My kids just started school again and my life was begging to get back into a routine! I imagine that many of us are in the same boat (even those who don't have school-age kids) so we thought this would be a fun time to talk about schedules... routines... life... The start of a new season brings so many new possibilities! And I'm super excited about today's topic. Can you relate? Pinterest is loaded with these sayings. I like this one: And this: And this one just happens to be my own wood sign hanging in my very own laundry room: Hehehe. But... Right under that catchy sign, if you look closely, is my personal cleaning schedule. Yes, I said a cleaning schedule. Don't panic. It's not anything crazy. Remember that I have five young kids and I work from home, where they get to destroy it 24/7. (Kidding.) Plus, my sewing area is just as messy creative as the next person's. But when it comes to the rest of my house, I just have to keep it together to find balance in my life. I created this schedule years ago and I still stick with it, for the most part. Here are some of the reasons I love my cleaning schedule: 1) I made my own schedule. I'm the boss. 2) When people drop in, I don't panic. It's not pristine but there aren't layers of mess either. 3) My family knows when to expect clean laundry and they [usually] plan accordingly. 4) The kids know my morning routine so they either help or stay out of the way. 5) I don't stress about chores that aren't today's. 6) I get it done early and have more time to play! Okay, so number 6 is my main reason. Believe it or not, when I stick to the schedule I actually spend LESS time cleaning. Huh? I know that sounds backwards, but it's true. I wake up in the morning, do what needs done in half an hour or less (except laundry days), and then get on with my life. Plus I think we all know that a bathroom that gets cleaned regularly is less daunting than one that gets cleaned twice a year. Ew. Oh, and I almost forgot! The most important "rule" with my cleaning schedule -- If one day gets crazy and I can't do the chore that day, I skip it. You read that right. I don't try to cram it into the next day, because that's just not going to happen. I skip the chore until it comes around on the schedule again. Who's the boss? I'm the boss. Here's the new schedule I made for myself today. My previous one was two years old, plus this one is much cuter. And you can make one too! I did most of the work for you; all you have to do is download the word file, edit to match your own lifestyle tasks, and print it off. It should fit nicely in an 8x10 or 5x7 frame. Or you can just tape it to the wall. You're the boss now! One more thing I want to mention. As my kids get older, I have encouraged them to help with certain chores and they have their own responsibilities to do each day. I think that teaching them to clean is just as important as cleaning for them. (Or at least their spouses will thank me someday!) With the start of the new school year, I made a sign and posted it where the kids hang their backpacks: So far, after four days of school, it is working! My oldest son, who I thought would reject it the most, has actually told me he likes it because he has more time to play. It's true! So if you find yourself thinking, "I should do that" but not really planning to -- I challenge you to go for it! Take it a day at a time and see how much clarity it brings. This mama is super duper far from perfect and it's the only way I can stay afloat. Trust me. Let's Create! ~ Kristen