I want to start out by clarifying that there are different definitions and variations of “clean.” I learned very quickly during our first year of marriage that my husband and I had different ideas of what clean meant. This led to arguments when it was time to split up chores because one felt the other wasn’t doing their part when, in reality, we just had different perspectives.
I can’t stand clutter. I can’t think or focus when everything is laying out in the open, especially in my kitchen and office. So, I spend a lot of time decluttering work spaces and rooms that my family spends the majority of our time.
“Clean” may also mean organized or maybe free of crumbs, toys, and other paraphernalia (a rarity in our house).
Then, in my house, we have different variations of clean. Everyday clean, company is coming clean, mommy-is-stress-cleaning-clean, and then there is Monica-clean (I love FRIENDS references so I hope you do too).
So, how do I keep a clean house with four kids under 6?
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- Robo Vacuum.
I LOVE this thing! It was a gift from my Dad several Christmases ago and it has been a life saver. Each day I let it run while I go pick the kids up from school and run errands, and I come back to a clean, crumb-free floor. The lack of crumbs doesn’t last long but it does help this mama breathe easier for a few minutes. I have the NEATO (#ad) brand, which has a straight side so it isn’t completely round. This means it does great cleaning corners that some of the other brands of vacuums can’t get into because of their shape.
- Chores.
My kids, ages 6, 6, 4, and 2 have chores. Now, the 2 year old can sometimes be more of a hindrance than help during cleanup but we are working on it. We do age appropriate tasks for them all like folding towels, sorting laundry, picking up toys, and unloading the dishwasher. Outdoors our kids help in the garden and pick up sticks out of the yard before we mow. Homework, reading, and studying sight words are also considered “chores” and they know these things are expected of them. These chore charts (#ad) are awesome and help organize chores and work towards a reward.
- Meal Prep
This is a simple way to decrease the amount of cleaning during the week. The more I cook, the more I clean, so the less I cook the less time I have to spend cleaning the kitchen each day. So, pick 1-2 days per week to plan, prep, and cook your meals. Saves time, saves cleaning, and saves money—huge bonus! Here is a link to the document I use to do my Weekly Meal Planning(#ad)!
- Have a routine
Having a routine or cleaning schedule helps me tremendously to keep a clean-ish house. I use a planner and make a to-do list and check sheet to help me stay organized and not get behind. Of course, unexpected things (like illness) occur that throw me off my routine, but that’s just part of it. As soon as you are able, wash those sheets, fold that laundry, take out the trash…baby steps. I’ve used The Happy Planner(#ad) several times and loved it!
- My husband helps me
I know not everyone has the luxury of a partner to help with housework and I recognize that I am very blessed to have a one that doesn’t let me drown. He works an average of 42 hours per week but sometimes up to 84+ hours! He doesn’t have to help me and I feel guilty when he does, because I know I have taken on the role of housewife/homemaker/stay at home mom. But he helps. Without me asking he takes out the trash, starts a load of laundry, or folds a basket of clothes. My love language is “acts of service” and he knows these little things lets me know he cares.
- Recognize my limits
I can’t do it all. I juggle four kids, appointments, bills, housework, and now I’ve added a blog.
I’m learning to give myself grace. I’m learning to let go of the little things, look at the big picture, and spend more time with my children. Honestly, I rarely dust. That’s definitely in the category of “company is coming clean.” I might even consider it in a category of “The Queen is visiting- clean.” It just doesn’t happen too often.
When I look at what I struggle with most in household chores, I think of laundry. What I call my “Everest”, is the mountain of laundry that seems to accumulate on my dining room table. Laundry seems to be where I drop the ball… a lot.
I have limitations. I get tired and I have to recognize when I need to clean and when I need to sit down, rest, and enjoy snuggles from my children.
I consider my house clean-ish. Far from perfect.
Loved and lived in—it’s a home.
We make messes and memories here.
UPDATE: I mentioned I use a planner. But now, not just any planner.
I have discovered a small business that sells the PERFECT planner! And I am a planner snob! I’m so picky and this one is THE planner! There are daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks laid out so you can check them off and keep your house clean and organized.
This home planner also includes a budget worksheet to keep you on top of your finances and accountable. HERE is the link. I love that it is a small business and created by a fellow blogger and mother. Check out their other products too! You won’t be disappointed! Everything is high quality and excellent customer service.