Here is my list of everything I try to get done in a morning before the school run. At the weekend I try to keep the same routine. That way I have the rest of the day to spend with my family. I’m not quite so regimented with whether it all gets done. I should probably let it be known at this point that, yes I do have a form of OCD. I feel better knowing the house is clean and tidy while I am out. That being said I genuinely believe that this routine would help anyone. To feel on top of chores at home whilst working and wrestling children. Throughout my routine I am periodically shouting at children to get dressed, have their breakfast or put their shoes on. This is nearly always met with temper-tantrums from the kids and much sighing and muttering under my breath.
Washing dry
As you may know by now the night before I always delay timer a load of washing. Which means when I stumble out of bed the washing is already done. I find something very therapeutic about hanging the washing out while it is still quiet in the morning. Obviously not everyday this is possible, especially with the British weather. If that is the case I bung it all in the tumble drier. This means by the time you leave the house a load of washing is already done. This makes me feel like I have already achieved something before I have even started my day.
Empty/refill dishwasher
Again, loving the delay timer, I have the dishwasher finish by the time I have got up in the morning. I empty the dishwasher while preparing my breakfast and cup of tea. That way as the breakfast routine is finished all the dishes can be out straight into the empty dishwasher.
Make beds
I always make the beds before I come downstairs. For some reason the whole house feels tidier when you have made the bed. Some people suggest that the state of your bed is reflective of the state of your mind. So by making your bed you will be clearer in your mind.
Clean counters/table
Once breakfast is finished I run a bowl of hot water. Then I quickly wipe round all the surfaces in the kitchen and also the dining room table. This makes the kitchen and table ready for the next meal to be prepared. Also it makes the whole house look clean and tidy.
Defrost dinner
I try to meal plan in advance. Which really helps with not spending as much on your weekly shop. I check the menu and usually have to get something out of the freezer. If a meal has already been selected and defrosted you are far less likely to resort to takeaway. This can therefore help both the purse and the waistline.
10 minute pick up
So twenty minutes before I leave I quickly run round the house picking up anything that is out of place. Nine times out of ten this is PJs and toys strewn across the landing and living room by the children. This also gives me an idea of what I would need to do when I get home later.
Wash pet bowls
I wash all the pet bowls every morning and refill them with food and water. There is something that always reassures me that no matter what happens; the fluffies have been fed and watered for the day. Lets be honest with two sons I can’t guarantee I won’t be stuck in A&E; with some sort of freak accident before bedtime!
Ironing
If I have time I quickly iron the load of washing I did the day before. By attempting to do a little bit everyday the pile doesn’t grow to the size of a Big City Skyscraper. There can not be a person on the planet that enjoys ironing I certainly don’t. I would always ensure that all other chores and any possibly tidying has been completed before resorting to ironing.
Quick chore
I try and assign a chore to each day. For example: Wednesday is bed change day and Thursday is bathroom cleaning day. I found that the overall cleanliness of the house is better if I do a little bit of cleaning everyday. Also I feel like it hasn’t taken me as long to clean the house; as if I had done all my cleaning in one day.
Hopefully this has given you all a bit of an insight into how I keep on top of my chores. Also some reassurance that yes my children refuse to get ready in the mornings as well. Let me know if you have anything else that you would add to my schedule. But also if this list has helped you to tackle your ironing pile for instance. Huge pat on the back for that by the way. I am willing to send my never ending pile of Ironing your way, as you are doing so well!
