Ug, its dirty AGAIN???

I've been stuck in a "no cleaning" rut.  Trying to do school with Will, cook healthy meals for the family, and clean just seems like too much some days.  So, priorities take over and the cleaning stays on the "to do" list.  Sitting there, bugging me, I hate a list that never gets done.  But, I also like flexibility for those days that I'm over ambitious and feel like I can conquer the world, and for those days I just can't seem to pry myself off the couch.  Hey, they happen to all of us. 

I was ready to conquer this beast.  I've recently been motivated by other websites that are encouraging us to "organize your entire life".  Great endeavour, but it almost seems impossible.  Luckily, she is taking it slow.  First things first, our daily schedule, and cleaning.  We have a pretty good daily schedule we can all live with, so I'm focusing on our cleaning.  Also, keeping in mind that my kids are old enough to help.  They will be able to take care of most of the "daily" clean-up tasks.  Phew, I knew there was a reason I had those little buggers around. *wink*

 Knowing I dive deep into the prospects of planning, over enthusiastic, and setting unrealistic goals; I decided to make this as flexible and realistic as possible.  I know there will be times when things just won't get cleaned as much as my list says.  That's okay, I have a plan and a decent way to keep track of things that have been done this month, and things that haven't.  If they get skipped over this time, it will be first on the list for the next week. 

I added to my existing monthly schedule.  The top portion is for the family, doctor apps, church activities, sports practice, ect.  The bottom half is one week at a time; errands, chores, dinner plan (although its been taken over by my cleaning schedule).  I have a monthly meal plan posted on my fridge, so its a bit redundant anyway. 

 I took an idea from "modern parents messy kids" and used my beloved paint chips. (LOVE paint chips)  I first made a list of everything I'd like to get done in a week and month.  (Eventually I will have quarterly and yearly tasks)  I quickly realized this would have to be an every two week endeavour; after taking 3 hours plus hours cleaning yesterday, I was not about take that much of my life everyday to cleaning.

From there I wrote each rooms tasks (one for weekly and one for monthly) on a paint chip.  With some sticky tack they will fit nicely onto my wall planner chart.  As I finish a task, it will go from my planner to the "done" portion of my cards.  I have put a start date, so I know roughly when I started my monthly tasks.  If I finish early, I get the rest of the month off.  If I take too long, well hey, I'm the only one who is counting.  Same goes with the bi-weekly lists.   

This is a list of the daily tasks we already do.  I can "see" them and dole out duties as the kids have time.  I try to take care of the kitchen duties, as that it my space. 

So, that's my plan.  We'll see how it goes.  But at least I have a plan.  Better to have a plan and not always use it, than to find a man eating dust bunny under your bed.  Happy Cleaning!