IW Calgary Real Estate Blog

Cleaning and Organizing Tips and Tricks for the Busy Mom

Maintaining a clean and organized home is something we all strive for, but let's be honest—it can be hard work, especially for busy moms. With the demands of work, juggling schedules, raising children, and managing the challenges of day-to-day life, finding time for cleaning and tidying can feel overwhelming. However, with a few quick and simple cleaning tips, you can save time, energy, and even a bit of sanity in the process.

1. Put function at the forefront: One effective approach to managing clutter and mess is to identify the areas in your home that tend to get messy most frequently. Take a moment to assess these areas and ask yourself, "What can I put here that would help?" For example, if your living room floor is often covered with toys, consider adding a toy chest or designated storage bins. If your kids frequently leave empty pop cans and garbage in the family room, placing a small garbage or recycling can nearby encourage them to dispose of trash properly. Instead of focusing solely on appearance or social norms, prioritize functionality and choose solutions that make your life easier.

2. Delegate and complete everyday tasks: We all have those household chores that we dislike doing, and more often than not, they are the ones that tend to pile up the fastest. Whether it's dishes, laundry, or any other recurring task, make it a priority to complete these tasks every day and involve your family in helping out. By consistently tackling these tasks and sharing the responsibility, you can prevent overwhelming buildup and reduce the pressure on yourself. Consider creating a chore chart or assigning specific tasks to each family member, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility.

3. Simplify your cleaning products: In today's market, there seems to be a specialized product for every cleaning need imaginable. However, having a cabinet full of various cleaners for different areas of your home can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Instead, consider streamlining your cleaning products. Opt for a few versatile and essential items, such as an all-purpose cleaning solution and a glass cleaner. You can even purchase concentrated versions of these products to reduce clutter. Divide them into labeled glass spray bottles for easy access and quick identification. This way, you can simplify the cleaning process and eliminate the time spent rummaging through multiple bottles and containers.

4. Resist putting it down—instead, put it away: Almost everyone has been guilty of leaving items out of place at some point. It's easy to set something down with the intention of dealing with it later, but more often than not, "later" never comes. Make a conscious effort to put things back in their proper place as soon as you're done using them. Resist the urge to postpone tidying up, as those small piles can quickly accumulate and turn into a larger mess if neglected. By adopting the habit of immediate tidying, you'll save time and effort in the long run.

5. Be gentle with yourself: Amidst the busyness of motherhood and daily responsibilities, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and be kind to yourself. When it comes to cleaning routines, it's okay to have some mess left at the end of the day. Remember that you're doing your best, and it's important to acknowledge your efforts. Be forgiving of yourself if you can't always achieve a perfectly clean and organized home. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Celebrate the accomplishments, however minor they may seem, and give yourself credit for the hard work you put in.

In conclusion, maintaining a clean and organized home as a busy mom can be challenging, but with these quick cleaning tips, you can simplify the process and save time and energy.