Keeping on top of it all

[FelixMadrigal]

I need tips on how to keep on top of the housework. I have never been particularly domesticated but I need to improve my current system as it’s just not working anymore.

I am a very busy teacher/middle manager who is out of the house 7.30 - 5.30pm and then I work 2 hours each evening. I also have two young children, who will always help when I ask, and my husband does his fair share too (loads/empties dishwasher, puts laundry away etc). The current system is basically blitz the house every half term holiday (6-8 weeks) and it stays nice for a week or two before progressively declining during term time.

I want a house tidy/clean enough for someone to drop by unannounced; I am realistic and do not want or expect a show home!

For info; I have tried TOMM which I can’t keep up with (not sure why?) and cannot afford a cleaner.

When I was teaching full-time, we got a cleaner - still had to blitz the house every holiday, but sheets got changed, whole house vacuumed and bathroom was clean.

Would it help to declutter? Less stuff means less cleaning, and we have always had too much stuff. Some decluttering always makes a difference. We have a Eufy that keeps up with the traffic areas of floors, and I never do a load of laundry unless I know that I can get it dry, ironed and put away same day. Meal planning and filling the freezer also helped - so cook a lasagne or pie, make two and freeze one. Or buy ready made and just put salad or veg with them.

You’re busy/out the house 6am-7:30pm… Get a cleaner. Or, reduce your hours somehow.
But right now, there is no room in your day/energy to take on anymore and still remain healthy and well.

I am a teacher too (avoiding management roles like the plague!) so I know how it is. I work 8:30-3:30 with no kids though and still struggle to keep up with housework!

Thank you @Cynderella - decluttering is a good shout and is something I’ve been doing this holiday actually.
@DogsAndGin I should have avoided management too… am considering giving it up to reduce my working week by 10-15 hours I’d say.
Maybe we should get a cleaner after all.

I couldn't keep up with tomm until I had a massive declutter. If I couldn't clean a room I'm 30 mins, then I minimised our things till I could! It was very freeing and things are so much easier now day to day. Took me a while though! Maybe a cleaner too :)

Could you set a timer for 2x15 mins each evening and spend it tidying/cleaning?

Other tips:

• Clean kitchen to totally clean after dinner each evening. A quick sweep and mop could be added on.
• Batch cook/double up when you cook to save time standing at the stove.
• Put washing in every night and hang it out/put in dryer/on airer in the morning.
• Clean the shower whilst you are in it. Do the sink when you are brushing your teeth. Toilet after using it. Or clean the bathroom when you supervise children's bathtimes (if applicable).
• Take something with you when you go upstairs, and vice versa.
• Get up earlier one day a week and get some chores done (Saturday morning?).
• Do quick 5 min pick ups, encourage everyone to help.
• Employ the one in and one out rule.
• Declutter, less stuff means less cleaning.
• Ask for gifts that are consumable rather than "stuff".
• Fill the gaps in time eg. Wipe down/clean sink/whatever when the kettle is boiling.
• Don't feel you have to do everything at once. Tidy and declutter a cupboard or drawer every so often, rather than the whole kitchen all at once.
• Focus on the things that make

the most difference. In my house it's a made bed, hoovered floor, washing and ironing done and clean kitchen.

Managed some decluttering today! Wasn’t awful to start but has definitely helped.
Brilliant advice @Franticbutterfly thank you

I would say you are trying to do the impossible. Full time job, two young children and no cleaner. Its hard. The only thing apart from routines to make it easier is to declutter as much as possible. Could you afford a one off clean every few months.

I don't think there is any special trick that you are missing. It's just what's the easiest, least painful way to squeeze extra housework time into your days.

I would say maybe 10 after dinner most days, for everyone to pitch in. General tidy back and then the odd bit of vacuuming/sweeping or wipe the loo if time allows. Then at the weekend, DH and you have a longer dedicated timeslot, 30-60 mins, whatever you can manage. Flylady's Home Blessing Hour might be a good start.

However whatever's stopping you sticking to TOMM is going to continue to be an issue. Are you really sure that having a guest-ready house at all times is something you want to commit more of your precious free time to? Or is it just an unnecessary stick to beat yourself with?

@vivienemary I like the idea of a one off clean once in a while. I’ll look into it.

@MinesATriple you’re right - it’s not the best use of time, is it? As long as it’s generally clean and the kids have clutter free space to play, that’s what really matters. I think I need to adjust my expectations.

Declutter. I thought I had but the house is full to the brim at the moment.

I follow the organised mum method. Basic principles there are jobs you do every day that take 15 mins. Then a set room every day where you spend 30 mins. There's a website with free printables, a book and an app. My house has never been cleaner or tidier