What are some of your best tips for housekeeping on a daily basis?

Hi Karen,

If you have health issues I would do a little each day, say dust, mop, vacuum, then take a long break to catch your breath & drink some water. The following day I would do laundry & dishwasher, if that is to much for you break it up. Your health is important, so don't try and get it done in one day, you feel tired STOP! When you feel a burst of some energy, and you feel up to it start again. It may take you longer, but it will be worth it when you are done. Sit back and enjoy what you have accomplished, & give yourself a huge pat on the back. Then the following week, dust, the next day mop & or vacuum. This all depends on how you feel.

I hope this helps you, this is what I do & it works for me.

Kathy

Kitchen and bathroom are priorities. I think in terms of rooms rather than activities as Kathy suggested. However with her suggestions, you are only dragging out the vacuum once a week instead of daily. Also consider home health services. Talk to your doctor's office about what's available. Take care of yourself!

Besides your bed ..the first place someone see when they enter your home...first point of interest..example company see my mud room and kitchen...so I try to keep those cleaned up..then my bathrooms...

Im new to this game but what really help is to write sown your plan of action. Jus makes doing the task easier i feel.

Creating a schedule is a good idea. Break down tasks over a period of a week and they won't seem so intimidating. As has already been suggested, take breaks between chores and don't get overwhelmed. If it gets done it gets done. Priorities are what's important to you. If you hate to see dishes in the sink, make it a priority to wash them at a time where your level energy level is high. If you like to have your bed made as you apparently do, then that is a priority for you. Don't be too hard on yourself. You can also create a reward system for yourself. For example, you can tell yourself after I clean the bathroom I'll sit down and watch a movie.

I too have limited energy, ICI's, etc. Usually the biggest thing in each room,like the bed, will set the tone for the room. Straighten up the couch, make the bed,clean off counters are usually the biggies. Make a priority list, even in your head of Must Do, Should Do and Would Like to Do. Think of having your energy in a budget, sometimes it better to save energy for a friend's visit than tire yourself out cleaning up for them before. I've also adopted the "Never Apologize" for your place when someone steps in the door. It only draws attention to what you're hoping they won't notice.

House cleaning is like eating an elephant... YOU or anyone can do it.. just take it one bite at a time.

Concentrate on one room at a time...

Living room or Dining Room or Den, Swiffer dust on one day... vacuum the next day... save the major furniture polishing for when guests are coming or once per month and do one room a day.

Guest rooms don't get used that often so a quick dusting and vacuuming every other week or so should be enough especially if you keep the door closed when they are not in use (I keep the doors to these rooms shut, because I don't want the dog and cats sleeping on the bed... and it is amazing how much cleaner they stay than the rest of the house) Keep just an over-sized sheet on the bed to keep the dust off and all the rest of the pillows and blankets tucked away in a chest or closet, that way they are fresh when guests come to stay.

Master bathrooms need cleaning more often than guest baths.. but that can be done as you use them..all you have to do is retrain yourself and your spouse to swish out the sink and shower ( with a daily shower spray/cleaner,etc.) to avoid a major, major cleaning all at once.... A Clorox type spray cleaner or wipes can freshen up the toilet in a flash when needed (the retraining thing again)

Guest baths, if not used every day, will only need a quick touch up, especially if the door is kept closed. Use Clorox or Lysol wipes (keep under cabinet) when guest are expected.. a hand towel is all you need out for casual guests... the rest can stay stored 'til needed.

The Kitchen will require more work daily...but can be tackled one counter per day at a time...a quick sweep with a Swiffer or Floor sweeper will keep crumbs and stuff (as Swiffer sweeper with a microfiber towel attached can be kept handy for a quick mop up of spilled stuff and it is light weight and goes every where... throw the cloth in the washer when you do laundry)... mop every other week or more often if needed.. the Swiffer again.

Find and use tools that make it easier for YOU to do the job...

Swiffer dusters to reach high shelves, use a dusting spray if you need it

Swiffer sweepers... reach under and behind stuff.. change the dusting cloths for microfiber towels or wash cloths (they will fit in the little grabber spots.. and will hold quite well... they will rinse out and go in the washer.)

Think about getting a cordless vacuum or changing the big upright for a canister (I got a Dyson Canister Ball (floor sample) on Ebay and I love it) They are much lighter and easier to move around and less tiring to use.

Clorox or Lysol, Windex wipes, kitchen, bathroom , bedroom, anywhere you need a quick clean up and less "stuff" to carry around with you.

REMEMBER to take time for a break every 20 min to an hour... set a timer if you have to... SIT DOWN if you feel tired.... cup of tea or coffee, glass of water or lemonade... and DON'T feel guilty about stopping for your favorite soap opera, game or talk show or news program.

Remember the Elephant !