I’ve been feeling quite overwhelmed recently, trying to juggle everything and feeling like nothing is every properly done and finished.
One of my biggest annoyances is feeling like my house is never clean and tidy.
I can spend hours working on it and either have it all undone in the space of an hour by my family, or feel like there’s still so much more to do before it actually feels ‘done’.
Part of our problem is that we have too much stuff and not enough space to put it all away tidily. The other issue is that time is taken up getting the standard daily cleaning jobs done and so there is no time left to make a dent in the bigger jobs that would make a difference to how the house feels.
So I’ve put together a list of jobs that go beyond the daily make-the-bed, load-the-dishwasher type thing, that will hopefully have an impact on how clean and organised the house feels but that are still quick enough to be able to get a few done in the space of a weekend. Without it taking over the whole weekend, because honestly I would rather spend time with my family than spend a whole weekend cleaning my house!
So here are some things that should be do-able in a pretty short amount of time, that hopefully will make me feel a bit better about our house come Monday.
Clear the stairs.
I know I’m not the only one who puts things on the stairs, ready to be taken up when I next head that way. The thing is, these piles end up being left on the stairs, quietly ignored as I dash past them on my way up.
This is one area that does bother me though, as you can see our stairs as soon as you walk in the front door.
So, one quick mission to start me off this weekend is to pick up all the things congregating on the stairs and take them up and to their respective homes. Simple!
Empty out the fridge.
Clear a space on the worksurface, and pull out every last thing from inside the fridge. Give the shelves a quick wipe down.
Then quickly sort through things as you put them back, chucking out anything that’s past its expiration date or that you just know you won’t actually eat.
Another quick job to make menu planning for next week a little easier.
Clean the screens.
We’re a household with quite a few electronic devices. And I dread to think what germs are lurking all over them. So I’ll be grabbing some screen cleaner and wiping down the tablets, my phone, the tv screen and the monitors. Then I’ll be able to relax and watch tv next week without being distracted by the smudge marks on the screen!
Sort the bathroom cabinet.
This is along the same lines as clearing out the fridge. Pull every last thing out of the bathroom cabinet, and then give the whole thing a quick wipe down. As you’re putting things back be as ruthless as you can, and get rid of any almost empty bottles of product, and that expensive face cream that you bought but that made your skin break out. If you won’t use it, chuck it. Also make sure to put aside any expired medication, or any that you know you won’t use, so that you can take it to the chemist to be disposed of properly.
Lighten things up.
If you’re feeling energetic then give your windows a quick wash to let more natural light in. While you’re at it, clean and shine all the mirrors in the house, which will help reflect even more light around the place.
Pick one drawer to declutter.
The problem with decluttering is that it can feel completely overwhelming to look around the whole house and see how much needs to be done. So this weekend pick just one thing to declutter. It could be your underwear drawer, your kitchen junk drawer (everyone has one!) or any other random drawer in your house. Then go through every item in there and either bin it, donate it or put it away in it’s proper place.
Clear the surfaces
This is another big one for me. Some days I look around the living room and there is not a single spot to down a cup of coffee, and no space at all on the sofa to sit down and drink it.
It might take a little longer than some of the other jobs on this list, but working my way round the room and clearing all the surfaces would make a huge impact in my house.
Even if things are just piled together, to be sorted through another day it would be better than the way things are at the moment.
Ideally though, toys will be put away in the cupboard or the children’s bedroom. Cups and plates and the like will be taken away to be washed up. Paperwork will be sorted and put away in an organised fashion.
And the surfaces can then be cleaned and dusted.
Get some air in.
One of my favourite things to do to make the house feel nicer is just to open up all the windows and let some fresh air in. And this is a lovely simple job to finish up with, as it takes no time at all!
Do you tend to crack on with house cleaning at the weekends, or do you get it done in the week so you can relax? I’d love to know if anyone follows a set routine that helps them keep on top of everything!
I empathise so much on this one. We recently moved to France so got rid of so much stuff and rest in storage and living with less is making housework so much easier plus I put the family on notice that I wanted them to contribute more and that is working so far. Fresh air beats all those chemical air freshenrs too ~TheListLinky
I think living with less is maybe the way forwards, but we’re so attached to our ‘stuff’ I’m not sure we’ll ever manage it! I’ve had my windows wide open again today letting all the fresh air in, I love it! x
Great tips. I’m in desperate need of a good decluttering session and my bathroom cabinet is one of the things I hate the most in my house!
#TheListLinky
This is quite a long list. I think it would take me hours to do everything on it. Clearing surfaces is an important one. Every home needs a junk cupboard. Pen x #KCACOLS
Great ideas as I get really frustrated at the moment due to my lack of time to clean the house properly! These ideas would definitely help me to feel a bit happier with how the house looks! They would also save me time to concentrate on things that really need doing! 🙂
#KCACOLS
Great list. I tend to do the house every morning and big clean/tidy on a Monday and Thursday. I’m not sure why those days! I do most Sundays too! Housework is NEVER done 🙁 #KCACOLS
That’s what gets me about it, it really is never ‘done’ is it! x
The stairs are definitely my biggest gripe, like you, its the first thing you see when you walk in our house and I can never seem to keep them clear! I always feel happier when all the stuffs been moved to its rightful place! Great tips Melly!
Thank you Joey! Annoyingly, there is stuff piled up again on my stairs today! x
When you are sorted, please would you come and do my house? I have obviously set you a bad example!
Great tips. I need to start thinking about sorting out the house one small step at a time. Much more manageable that way. #KCACOLS
Our house is stuffed to the gunnels too – we really need a good clear out! #KCACOLS
These are great tips. I’ve just been reading about decluttering earlier, I can’t wait to get started this summer!
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time x
Great ideas, I have the same problem with the stairs 🙂 Thanks! #KCACOLS
It’s a constant battle in my house, trying to keep the stairs clear! x