Getting Motivated to Clean

Cleaning can be very overwhelming. I found that making a list of what needs to be done can make the job seem less overwhelming. I make a note of what cleaners or supplies I'll need and pair up the tasks.
Example:

kitchen    -dishes, mop, wipe down counters and refrigerator, finger prints off kitchen cabinets and                       appliances
bathroom    -mop, wipe down counters and cabinets, tub and toilet disinfected, mirrors
family room    -vacuum, dust, mirrors, fold blankets, water plants
dining room   -vacuum, dust, wipe down table and chairs, put away homeschooling supplies
hall    -towels put away, laundry put away, dust, vacuum, wipe down banister
mudroom     -mop, dust, sweep, put clutter away, toss out old mail
basement     -laundry, pick up toys, vacuum, dust, wipe down kitchen area, clean out refrigerator
bedrooms    -dust, mirrors, changes sheets and pillowcases, vacuum, wipe down dressers
windows     -clean all windows and vacuum sills


The list looks overwhelming. Once I dust and vacuum, the rooms will instantly show what progress I've made. I do have four children to help with tasks. I find that helping them dust and clean will show them my standards of upkeep and they'll work from there on their own eventually.

We do have daily chores, like vacuuming, laundry, and taking out the trash. Each kids has a "job" whether its dishes or to make sure the bathroom is tidy and wiped down. Because we home school, we are home all day and if someone is slacking with their "job" a simple reminder is all that is needed to get back on track.


I've found that assigning specific task on days of the week to be helpful. The kids know Thursday is laundry day. We fold the laundry and out it away as a team every Thursday afternoon. If things won't fit in your drawers Thursday is the day to bring the clothes that are too small or out of season to me.

Are there other ideas you'd like to share? Comment below.