How to keep on top of housework when life is busy

Goodness, life can be fast-paced. It doesn’t matter how many routines, rituals, reminders or ring binders we use to keep on top of intentional routines, including housework. One day, we notice that daily tasks have piled up and feel out of control. Even as someone who has practised intentional living for many years, I still get hit by the chaos when I’ve fallen out of my usual rhythm.

I started my dream job two weeks ago and it’s meant the biggest shift in my routine for years. I’ve bought a car, commute to a different region of England and stay in hotels or Airbnb’s one to two nights a week. I spend more time away from home than I’m used to as I embark on a new chapter of self-discovery. It’s a welcome change, but it requires a lot of my energy.

So, for the most part, I’m not thinking about the mountain of washing up on the side, the windows that desperately need a deep clean or the emails sitting unresponded to in my personal inbox. Not until the weekend arrives, that is, and panic ensues.

How do people work full time and keep a clean house?

Unfortunately, there’s no miracle potion – nobody would be in this predicament if one existed! Rather, learning how to keep on top of housework during busy periods starts with going back to basics.

Find successes in other areas of your life

Is your housework and life admin taking a slip because you’ve had an exciting project underway? Perhaps you’ve started a new job, like me, or you’re moving house, starting or ending a relationship, having a baby or adjusting as the children go to school. Whatever the life change, give yourself the recognition you deserve for succeeding.

One of the most profound things I read was in The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. Put simply, the authors reveal that balance is a myth and doing one thing brilliantly will require you to step back in another area. So, I now keep the weekends free while I adjust to a new lifestyle, and accept that keeping up with my previous homemaking routine isn’t possible.

Lower your expectations

If you struggle with perfectionism in the housework department, I recommend that you read my blog post on overcoming perfectionism before returning to this point. I’ve been through rigorous housework schedules, apps and discontentment with cleanliness standards when I’ve had to miss a week or task. But, housework doesn’t have to be that deep. So, learning how to keep on top of housework and admin starts with lowering your expectations.

As I write this blog post, I have cat toys slung on the floor next to me, the bathroom hasn’t been cleaned in two weeks and I have clean washing dumped on top of the chest of drawers in my bedroom. But, as inspiration struck me to write this blog post, my priority isn’t the housework. Instead, I’ll move on to the next step when I’m ready to…

Do a timed speed clean

If you’ve never done a timed speed clean, I’ll be the first to tell you it’s a game-changer. The rules are simple, too.

– Put a playlist on that will make you feel motivated.
– Set a timer on your phone, smart speaker or oven – wherever you’ll hear it chime – and choose a length of time that’s right for your circumstances. This weekend, I’m only doing a 45-minute speed clean as I’m prioritising rest and recovery following a week of heavy learning. But, whenever I’m in the mood for deeper cleaning, I set a two-hour timer instead.
– Do as many household chores as you can in the time before the alarm sounds. The 45 minutes is often enough time for wiping the bathroom suite, changing the bins, returning things to their homes such as clean laundry and plates, and hoovering the main walkways.
When the alarm sounds, you’re finished!

Build housework habits that are easy to maintain

Habit stacking has become a new phenomenon, especially in the housework department. Regardless of how busy my life becomes, I’ve implemented a habit of putting the clean dishes away while I make my morning coffee. It’s a simple task that takes five minutes to do, and by the time the kettle has boiled, the task is complete and I feel ready for the new day.

What daily habit do you have that you can stack a housework activity on top of? Could you wipe the bathroom sink while you brush your teeth in the morning, or give the sofa cushions a plump and spray after you’ve turned the TV off in the living room? Implement one habit at a time as you find your feet after being out of a routine. Once it’s been embedded, you can move on to a new one!

Schedule a cleaning day

This isn’t my preferred method of tackling house cleaning, but I met with a friend recently who swears by this method. Once a month, she spends the day cleaning the house from top to bottom. I’ve certainly done this when things have gotten out of hand, but I like to find time in my weekend to enjoy personal pursuits and favour doing timed speed cleans, personally.

Finding how to keep on top of housework your way will ensure that the activity remains manageable – perhaps enjoyable, even! So, if you don’t want to sacrifice a day cleaning the house from top to bottom, I hear you, sister. But, if it’s the most practical and enjoyable solution for your lifestyle, go with your heart.

What’s your preferred method of managing the housework when life is busy? Share your preferences on how to keep on top of housework in the comments or by contacting me.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.