to do things and I have a few things that are my "must do's" every day (dishes etc). Mostly I try to do a little every day. It's not as clean as I would like, but it's the best I can do right now with three kids 3 and under.

Heather - posted on 03/24/2011

I do a little bit every day. My house is by no means spotless but it isn't dirty. I'm a SAHM and also single.

Stifler's - posted on 03/23/2011

I clean on Monday. Change our sheets and wash the other set, change Logan's bed and wash the sheets, clean the toilet, clean the bathroom bench and mirror, clean the windows where Logan has touched them with sticky hands, blah blah blah, wipe the cupboard doors, vacuum and mop the floors (meanwhile sitting down for stories and putting Logan down for naps etc). While I'm in the shower Monday nights I scrub the shower with my Norwex mitt so it just stays clean. Tuesday I fold all the excess washing I couldn't be bothered to fold as I knock off this housekeeper crap at 7pm. The rest of the week it's just maintenance like dustbustering, wiping up spills, randomly cleaning out my wardrobe and taking things to Lifeline.

Good Day! - posted on 03/23/2011

We have a toy rule. My daughter must put away her toy or book before getting out another one. That helps tons.



I keep a flexible schedule. The house is never perfect, but attempting to stick to a schedule really helps.



First thing in the morning I do three things:

1. unload the dishwasher while my daughter finishes breakfast.

2. put breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and do a quick counter top wipe down.

3. start a load of laundry.



During afternoon nap:

1. put lunch dishes in the dishwasher.

2. put wet clothes in the dryer.

3. do one major chore a day: vacuum, dust, wash bedsheets, organize something, wash or clean out the car, scrub the kitchen floor

4. if the dryer finishes before nap time is over and after I've done my major chore, I'll start folding the laundry



During my daughter's bathtime I clean the bathroom.



After supper,

1.everyone is responsible for cleaning their area and loading their dishes in the dishwasher.

2.After bedtime, I'll clean the kitchen and start the dishwasher.

3. Put away the folded laundry



I don't always do all of this, but this is always what I strive for. The house stays fairly presentable. And when my daughter is awake, it's HER time for the most part. =)

Kate - posted on 03/23/2011

clean? I always say my house is clean. Underneath all of the stuff laying on it!

Jacqueline - posted on 09/17/2009

I think that this is a huge stereotype. Being a SAHM your time is spent teaching your children. My house NEVER stays 100% clean. But it's not horrible either. Right now since my son is in school and my daughter takes a nap I clean then.

Jennifer - posted on 09/17/2009

I clean my house in the morning while my four yr old is watching educational shows on tv. Then I just make sure everything is picked up before dinner. That gives me time with him the biggest part of the day.

Sherah - posted on 11/20/2008

Thanks! Those were all encouraging and some good ideas. I am not a clean freak, I just like to know that my house is clean... not necessarily picked up.

Wendy - posted on 11/20/2008

Clean and picked up are 2 different things. I have 4 kids. 3 boys ages 8, 5 and 2 and a little girl who is 8 months. The house is always clean but it may look like a tornado blew thru. There is usually toys everywhere. At the end of the day I make the boys put their things back in the toyroom. I pick up my daughters things. The boys are responsible for keeping their rooms picked up (once a week) and the toy room. I clean on Mondays. Of course the boys bathroom has to wiped down daily. It only takes me an hour to clean up the kitchen, laundry and run the vacuum daily. On Monday I wash floors and dust. On Mondays maybe 2 to 21/2 hours. My kids are used to the routine so they don't get in the way. Sometimes they want to help and believe me I'll take it.



Don't stress if the place looks like a disaster, most people with kids live like that unless the kids aren't allowed to be kids. :)

Shauna - posted on 11/19/2008

I play with my kids all day and then do all my chores for a couple hours once they are in bed! Don't do this, it is a very bad idea : ) I am now trying to get my kids used to having me spend some time cleaning while they are awake. We try to make it fun, they are young enough that they think it is cool to "help" mom. So I give them miniature brooms and damp sponges so they can clean too. And did I mention that even after cleaning up for an hour or two every night after bedtime, my house is still quite messy. I think clean houses and kids don't really mix.

Jean - posted on 11/19/2008

I dont...my house will NEVER be 100% clean/organized...maybe if I hired a permanent housekeeper. My mom told me you can either have your house spotless and not let your children be kids or have a kid friendly house...one where the kids realize it is their home too and not a museum where nothing can be touched...now, does this mean I let clutter take over my home? No, but I dont stress if every toy hasnt been picked up or every load of laundry hasnt been done.