A Chore-A-Day for Busy Moms
As a stay-at-home mom, keeping the house clean while managing daily life can feel overwhelming. With a family of five, I’ve learned that trying to clean everything in one day just leads to burnout. Instead, I follow a simple chore-a-day cleaning schedule that helps me stay on top of household tasks without feeling stressed. Plus, doing one load of laundry every day keeps the never-ending piles manageable! In addition to my daily chores, I try to stick to three simple tasks every day: make my bed, do a load of laundry, and never leave dishes in the sink. These small habits help maintain a sense of order and keep the mess from piling up.
Why a Chore-a-Day System Works
Instead of spending hours deep cleaning, this system breaks tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. By focusing on one main chore each day, you’ll keep your home tidy without spending all day cleaning.
Benefits of a Chore-a-Day Routine
- Less Overwhelm & Burnout: Cleaning a little each day prevents the dreaded deep-cleaning marathon.
- A Consistently Tidy Home: Small daily tasks keep things from getting out of hand.
- More Free Time: Spend less time cleaning and more time with your family.
- Teaches Responsibility: Involving your family fosters teamwork and shared responsibility.
- Reduces Stress: A clean home creates a calmer, more peaceful environment.
This method ensures that your home remains tidy with manageable, bite-sized cleaning sessions each day.
Daily Chore Breakdown
Every Day – One Load of Laundry/ make your bed/ no dishes left in the sink
Laundry piles up quickly in a household of five, so washing, drying, folding, and putting away one load per day prevents chaos. Try rotating categories:
- Monday: Towels & washcloths
- Tuesday: Kids’ clothes
- Wednesday: Adult clothes
- Thursday: Bedding & sheets
- Friday: Miscellaneous (rugs, pet items, etc.)
- Saturday: Catch-up or deep-clean items
- Sunday: Light or no laundry for a break
Monday – Bedrooms & Laundry Focus
- Change bed sheets & pillowcases
- Tidy bedrooms (dust, declutter nightstands, organize toys)
- Wipe down mirrors & dressers
- Vacuum or sweep bedroom floors
Tuesday – Bathrooms
- Wipe down sinks, countertops, and mirrors
- Scrub toilets, tubs, and showers
- Replace towels & empty trash bins
- Restock bathroom essentials (toilet paper, soap, shampoo)
Wednesday – Kitchen Deep Clean
- Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and appliance surfaces
- Clean out fridge (toss expired items, wipe shelves)
- Scrub sink and disinfect sponges
- Sweep and mop kitchen floor
- Wipe down the stovetop and microwave interior
- Empty trash and recycling bins
Thursday – Dust & Surfaces
- Dust shelves, baseboards, and decor
- Wipe high-touch areas (light switches, door handles, remote controls)
- Organize & declutter living spaces
- Shake out or vacuum couch cushions
- Spot clean walls and doors
Friday – Floors & Entryway
- Vacuum and mop all floors (especially high-traffic areas)
- Shake out rugs and sweep entryway
- Organize shoes, jackets, and bags
- Wipe down entryway surfaces (console tables, door handles)
- Disinfect pet areas and refresh doormats
Saturday – Catch-Up & Extras
- Tackle any missed chores from the week
- Focus on one deep-clean task (e.g., organize pantry, clean oven, declutter closets)
- Quick tidy-up for weekend relaxation
- Wash and disinfect trash cans
- Wipe down windowsills and blinds
Sunday – Rest & Reset
- Light 10-minute tidy-up in main living areas
- Plan meals and grocery list for the upcoming week
- Set out school clothes and supplies for kids
- Reflect on what worked well and adjust the schedule if needed
Additional Tips for Making This Routine Work
- Set a Timer: Limit each cleaning session to 20-30 minutes max so it stays manageable.
- Declutter Regularly: A clutter-free home is easier to clean.
- Use Baskets for Quick Pick-Ups: Having a basket in each room makes tidying up fast and easy.
- Get the Family Involved: Assign age-appropriate tasks to kids to teach responsibility.
- Stay Flexible: Life happens! If you miss a day, adjust the schedule as needed.
Do you want your own to day cleaning schedule? Click here for the free download when you sign up for my newsletter.
Deep-Cleaning Tasks to Add Monthly
In addition to daily maintenance, consider setting aside time for deep-cleaning tasks once or twice a month:
- Clean behind and under furniture
- Wipe down walls and baseboards
- Deep-clean carpets and upholstery
- Wash windows inside and out
- Clean out and organize the garage or attic
- Refresh bedding and mattress covers
Scheduling these tasks will ensure your home stays fresh and organized without feeling overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a tidy home doesn’t mean spending all day cleaning! A chore-a-day routine has been a game changer for me as a stay-at-home mom. By focusing on just one major task per day, I can keep our house in order while still having time for my kids, my embroidery business, and a little bit of self-care.
Would you try a chore-a-day routine? What works best for your family? Let’s chat in the comments!
Don’t forget to grab your Chore-a-Day schedule HERE!
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