5 Simple Ways To Keep Your Home Clean Even as a Busy Mom

It's no secret that working full time after caring for my five kids, I'm exhausted, and I don't feel like doing much! I really try not to let things get too out of hand at home, but the truth is- sometimes things pile up.

And when I finally make the time to get to it all, it's overwhelming and frustrating, and it takes hours as opposed to the small amount of time it would have taken if I had done it in the first place!

Here are some tips to make cleaning easier!

Woman cleaning table using rag and diffuser at home.Photo byImage Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.

1. Take Small Breaks Throughout the Day

I am finally working full-time from home, and this has been such a HUGE impact on getting things done. It's really important to take small breaks throughout the day and get done what you can. Even if it's something simple, do it! And this tip is not just for moms like me who work from home.

If you're working outside the home, an example of this would be doing something small in the morning or in the evening (or before or after work- depending on your schedule, of course).

This is crucial because it really does save you a few steps later, will most definitely save you time, and will definitely make cleaning easier, which is what all of us busy moms crave, right?!

2. Ask For Help! (And Get Your Kids Involved!)

This one can be a little hard to do. It's either hard to ask for help, or maybe your kiddos are too small to really help out with cleaning. Either way, it can still be done! I truly hope you have a good support system, and if you do, don't hesitate to ask your friends and family, who are more than willing to help you.

An example of this, my husband knew I was struggling with setting up the nursery for our 4th baby. We were due in a week, and I told him I was "finally" going to clean the nursery that weekend.

Well, I came home from work, and there were 3-4 friends and family who came over to help me get organized and straighten up the nursery. He even brought us some mock mimosas while we were working AND made a full-course Chinese meal!

In this case, I didn't ask for help, but my husband saw an area that needed help, and he made the decision to ask. It can be hard to ask for help, but sometimes we need it.

3. Get Your Kids Involved

Another way to make cleaning easier is by involving and including your kids! Maybe they're too young to help right now, but I would say if you have a 1.5-year-old on up, they can totally help. It may be in small ways, but that young they can pick up toys and follow you along to the toy box to put them away.

Older siblings can definitely help, and my kids know this all too well. My husband and I teach our kids to clean up after themself. That includes their bedroom, the bathroom, their toy area, and cleaning up after they're done eating. They also do things like taking out the trash and loading and unloading the dishwasher, as well as putting clean dishes away.

Our 12-year-old, of course, does most of the work, but our 6-year-old does a lot too. It teaches them responsibility, and even though we are CONSTANTLY reminding them of the same thing daily, I know one day it'll stick.

This not only helps you, but it helps them, too!

4. Do a Little Bit at a Time

So, this is different than taking small breaks throughout the day. Taking small breaks throughout the day is more so something that takes 5-10 minutes, but I'm talking about the things that need to be done in bulk.

For a recent example, I had about seven loads of laundry to catch up on. I definitely didn't do that all in one day though it would have been nice to get it all done, but instead, I did about two loads a day for a few days, took a break for a few days, and then got the rest done.

Maybe it's going through clothes. Go through one drawer at a time. Whatever it is, be sure to stay consistent...which we'll dive into next!

5. Stay Consistent

The key to all of this is to stay consistent. Do NOT just do one pile of laundry when you still have a bunch of dirty clothes. Or dishes. Do not just say you're going to go through your clothes, do one drawer, and then stop. Be consistent! Do one drawer every day just like you said you were going to!

This is also key to making cleaning easier because if you're consistent with it, the less time you have to spend on it later!

6. Put Things Back Right Away

This is something I didn't learn until I was married, and it is because my husband has drilled it into my brain now! I was so bad at this before him, and I'm still not great at this. But I try, and we teach our kids this as well.

Putting something back right away is SO HUGE and such a game-changer when you actually realize how much time you're saving. Quick examples I use to make cleaning easier are:

• Doing laundry right away
• Doing dishes as soon as possible
• Picking up things as you see them out of place

I struggle with this so badly! But lately, I have been pushing myself to be better. How will my kids learn if I don't show them the way? I am not a perfect mother or a perfect person, but all we can do as mothers is try! Try to realize when we're wrong and fix the problem!

Remember That You Cannot Do It All!

Seriously, remember this: No matter how messy your house is or how many dishes are piled up, remember that you are one person and that you are doing your best.

We got this, busy mama!

Read More:

• Messy House? Super Easy Ways To Keep It Clean
• 8 Clean And Sustainable Picks Your New Mom Friends Will Appreciate
• 15 Clever Cleaning Hacks That Professionals Don’t Want You To Know