Put It on the Calendar

Spring cleaning season will be here before we know it. It’s the time of year when we have had enough time indoors to know that we need to get things cleaned up, organized, or repaired. But if we are going to be honest, many of those things do not take priority when we’re raising a family. Many of us are lucky to get through the day by getting basic chores done in between living life.

Today I came up with 30 things that I wanted to get done – one for each day of the month. It is less overwhelming to break it up into one extra thing a day, rather than finding a free weekend to do it all. Take a look and decide for yourself.

1. Download pictures from your phone and delete the random ones you took this month.
2. Clean up your email. Today is the day to go through all those emails you have been saving for later.
3. Change the filters around the house – furnace, coffee maker, humidifier, refrigerator, etc.
4. Give the pets their flea and tick and heartworm meds. Wash their bedding and bowls.
5. Clean out your garbage cans from all over the house. Even those lined with bags have things that spill onto the sides and collect at the bottom.
6. Clean out the inside of the washing machine, dishwasher, and oven. Most have a self-clean setting.
7. Wash the rags used for dusting, cleaning, crafts, and large spills.
8. Clean the baseboards and trim. Dust first and then go over with a wet rag.
9. Vacuum out the vents/air ducts. If you have pets, this is a must.
10. Check your credit report, credit card statements, and online banking to avoid suspicious activities, unauthorized purchases, and extra fees.
11. Check fluids in the car and tire pressure every month to avoid an emergency.
12. Get your car washed, vacuum the floors, and remove anything that is no longer needed.
13. Make a note of all the repairs that need to be done. Schedule the ones you can’t do yourself, and do the ones you can.
14. Pull out the fridge, stove, washer, and dryer and clean behind them. Vacuum the floor, dust appliances, and clean any spills on the side.
15. Go through the food in the pantry and refrigerator and check the dates. Don’t forget the spice cabinet.
16. Check the fire extinguisher. Check the gauge on the side and check the dates.
17. Pull the hair out of the drains. It’s a super gross job, yet super important. Grab needle nose pliers and start grabbing.
18. Check the salt level in the water softener if you have one.
19. Self-breast exam – Take a minute while you are standing in the shower.
20. Self-skin exam – When you get out of the shower, stand in front of the mirror, and check for new moles or other skin changes.
21. Check your utility bills. Take a moment to read the bill to look for new fees or higher rates.
22. Check your goals and revise. Remember those New Year’s resolutions? How are you doing?
23. Buy new toothbrushes, mascara, toilet brushes, kitchen sponges, anything that is a playground for bacteria.
24. Balance your budget. Check that you are on track and make adjustments for the next month if necessary.
25. Go through the kids’ closets. Does everything still fit? It’s a good time to check yours too.
26. Dust the blinds and window sills. Wash any draperies that might need it.
27. Empty out all backpacks, sports bags, and your purse. Throw out anything that doesn’t belong there.
28. Errand day. This is the day you go to the recycling center, Goodwill, make your returns, etc.
29. Date night. Not a chore, yet often overlooked in place of kid activities.
30. Girls night. The same goes for your friends. It is so important to catch up with friends or go shopping with your sisters. No men and no kids allowed.

10 Organizing Podcasts to Keep You Motivated

• Systemize Your Life – A working mom’s guide to staying organized with step systems.
• Declutter Your Chaos – Decluttering coach to help you take control and keep your sanity.
• Room by Room – The scientific insights behind keeping a tidy home and life.
• The Productive SAHM – An organizational guide to creating a daily routine.
• Joy Loving Home – Productivity and organization for moms with ADHD.
• Organize 365 – Believes organization is a skill you are not born with, but develop over time.
• Moms Overcoming Overwhelm – Solutions to declutter your home, head, and heart.
• Simplified Organization – A guide to end perfectionism and manage organization cheerfully.
• Bliss this House – Real tips and tricks for organization that are not Pinterest-worthy.
• Time Matters Method – More effective and efficient ways to plan your day.