Do you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life, struggling to maintain a clean and organized home? Imagine a world where your space is always tidy, your mind is clear, and your productivity soars. By implementing a simple cleaning calendar, you can achieve all this and more. In this post, we will explore the surprising benefits of following a cleaning calendar, including increased productivity, improved mental health, and practical tips for creating a schedule that works for you. Say goodbye to clutter and chaos, and hello to a happier, more organized life.
Increased Productivity with a Cleaning Calendar
With a cleaning calendar in place to keep your home in order, you’ll not only enjoy increased productivity from a tidier space but also experience the mental health benefits that come with a clutter-free environment. I don’t know about you, but I’m a procrastinator. Especially when it comes to cleaning and organizing. I let things pile up all week and before I know it, it’s Saturday and I want to spend time with my family but the house looks like a war zone. It often takes 7 or 8 hours to get everything done. Not a fun way to spend a Saturday! But, doing a little every night means you have less to do on the weekends so you can spend time with your family or tackle bigger projects.
Mental Health Benefits of a Tidy Home
Not only does a tidy home create a more productive environment, but it also positively impacts your mental health. Studies have shown that a clutter-free space can reduce stress and anxiety levels, leading to a greater sense of calm and overall well-being. When your home is organized and clean, you’re able to focus better on tasks at hand and feel more at ease in your surroundings. This mental clarity can translate into increased motivation and a more positive outlook on life. As you follow a cleaning calendar to maintain order in your home, you’ll not only enjoy the practical benefits of a tidy space but also experience a greater sense of peace and relaxation.
Part of this mental clarity involves how and when you spend time with God. When your house is messy you’re distracted. When you try to read your Bible, do Bible study, or pray, your mind wanders to the things around you that need to be done. When the house is clean you can concentrate better and feel more peaceful, ready to fully spend time with God.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 ESV.
While this verse is speaking about spiritually cleaning ourselves by confessing our sins to God, it reminds us of the importance of cleanliness in all areas of our lives.
Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you involves finding a routine that fits your lifestyle and priorities.
Creating a Cleaning Schedule That Works for You
Finding a cleaning schedule that aligns with your unique schedule and preferences is key to maintaining a tidy and organized home. Consider factors such as your daily routine, work commitments, and personal preferences when creating a cleaning calendar. By customizing your schedule to suit your lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to stick to it and enjoy the benefits of a clean and clutter-free living space. As you find a routine that works for you, implementing a few tips for sticking to your cleaning calendar can help you stay on track and make cleaning a natural part of your routine.
Here is a free printable cleaning calendar as well as a blank template so you can create something that works for you. This is pretty enough to hang on the fridge or bulletin board to help you stay on track. You can laminate it and use a dry erase marker to check off or add items as needed. I left Wednesdays light because I know there are still a few churches that meet on Wednesday nights. Or if you have a church small group that meets on a different night of the week you can switch that night with Wednesday. I also left Friday nights light because let’s face it, we’re all exhausted by the time Friday gets here! You’ll notice that I scheduled family time, date night, and rest time as well. If we’re honest, those things won’t happen if we don’t schedule and plan them! The project time is set aside for larger tasks like repairing the deck, painting a room, or cleaning out a closet.
Tips for Sticking to Your Cleaning Calendar
To make sticking to your cleaning calendar easier, start by breaking down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of chores, assign specific tasks to each day or time slot on your calendar. This way, you can focus on one task at a time and prevent feeling bogged down by a mountain of cleaning to-dos.
Another tip for staying on track with your cleaning schedule is to set specific goals and deadlines for each task. Having a clear objective in mind can motivate you to complete your tasks in a timely manner and prevent procrastination. Whether it’s decluttering your closet by the end of the week or deep cleaning the kitchen by the end of the month, having tangible goals can keep you accountable and motivated.
In addition, consider incorporating rewards into your cleaning routine to make it more enjoyable. Treat yourself to a small indulgence after completing a particularly challenging task, such as enjoying a piece of chocolate or watching an episode of your favorite show. By associating cleaning with positive rewards, you can create a positive reinforcement loop that makes sticking to your cleaning calendar feel more like a treat than a chore.
Remember though, to give yourself some grace. Things come up; somebody drops by unexpectedly, your kids need more help with homework than usual, you don’t feel good, you need to go check on a friend. If you miss a day, that’s okay, make it up later. Live life, be in the moment with your family and friends. Then get back on your schedule.
Helpful Tools
Here are a few of my favorite cleaning supplies to help make the job a little easier:
- Magic Eraser – These are great for cleaning cabinets, walls, countertops, stovetops, and if you have a dry erase board a dry Magic Eraser is the best way to erase the ink!
- Natural Cleaners – For natural cleaners I like DoTerra On Guard or Young Living Thieves concentrated cleaner. You mix it to your desired concentration in a spray bottle. Both of these have a cinnamon scent. I also like Mrs. Myers Multi Surface Cleaner. It comes in several different scents you can choose from.
- Dusters – For a quick dust or to grab spider webs from corners Swiffer Dusters work well. For a deeper clean to clean away allergens and keep dust away longer, use Pledge dusting spray. The lemon scent is very reminiscent of childhood for me!
- Organization – Some easy ways to keep clutter under control is with drawer organizers or canisters. These canisters can be used in the pantry and will take up less space than commercial packaging since they are all the same size or sizes that work together. They can also be used to store craft supplies or in the garage.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can make sticking to your cleaning calendar a breeze and reap the many benefits of a clean and organized living space. So, keep these strategies in mind as you work towards maintaining a tidy home that reflects your personal style and preferences.
I would love to hear your questions and comments so please leave them below. Please share this post with your friends! Until next time…I’m praying for you, please pray for me!