Household Work Schedule

For the past year or so I've been brainstorming ways to visually represent a cleaning/work schedule for my daily tasks.  I just can't keep it all organized inside my head.  There must be limited space. :)

After not much success getting my ideas onto paper, I must credit The Humdrum Hero for giving me a visual idea to jump from.  Thank you!

And now my brainchild is born, test tube style I guess since I didn't do it on my own.  Each day has a few tasks listed.  My focus on cleaning will be these items. If I don't get time, no biggie, as HH wisely told me, it's more likely to get done next week because it's visually there and planned on.  The list below the weekday schedule is to give ideas for what needs to be done on say.. "dusting" day.  This way my kids can pick different chores, and we don't forget about something, having it visual reminds me to do it.  Not everything under "dusting" is going to get done every week, but this way it all stands a better chance of getting done more often.

I want to be clear on my disclaimer.  Lest anyone get discouraged because this looks so organized and fool proof, remember, this is a guideline.  I don't really expect that every week (or any week) that I'll get everything on this list done, (and I have yet to do the meal planning.  That's just there to try and motivate me.  I want to... I do... I just don't want to.).  It's merely a visual guideline so that as my day begins I don't ever have that blank thought of... "now what was it I needed to do today..."

Contain. Contain. Contain.

This is the secret to organization of any kind.  I've been learning tips over the last year and trying to get my home in an order that can stay in order.  I've found containers to be key in the process. If it is contained, it's more likely to stay that way.

A place for Everything and Everything in it's place. 

I'm starting small, because I don't know exactly what size I need, what will work, so before I go buy containers (also an extra expense), I'm using cut down cardboard boxes.  If you shop at a warehouse store, you have plenty of these in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Just cut down the height to make them fit in the space you need.  If you'd like, wrap them in paper for decor, or use pictures or words on the paper to identify what's in there so you don't think you have an extra box of fruit snacks in the pantry, when in reality it's light bulb storage.

Another easy idea is to make a grid out of cardboard. A good fit is crucial.  They tend to move around a bit if not exactly cut to fit. They are very good for sock drawers.  I have used the idea for my battery drawer but that was less successful.  Those need containers, they are heavy.  Here is a good website for how to do that if you're unsure:  http://www.arealhousewifeofnyc.com/upcycled-cardboard-drawer-dividers/

Before you throw away any clear plastic container with a good wide mouth, think about it's use.  Could this be a jar for extra floss? Keep curlers in it? Spare buttons? Crayons? Toddler proof the markers?  Just wash them really well.  Be careful washing them in your dishwasher, sometimes they become misshapen with the high heat, but generally I've had success.  Mayonnaise and peanut butter jars are my personal favorite. :)

Here are some of the organization ideas I've used recently that have proved functional for months now. The best part was I didn't spend a dime to do any of them.  Just used things I had around the house.

Wise use of Linen Closet Space & Younger Helpers

Ever wish your 2 year old could fold the laundry?  They can.  Just lay out the towels folded lengthwise and let them roll them up.  This way also makes getting towels out of a pile much easier without upsetting the pile.  I can use more of the tall space in my linen closet this way.