How to Schedule and Organize Your Housework
How to Schedule and Organize Your Housework
Trying to schedule and organize your housework is not easy task. Families all have their own unique dynamic and most of them are going in a million directions at one time. For this reason, it is sometimes tough to get everyone on the same page. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to still make sure the housework is taken care of….and you don’t have to go into Superman (or woman) mode. Here are some tips to help you get everyone on the same page on the housework:
Make a list of all tasks you do weekly
Any organization task begins with a list and housework is no different. Go from room to room in your home and write down every housework task that happens in there. Now add in all the things you would do if you had more time. (You will) These tasks should be your regular tasks that you do all year and at least once per week.
Make a list of all tasks you do monthly or yearly
Now go through the home and do the same thing you did before, only focus on the things you do occasionally. This might be things like change filters, clean out the attic, wash the windows and things of this nature.
Get a family bulletin board
Some people like to get cork board while others might like a dry erase board. Whatever you think will help you the most, go with it. The dry erase board is great but your schedule can get trashed by a stray shoulder or intentional change in the chore list by a snoopy teenager. Use your own judgement as to what type of board you will use. The board needs to be posted in an area where everyone will see it every day.
Fill out your board weekly with tasks for each person
One day per week, you should assign tasks off of your lists equally to all that live there. Everyone can pull their own weight and you can easily assign what is fair to the right people. Don’t forget to work in the monthly and annual tasks as needed. This list should be clear and give each person their own list. You can’t organize your housework without making sure everyone is fully informed.
Follow up/redo the board each week
This is the toughest part but it is worthwhile. Most people come up with a permanent schedule and then simply add the monthly/yearly stuff as needed. This makes updating the board a breeze. The key is to follow up on completion of the tasks on a regular basis. Eventually it will become a habit.
