Adopting a housekeeping schedule can provide peace of mind and a sense of purpose.
The key is finding a system that feels comfortable to you and fits into your lifestyle. A
good schedule must be flexible, able to bend and stretch to include daily unexpected
surprises such as last-minute visitors, a sick baby, and family outings. View it as a guide
-- not something that is set in stone.
Choose a Scheduling Method
There are many ways to keep track of a schedule. Here are the most popular:
Note Cards - Housekeeping tasks are written on color-coded index cards, and filed in
order of importance or in chronological order of when they need to be completed. The
colors can represent what day of the week the tasks should be done, or they can
designate certain housekeeping "zones" within a home. As a task is completed, its
corresponding card is transferred into a "Completed" section of the card box, or placed
at the back of that day's card section.
Day Planner / Calendar - Tasks are assigned to appropriate days. The homemaker can
tell at a glance what needs to be done on a given day or week. When the tasks are
finished, they can be crossed off. A day planner can be on actual paper or computerized.
There are numerous efficient, easy-to-use calendar computer programs available.
Special Lists - This is for the homemaker who dislikes writing lists. She prefers to keep
regular "To Do" lists in their head, while writing down only non-routine items such as
appointments and special events. Some ladies start with the note cards or day planner,
then after memorizing most of their formal lists, are able to continue doing those tasks
from memory. If you are new to homemaking schedules, it may be easiest for you to try
the Note Card or Day Planner methods before adopting the Special Lists one.
Schedule Your Housekeeping Responsibilities
This is a highly individual endeavor. We all have different preferences regarding when
and how we complete housekeeping responsibilities. Establish a routine that works for
you.
List all of your daily, weekly, and occasional (including monthly, if you have them)
housekeeping chores. Using your chosen method of organization (note cards, day
planner, calendar, etc.), schedule these tasks into your daily plans. If your children are
old enough to help, assign each of them several jobs. Be sure to note special occasions,
family time, and upcoming appointments on your calendar. Housekeeping duties should
be designed to fit around important aspects of life, not vice versa.
Allow time for your personal needs. Plan periods of rest -- even if they are short -- for
reading, praying, meditating, spending time with a friend, or anything that helps restore
your peace of mind. Consider this a kindness to yourself and to your loved ones. If you
are tired, grumpy, and overwhelmed, you will have less to offer than when you are
rested and rejuvenated. Remember that while on earth, Christ regularly made time for
personal rejuvenation.