With the new year quickly approaching, most people have New Year’s resolutions on the brain. I’ve never been a big “resolution” gal (or so I thought), but I am definitely a “to-do list” gal! When trying to figure out what to write about I thought it would be a great time to think about everything I want to get done in 2020?
My 2020 To-Do List:
- Remodel the basement
- Carpet the bedrooms
- Finish the bathroom remodel (that was started a year ago – insert heavy sigh & eye roll)
- Convince Grant to get bees & chickens
- Get Bees
- Get Chickens
- Read more
- Install raised bed gardens in backyard
- Schedule a “phone-free” day each week
- Increase exercise & start morning yoga
- Positive affirmations in the morning
- Spend time each week playing games with the kids
- Remodel the pantry
- Hire a cleaning service
New Year’s resolutions and “to-do” lists have always been one in the same for me, but it turns out that a New Year’s Resolution is choosing to adopt a good habit or quit a bad habit, at least according to Cambridge Dictionary. I guess it turns out I am a New Year’s resolution/To-Do List combo kind of gal.
So, what is the likelihood that I will accomplish everything on this list? Being the extremely optimistic person that I am, I think I can tackle it all this year. The only tasks that are questionable are the things that have yet to get the husbands stamp of approval: the bees, the chickens and the cleaning service.
I’m not quite sure which of the three I want to focus on the most. Beekeeping probably has the best chance of success – relatively low upkeep, relatively low startup cost. So, if I want to focus on something that will be a guaranteed “win” I should start with beekeeping. The thing is…I DREAM of having a spotless house. Not much makes me happier than a clean house.
Okay, I Really Want a Clean House!
I would love to be as organized as any of the Kardashian/Jenner’s. Say what you want about them (actually don’t, because I love them), but they are nothing if not neat, tidy, and organized. They obviously have hired help, but I would do just about anything to have someone keep my house clean 24/7. If you say you wouldn’t, you are lying. LYING!! Have you seen Khloe’s pantry? Who wouldn’t want this?
I try so hard to keep a clean house, but it seems like by the time I get all the toys picked up, all the clothes put away, and the dishes done, there isn’t any time left to actually clean things. I know someday I will be crying over my carpet lines like that woman who wrote this viral post a few years ago, but right now I really want a clean house.
Now, Grant and I both work full time, which allows us to live a comfortable life. Unfortunately, it isn’t quite comfortable enough for us to hire someone clean our house for. Talk about a first world problem! With all that being said, I have stumbled upon a few cleaning hacks that have allowed me to keep my sanity.
Cleaning Hacks for Working Moms
Take advantage of bath time. My kids enjoy having me in the bathroom with them while they take a bath. I have learned to make great use of bath time. While the kids are in the bath tub having a cooking party or a dinosaur party, I clean the bathroom. I wipe down the sink, clean the mirror, etc. It isn’t a deep clean, of course, but it gives the bathroom a fresh appearance all while chit-chatting with the host of whatever bath time party is going on. Another cleaning hack is to bring a basket of fresh laundry into the bathroom during bath time. I sit and fold clothes while the kids take a bath.
Be smart with your time. Any true cleaning hack requires efficiency. You must use the tools you have available the smartest way possible. The best way to do this is to let the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher run while you are doing other things.
For example, I always put a new load of clothes in the washing machine before I leave for work. Sure, it is sitting in the washing machine wet for several hours while I am at work, but it’s fine (It really is). When I get home I move the morning load to the dryer and stick a new load in the washer. Before bedtime, I fold the load from the dryer and move the 2nd load from the washing machine into the dryer. This load runs while we are sleeping. If I plan it right, the second load is blankets and/or towels, so I don’t have to worry about wrinkles in the morning. However, it doesn’t always work out this way. It’s nothing that a damp cloth and a few minutes turned on to “fluff” can’t fix in the morning.
Never leave a room empty handed: Always, always, always make sure there isn’t something that needs to leave the room with you. Is there a toy you can drop off on your way to the bathroom? Are there shoes that need to be taken to the bedroom? You get the idea.
Robot vacuum: If you have pets a robot vacuum is a MUST HAVE. I don’t know if telling you to buy something is considered a cleaning hack, but I’m going with it. We have a Shark Robot Vacuum and we love it. We named ours Sharkie. Sharkie cleans almost every single day. In order for the robot vacuum to run without getting hung up, the floors have to be free of clothes, toys, etc. It forces us to have our floors picked up. For now, my robot vacuum is my cleaning service.
Ask for help: Now this cleaning hack isn’t what you think…in my house, if I ask for help cleaning then everyone stays away from me, which is exactly what I want if I am on a cleaning mission.
What are your favorite cleaning hacks?
If I have said it once, I’ve said it a million times – I really really really enjoy a clean house. I’d love to know if you have given any of my cleaning hacks a try. I would also love to know if you have any cleaning hacks that I haven’t listed. I am always looking for ways to make my life easier (and my house cleaner!).
Until next time,
Julie
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I love your list of cleaning hacks! I’ve tried the idea of never leaving a room empty handed before + it worked wonders when I was keeping up with it. It truly helps you avoid the mass decluttering before you can actually work on cleaning your house. I hope you’re able to achieve your clean house this year, but remember that it’s okay to not have it all together all the time!
It is amazing how just doing a little makes a big difference in the end! Thank you! Yes, I will remember that – and try to re-remember that everytime my house gets crazy! I hope you have a great year! Thanks for stopping by!
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