The only checklist you need to keep your home clean

Homeowners know the importance of keeping their house clean. A specialized housecleaning and organization routine can help turn daunting chores into a manageable and even enjoyable task.

• Demands of work, parenthood, social responsibilities and unforeseen events can drastically reduce the amount of time available for housework, leaving your home in unintentional disarray.
• By following the tips below, however, you can cut down on the time required for daily upkeep and make your home a place of peace and organization.

Creating a checklist of the essential chores needed to maintain order in each room can help you address the important tasks and prevent you from getting sidetracked. The list required for a kitchen will be different from that needed for a bedroom, so invest some initial time creating customized lists for every room.

Then, post these lists at specific locations throughout the house so the required chores so family members and roommates can be clearly see it. Examples of general housecleaning chores that should be maintained on a daily or every-other-day basis include:

• Dusting
• Sweeping
• Mopping
• Vacuuming
• Sanitizing counters/sinks/bathroom surfaces
• Washing dishes
• Making beds
• Picking up toys/trash/clothing

A second list of chores may also be created for responsibilities that should be completed at least once a week. These can include:

• Cleaning windows
• Dusting blinds
• Cleaning bathroom mirrors
• Dusting electronics

Some tasks don't need to be completed daily but are required on a regular basis in order to keep your home running smoothly.

These types of chores are best organized on a weekly schedule. Select certain days of the week for certain duties to help you stay on top of continuous responsibilities such as:

• Laundry
• Emptying trash
• Putting away clothes
• Cleaning out the refrigerator
• Organizing pantries/cupboards
• Grocery shopping
• Cleaning bathtubs/toilets

Making Tuesday and Thursday the designated laundry days, for example, will prevent that dirty apparel from piling up in the hamper for weeks. Cleaning out the fridge every Wednesday will prevent the accumulation of smelly and expired food. And grocery shopping every Monday ensures you have plenty of food for breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Incorporate these housecleaning and organization tips to help you keep your home ordered, clean and peaceful no matter what other responsibilities come your way.