I have a new notebook in my possession. It’s the best thing ever.
It’s my household notebook.
So far it only has a few pages. But already it has been a big help.
I was online looking at house cleaning ideas and tips. I wanted help thinking of all the little (or big) things that you never think of cleaning but it turns out it could use a good clean. And, of course, as with most internet searches, one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was printing out some to do lists and menu planning sheets.
One of my favorites is the weekly chore schedule I found at The Project Girl. On that one I put regular household chores such as sweeping and vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. Some I put on alternating days. Some things (like a general kitchen pick up) went on every day. Then twice a week I made a time to do a monthly chore. On the “Notes” section of the page I put different ideas for monthly chores….washing windows, dusting ceiling fans, washing the inside of trash cans to eliminate odors, etc.
I also like the master to-do list I found at The Organized Home. On this sheet I wrote down more “long-term” projects…or at least projects that don’t need to be done immediately. Included on my list right now are doing lesson plans for the class I’m teaching in the fall, learning how to downsize clothes, and shopping for VBS (oh! I get to check this one off! :D)
This notebook has helped me make better use of my time. I am super excited! I know I could have just written out my own to-do list…but somehow these colorful pages are more exciting and inspiring than my own handwriting reminding me of the work I have to do. 🙂
-Bonnie
Life with You 
Bonnie, I made a generic calendar for household chores. It is now on my PDA, but before the days of PDA’s I kept a calendar hanging in my pantry. I listed all chores for each day written on the day of the week they were required to be done. Some things, like ‘wash windows’ would be listed on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months since they don’t need to be done weekly or even monthly. I discovered that this way I could space out all of my chores into a doable pattern. Not too many on one day, but nicely balanced. Also, if I missed a chore one day, I skipped it until the next time it showed up. Otherwise, I would be perpetually trying to keep up and that can be a major deterrent to doing anything at all. 🙂 It is easy to add the names of your children next to each chore as they become ready to perform some tasks. I am a natural born organizer. I LOVE lists, especially crossing things off.
Bonnie… thanks for the links! I’ve been thinking about making a list. When I’ve done so in the past, it has helped prevent the feeling of drowning! I love the links to help organize for my needs… but I sure wish windows could go on every OTHER year!! 🙂