Keeping your home clean when you work full-time is no easy feat, especially when you have kids, a partner, and other relationships to maintain. You feel like you have to do it all! I don’t have all the answers, but today I want to share some tips that have worked for me and made life a lot easier. Stick around until the end for my biggest secret—it’s been a game changer!

1. Designate Days for Specific Tasks

One of my most helpful habits is designating specific days for certain tasks. Here’s what I do to keep my home organized every week.

• Grocery shopping: I always do grocery shopping on Sundays. It’s the only time I go all week, which helps save both time and money. By only shopping once, I avoid extra trips that could lead to overspending. Everyone in the family knows Sunday is grocery day, and that’s when we stock up for the week.
• Clean the stovetop: Every Sunday night, I clean the stovetop. It’s a surface that gets dirty quickly, especially after weekend cooking. I simply spray it down and wipe it off—super easy.

2. Establish a Dishwasher Routine

Dishwashing can be a huge task if not managed properly. As a family of five, this is what works for us.

• I run the dishwasher every other night, making sure it’s packed full. I prefer doing it at night and then emptying it in the morning before heading to work. This routine helps keep the kitchen tidy.
• Pro Tip: If you have fewer people in your home, adjust the frequency to suit your needs. Find a dishwasher schedule that works for your family and stick to it.

3. Manage Laundry Efficiently

Laundry is another daunting task when you work full-time, especially with a house full of people.

• I do two loads per week—one on Wednesdays and another on Saturdays. It works well because everyone knows when to expect their laundry to be done.
• Hate folding laundry? Me too! That’s why I prefer doing laundry twice a week instead of daily. The thought of folding every day sounds depressing. On laundry days, I toss a load into the washer before work, switch it to the dryer when I get home, and fold it at night. It keeps everything moving without feeling overwhelming.

4. Clean One Thing Each Day

Don’t overdo it—just focus on one thing. When you come home from work, you’re probably tired, so don’t push yourself too hard. Clean something small but important each day, like wiping down a countertop or dusting a room.

• Examples of quick daily tasks:
  • Clean one toilet
  • Wipe kitchen cabinet fronts
  • Dust the entryway or living room

5. Clean Strategically: Focus on High-Traffic Areas

Certain areas of your home need more attention. I vacuum the high-traffic areas (entryway, living room, and under the kitchen table) almost daily, especially on weekends when everyone is home.

• Pro Tip: Invest in a battery-operated stick vacuum. It’s been a game changer! I no longer have to drag out a heavy upright vacuum. A quick 30-second vacuum can make a big difference. If possible, get a robot vacuum to run while you’re at work, and come home to freshly vacuumed floors.

6. Batch Cooking for Easier Dinner Prep

Cooking dinner every night can be stressful, especially when you’re exhausted from work. I only cook twice a week, making large portions that last throughout the week.

• Examples of batch-cooked meals:
  • Big casseroles
  • Large pasta dishes
  • Soup
  • Rice dishes

We also have pizza night once a week, which the kids love. Another quick dinner option is taco night—it takes just 15 minutes to brown the meat and prepare the toppings.

7. Nightly “Closing Shift” Routine

This routine is key to waking up stress-free. Every night before bed, we do the following as a family:

• Dishes: We make sure there are no dishes left in the sink. I hate waking up to dirty dishes!
• Counters: A quick wipe-down of the kitchen counters makes a huge difference.
• Tidy the living room: Straighten up pillows, blankets, and toys, especially if you have kids. It doesn’t take long and leaves the space looking clean for the next day.

8. My Biggest Cleaning Secret: Microtasking

Here’s my secret: I sneak microtasks into everything! These are quick tasks that only take 10-30 seconds but make a big difference over time.

• Examples of microtasks:
  • Waiting for the kids to put on their shoes? Empty the dishwasher.
  • Waiting for the coffee to brew? Wipe down the fridge.
  • Brushing your teeth? Spray and clean the bathroom sink.

I keep my cleaning supplies handy in every room so I can quickly get tasks done while doing other things.