Keeping a home organized and well-maintained is no small task—especially in a busy household. While everyone contributes in different ways, some family members naturally take on more responsibilities than others. In our home, I handle the majority of the deep cleaning because I know it needs to be done thoroughly. Juli helps out occasionally, but I often find myself redoing things to get them just right. The boys? Well, let’s just say their enthusiasm for housework is non-existent. But then there’s Fearne—who sees tidying up as a game, making it a fun and rewarding experience.

So, how do we keep everything in order despite these differences? Here are the routines and strategies we use to maintain a clean and organized home.

1. Daily Maintenance Over Deep Cleaning All at Once

Instead of waiting for messes to pile up, I incorporate cleaning into our daily routine. Quick wipe-downs, resetting rooms before bed, and keeping clutter at bay make deep cleaning sessions easier.

Tip: Start and end your day with a five-minute tidy-up. This prevents small messes from turning into overwhelming chores.

2. Assigning Tasks Based on Strengths and Willingness

Rather than forcing everyone to do chores they dislike, I work with their natural tendencies:

• Fearne enjoys tidying, so I give her simple tasks like organizing toys or wiping down surfaces.
• Juli prefers lighter tasks, so I encourage them to handle things like folding laundry or wiping counters.
• The boys? I still try to get them involved, even if it’s just small things like taking out the trash or putting their dishes away.

Tip: If someone dislikes a task, pair it with an enjoyable activity—like listening to music or turning it into a challenge.

3. Establishing a Cleaning Schedule

Having a weekly schedule ensures that the house stays in good condition without feeling like an endless chore. Our routine looks something like this:

• Monday: Living room
• Tuesday: Dining room
• Wednesday: Shower room
• Thursday: Bathroom
• Friday: Bedrooms
• Saturday: Yard
• Sunday: A rest day, because everyone needs one!

Tip: Stick to a simple, predictable schedule to build cleaning habits that feel automatic rather than stressful.

4. Making Cleaning More Enjoyable

Let’s be honest—housework isn’t exactly thrilling. But adding little incentives or making it feel less like a chore helps. Sometimes, we put on music, set a timer, or turn cleaning into a “race” to see who can finish first.

Tip: Reward small wins. Even a simple “thank you” or a small treat can make a big difference in motivating the family to help.

5. Setting Clear Expectations

While I know I’ll still be doing the deep cleaning, I make sure everyone understands that keeping the house in order is a shared responsibility. Even if the boys resist, I remind them that contributing to the home is just part of being in a family.

Tip: If you live with people who aren’t naturally tidy, set non-negotiable habits—like always putting dirty dishes in the sink or shoes away at the door.

Maintaining a clean and organized home with a busy household isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. While some of us do more than others, the key is finding ways to make it work for everyone. By setting routines, assigning tasks based on strengths, and adding a bit of fun into the process, we create a home that feels comfortable and cared for.

💡 Want to create a structured cleaning routine for your home?
Check out our Weekly Cleaning Planner! Customize your own cleaning schedule and have it emailed directly to you for easy reference.

How do you encourage your family to help out around the house? Share your tips in the comments!

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