Juggling a full-time job, hobbies, and some well-deserved downtime is challenging enough, even more so when trying to maintain a spotless home. However, you can try a couple of nifty tricks to make this whole thing a lot more manageable.
Here, we'll explore six practical tips that will help you strike the balance you've been looking for between keeping your house clean and working full-time. Let's jump right in!
Tip #1. Set a more manageable cleaning routine
Many homeowners think that to keep a house spotless, they must spend many hours on cleaning tasks. However, that's not entirely true, as you can weave little tasks into your daily routine while avoiding that overwhelming mountain of cleaning.
Include chores you can do quickly, like a post-cooking kitchen wipe-down or a swift dusting of window sills—assign different chores to different days. Consistency is key here because these small efforts, added up over time, can work wonders in keeping your space in tip-top shape.
Tip #2. Multitask while doing other chores
If you multitask at work, you can multitask at home, too! For example, while your morning coffee brews, seize those precious minutes to give your kitchen counters a quick wipe-down. Or, when you're on a call, pop in your hands-free and declutter small spaces in your home.
These little tasks squeezed into your pockets of downtime can work wonders in cutting down your future cleaning hours. The secret sauce? Seamlessly integrating chores into your daily routines!
Tip #3. Keep your cleaning supplies handy
It may not look like much, but every minute you spend cleaning counts when you have a busy schedule. Help yourself by having an organized cleaning stash!
Keeping your cleaning supplies neatly organized and in their corresponding place (toilet cleaner under the bathroom sink, for example) will save you precious minutes that you can spend finishing other tasks.
Also, keep watch of your cleaning supplies to plan a visit to the store before they run out. That way, you won't have to lose time with an unexpected trip in the middle of your cleaning.
Tip #4. Save the weekends for larger tasks
For lots of folks with packed working days, getting into the weekend is a golden opportunity to dive into those deep cleaning missions that are too big for hectic weekdays.
One of the smartest things you can do is to create a cleaning checklist beforehand. This little tool can be your weekend cleaning sidekick, mapping out all the spots and tasks you aim to clean without skipping a single one.
Weekends will let you tackle bigger chores without a rush. Remember that it's not just about saving time; it's about staying on point and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Tip #5. Make technology your ally in cleaning
Now more than ever, keeping a clean home in this fast-paced world is a real challenge, especially when your schedule is packed. The good news is that we're living in a digital age where technology can be your trusty sidekick in the quest for a spotless home!
Take advantage of that tiny piece of tech called a smartphone you carry everywhere. Explore cleaning apps that offer schedules, checklists, and handy reminders to help you keep your home in tip-top shape. With them, you'll never forget a cleaning task again.
Speaking of tech, don't forget about the innovative cleaning tools available. If you're short on time but still want a sparkling home, consider investing in time-saving gadgets like robotic vacuums or electric dusters. These modern marvels can make your cleaning routine a breeze.
Tip #6. Get rid of stuff you don't need
The more stuff in your house, the easier mess and clutter can form in your space. So, keeping only what you really need becomes a must when you don't have much time to tidy up your home.
Of course, getting rid of things you own is not always easy, but there are a couple of ways to approach this situation smoothly. On the other hand, if you're not ready to toss anything away, you can assign boxes to store them so they don't clutter your home.
Tip #7. Delegate chores and responsibilities
If you share your home with others, lightening the chore load is possible when everyone in the household chips in. To ensure fairness, kick things off by having an open chat with your family or housemates about cleaning responsibilities each one will take care of.
Assign tasks based on what each person is good at. Kids can help by dusting furniture or tidying up their playthings and clothes. Meanwhile, grown-ups can tackle the heavy-duty stuff, like giving the kitchen a good scrub or cleaning the toilet.
Consider keeping a shared calendar or well-structured checklist to keep things going. That way, everyone knows what's up and who's responsible for what.
Pro tip: If you live alone, whenever you have some free time, why not invite your pals for a cleaning fiesta? Afterward, you can all kick back and enjoy a little gathering!
Tip #8. Prioritize self-care and work-life balance
Keeping your place spick and span is important, but don't forget to put your physical and mental health first.
Regarding cleaning, keep it real with yourself. Not every nook and cranny has to be immaculate 24/7. It's totally fine to have a bit of a mess every now and then and to tidy up without pushing yourself to the limit.
Ultimately, what really counts is creating an environment that feeds your overall happiness while still having the will and motivation to keep your space in order.
How much time should you spend cleaning?
According to a survey by the American Cleaning Institute, Americans spend an average of six hours per week on cleaning duties. However, the amount of time you should spend doesn't have to be the same.
First of all, a full-time job can make it harder to fulfill a weekly six-hour goal. Then, as every house is different, they can have different cleaning needs, affecting how much effort you must put into the chores. Finally, if you follow the previous tips, the time might be greatly reduced!
In the end, you don't have to fill a fixed quota to clean your home, just the necessary time to cover your particular cleaning needs.
Why not let the experts handle the dirty work instead?
Trying to tackle your home's cleaning needs while working full-time can wear you down. Don't risk it, and let Rain City Maids help you! Our top-notch cleaning services guarantee that every corner of your place stays spotless so you can finally enjoy that well-deserved free time.
