Making Lists to Help With Cleaning

Do you like lists? For a lot of people, lists mean organization, and it's a comfort to know that there is a list in place. Even if you aren't a huge fan of lists, having one for cleaning is a good idea when you want a clean house without stress.

There are a few ways to make a list that improve your chances of getting more accomplished. If you want to try making a list, keep reading for some tips. If your time is short and you just want your house as clean and healthy as possible, call maid services!

• Give your list a home. You can write a list down anywhere, but if you're going to use it, you want it to be something close at hand that gets your attention and isn't likely to be lost. This could be anything from a notebook to a sticky note to one of many mobile app options. Whichever way you choose, make sure it fits your personality so you're more likely to stay on top of it!
• Be specific. It would be easy to general “do the laundry,” but that's actually a pretty big process of things. Break that down into three tasks: “wash clothes,” “dry clothes,” “fold & put away.” More specific focus means you're less likely to be overwhelmed.
• Limit your list to 10 things. Now that you've broken your tasks down into steps, don't write down more than you can reasonably achieve. Ten small tasks is a reasonable amount.
• Prioritize. Sometimes, some things just aren't going to get done, and that's okay. If you prioritize your list by putting the most important/time urgent things first, whatever is left at the end probably doesn't have to be done today
• Flexibility & Forgiveness. Your list might change. Halfway through the cleaning up process, something else might overtake the priorities (for instance, that half-gallon of chocolate milk your child spilled? That's going to take some time!). Be flexible and don't chide yourself for the things that don't get one—move them to the next day and keep going!