How to Clean My House Easy

I have the most wonderful family around. I may complain often, but when it comes right down to it, they are a good bunch. I mention this, because this wonderful aspect is often overlooked when approaching a house cleaning project.

To get your house cleaned easily, do this. Come up with a list and write it down of the things that you need to clean. It might look something like this.

Vacuum
Dust computer
Clean mirrors
Straighten livingroom shoe area
Wash dishes
Clean bathroom toilet
Clean air filter

Make the list as specific as possible. Write down the exact things you want cleaned. Don't generalize. Use action cleaning words. Beside each of the words on the list make a little check box.

Now, think of the best time that everyone in your family will be home. For me it's first thing in the morning, but many people don't have time together until the evening or on the weekend. So make it Saturday.

This is where it gets tricky. You know your own family so you need to make sure to catch each and everyone of them before he or she gets involved in something or gets out the door. Stop your teenager before he gets involved in a computer game. Let your husband know that you'll need an hour of his time on Saturday and explain to him that you need his help to clean the house. Let him know that you've created a list and that as a family you'll spend an hour working through the list. Most husbands-and believe it or not, children and even teenagers-will happily help you out with the household chores. By limiting the list and giving specifics of what need to be done, it makes it achievable to the children, teenagers and spouse. It's not some odd chore that has no end. Every time a chore is done, it gets checked off. For us, we didn't even designate specific chores to anyone. My son started on the list long before we did, because he had a computer that was calling his name. He, however, happily did many things and when he was done, he checked each one off of the list. It gave him a great sense of accomplishment.

After it's all said and done, go over the list and compliment the person who did the job. Everyone helped and it didn't all fall on mom's shoulders. Could life be any better?