Early today, I alluded to an urge that overcame me yesterday to get my home in order. It may be nesting or it may simply be the usual desire to freshen and air things out after a long stuffy winter cooped up indoors. Whatever the cause, this week I'll be going through my home room by room cleaning and de-cluttering. I'll be sharing my lists and accomplishments here for a bit of accountability. I've been starting the week with a bang after a refreshing Sabbath and it's all been downhill from there. Lists will be in a morning post, accomplishments in an evening one. Hopefully, I'll work up the nerve to share before and after photos at the end of the week.

When it comes to cleaning house, some folks are the get it all done in one crack sort and some are of the variety that prefer to bite off smaller chunks at a time. I fall into the latter category.

In a nutshell, I have my cleaning schedules broken down into daily, monthly, and seasonal. This works for me because it keeps me from being overwhelmed and throwing in the towel. Unfortunately, this month my monthly cleaning was overlooked for the most part because I was unable to resist the urge to soak in some sunshine that day and shadow my husband while he did his work outdoors.

What I did get done or get help doing a week ago is already crossed out. I reserve the right to add or subtract from this list as I see fit. Instead of working chore by chore, I'll be going room by room with a daily focus area. I like to see my accomplishments as well as cross them off the list!

~Daily~

Monday- Coupon List/ Drugstore Deal compilation; Clean Floors; Launder Towels & Baby Laundry
Tuesday- Laundry; Baking
Wednesday- Finances; Grocery List; Weekly Kitchen Cleaning
Thursday-Shopping; Ironing; Baking
Friday-Bathrooms; Feather Dust; Windows
Saturday- Sabbath Prep; Baking; Make Yogurt; Monthly Organizing

This schedule varies slightly from week to week. For example, I launder sheets and dust furniture bi-weekly. This is my outline for the fourth week of the month.

~Monthly~

Clean ceiling fans
Clean under furniture
Wipe down walls
Clean baseboards
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning- Clean oven, stove and refrigerator; Clean trash can; Clean table, benches, and high chairs (the more inconspicuous places); File paperwork; Check smoke detectors


~Seasonal~

Windex windows inside and outside (including frames and exterior ledges)
Wash mini-blinds
Scrub carpets & upholstery
Clean silk plants
Pack clothes, donating unworn ones
Wash and pack jackets
Clean under appliances
Reverse ceiling fans
Clean basement, removing trash (this should be moved to the monthly list!!)
Launder slipcover for schoolroom couch
Clean heat registers and cold air returns
Vacuum ceilings (this is actually done on an as-needed basis, but I'm sure to do while working this list)
Wash light fixtures
Wash toys (inside and outside)

Spring Only:
Clean metal fan
Wash screens exchanging with storm windows
Dry clean rugs, curtains
Clean shed


Perhaps your hormones don't have you feeling quite as ambitious as mine do this week. Seasons of Life is hosting a Redeeming The Space challenge to celebrate her one-year blogging anniversary including the chance to win a "Tools of the Trade" prize pack. If you have an area of your home that has been needing some attention lately, it's the perfect time to attend to it and reward yourself in the process!