The past several months, we've all spent more time home than ever before. Kids are being taught virtually, and many of our activities are concentrated indoors. Its completely understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed with your household tasks. Here are some simple tips to ease your frustrations. It's important to clean and disinfect our homes now more than ever to protect and promote the well-being of our families.

Tip 1: Stop Germs at the Door

Germs, dirt, and chemicals can all be brought into your home from your shoes. This is a great time to start a "no shoes in the house" policy. Encourage friends and family to leave their shoes at the door by placing a shoe tray near the entryways. Make it a habit to wash your hands every time you enter your home!

Tip 2: Make a Place For Everything

A cluttered home can create a lot of stress for you. Organize and de-clutter important areas such as the kitchen to make it easier on yourself. Sort items into the proper drawers, recycle unneeded papers, and consider donating unneeded items! Keep your home tidy for longer in between cleanings by keeping your items in their place.

Tip 3: Schedule Your Cleanings

The average American spends roughly one hour a day on household chores. A simple schedule can make your time more efficient and reassure you you're not ignoring any key areas when cleaning. Here is an example schedule:

• Monday: Laundry and Dusting
• Tuesday: Bathrooms and Vacuuming
• Wednesday: Living room and Dusting
• Thursday: Bedrooms
• Friday: Kitchen
• Weekend: Organization and Miscellaneous tasks

Tip 4: Get Everyone Involved

This is the perfect opportunity to turn housework into a family event. Make a chore chart of different age-appropriate tasks. Foster good cleaning habits for children at a young age by offering small incentives for completed work. Children of all ages can participate in tidying their rooms, cleaning meal plates, feeding pets, picking up toys, and taking out the garbage to name a few!

Tip 5: Clean As You Go

It helps to develop the habit of cleaning as you go even when following a schedule. Wash dishes after cooking, wipe down frequently used countertops, and spend a few minutes every evening tidying up before bedtime. With a rag and cleaning solution readily available, you'll find it easier to clean on the fly. 

Tip 6: Focus on What Gets Touched the Most

Keep germs from spreading by disinfecting the most frequently touched parts of your home. Wipe down door handles, light switches, remote controls, and drawers handles regularly with your favorite disinfectant.

Cultivate a healthy and peaceful home environment by maintaining a clean household. Remember to be kind to yourself, and the effort you put in will be rewarded!