PLAN AHEAD
Decide what you want to accomplish that day and stick to it. If you need to conquer the kitchen, don’t get tempted to organize bedroom closets. Put that aside for another day. If it helps, make a checklist of what you absolutely must take care of. It will keep you on track and save valuable time.
TIME LIMIT
Set a specific amount of time for each task. This helps keep you on schedule and stops you from getting hung up on a smaller task. Use a stopwatch app on your phone or set your kitchen timer to ensure you keep to the time’s that you set.
KEEP SUPPLIES TOGETHER
Have cleaning supplies organized in each room. Kitchen cleansers in the kitchen, etc. For neutral rooms with no closet space, use a central area in the home. This cuts down on time because you don’t have to search for things or travel to the other side of your home for something. Be sure to keep rags, sponges, cleansers, etc. well-stocked.
TOP TO BOTTOM
You will make less mess for yourself if you clean from top to bottom. All of the dust and dirt that you clean from the ceiling and high shelves falls down to the next level of surfaces or even the floor. By not cleaning the top first, you risk having to re-clean lower surfaces.
SKIP IT
If it isn’t dirty, don’t clean it. Some items don’t need to be meticulously maintained daily. They can be cleaned weekly or bi-weekly. No need to worry about them until you need to.
MOP BY HAND
A small bucket with soapy water and a rag are all you need to clean floors you would usually mop. This actually saves you time because you can get the baseboards and hard-to-reach crevices as well.
BE VIGILANT
By noticing what is around you – lamps, cords, tables, etc. – you are less likely to trip or knock something over. We tend to let our minds wander doing monotonous tasks like vacuuming but paying attention to what is going on around you while you clean can save you a bumped shin or scratched knee.
