The Only Daily Cleaning Checklist You Need if You’re Busy All the Time

Ever feel like there just isn’t enough time in a day to keep your home clean? You’re not alone. Balancing work, family, cooking, and personal time can make daily cleaning seem like a Herculean task.

One of the ways to go around this is by using a daily cleaning checklist. It just so happens we’ve put together a cleaning checklist for busy households like yours to keep everything sparkling with minimal fuss.

This simple yet effective tool is a great way to save you time and improve your home’s cleanliness without overwhelming you. Hey, we all need time to leisure, right? So let’s get started!

In this article:

• Why a daily cleaning checklist works
• Your daily cleaning checklist
  • Morning routine
  • Afternoon adjustments
  • Evening wrap-up
• How to maximise your cleaning efficiency
• How to customise your checklist
• Conclusion

Why a daily cleaning checklist works

A daily cleaning checklist does more than keep your home tidy. It brings a ton of benefits that make everyday life smoother and more enjoyable, which is needed in this day and age (especially in a city like London).

Structure brings serenity. By breaking down your cleaning tasks into manageable chunks, you reduce stress and free up time to relax or engage in activities you love.

There’s also the added perk of health benefits. Regular cleaning eliminates germs and allergens that can affect your family’s health.

Interestingly, a study from across the Pond discovered that a whopping 88% of Americans somewhat agree or strongly agree that having a clean home helps them feel their best. This is both physically and mentally, mind you.

As organising consultant Marie Kondo says, “A dramatic reorganisation of the home causes correspondingly dramatic changes in lifestyle and perspective. It is life transforming.”

Your daily cleaning checklist

But enough with the theory. Let’s get to the meat and potatoes of why you’re really here! Here’s how to integrate a cleaning checklist into your daily routine.

Morning routine

Kickstart your day with these simple tasks.

• Make the beds. A tidy bed sets the tone for a neat home. There is a phenomenal address by Admiral McRaven at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014 (I had a recent trip to the US, in case you’re wondering about all the American references). If you have kids, make sure they make their beds, too.
• Wipe bathroom surfaces. While not as exciting or inspiring, you can prevent moisture buildup with a quick swipe. This is a great way to try and prevent mould at home.
• Unload the dishwasher. Ready the kitchen for the day’s meals. If you’re washing dishes by hand, you’ve probably done it the evening before, so free up the wrack and put them in their places.

Doing a few simple things in the morning also sets you up for success during the day. Hey, you’ve already accomplished a few things before most people have had their morning pickmeup. That has to feel great, right?

Afternoon adjustments

Obviously, this can only work on weekends or if you’re working from home.

• Load the dishwasher (or do the dishes). Clear away dishes after lunch to avoid sink clutter.
• Quick vacuum. Focus on main areas to manage daily dust and debris. This will usually be high traffic areas. You don’t have to do this daily, but it helps a lot.

Evening wrap-up

Before you go to bed, make sure that you’ve wrapped up for the day.

• Tidy the living areas. A quick pick-up to restore order makes a world of difference in the morning. Again, if you have children, make sure they pick up their toys and put them away.
• Set out items for tomorrow. Reduce morning rush by organising essentials before you check out.
• Load the dishwasher (or do the dishes). I know, it’s getting annoying. But it’s more annoying to have to spend 10-15 minutes doing several days’ dishes. Not to mention it’s not hygienic.

How to maximise your cleaning efficiency

I’m a sucker for efficiency so I’m always on the lookout for new ways to clean faster and with less effort. Work smart, not hard – that’s what I always say. So here are a few gamechangers if you’re not using them, already.

• Keep supplies handy. Store products in strategic locations to grab and go. The less you have to think about each task, the better.
• Involve family members. Assign everyone a role to lighten the load. When we were kids, my brother and I had specific chores we were in charge of. It was annoying, but it taught us many useful skills we still use to this day. If the little ones are protesting, find a way to make it interesting and make sure they understand why you’re entrusting these chores to them.
• Use multipurpose cleaners. Save time with products that do more than one job. For light cleaning, you’re not going to need anything heavy-duty. You can even go for a green recipe.

How to customise your checklist

Here are a few things to consider to make this checklist truly your own.

• Consider household size. Scale tasks up or down based on the size of your home and family. This may be obvious, but oftentimes gets neglected and one person ends up doing 80% of the cleaning. Unless that person is your regular domestic cleaner (or loves cleaning), this shouldn’t be the case.
• Account for special needs. Adapt routines for pets, allergies, or small children. Keep chemicals out of reach and perhaps consider their green alternatives. Homemade cleaning products still work, you know.
• Make it fun. Turn chores into games with rewards to motivate participation. Clean the Hygge way!

Conclusion

A daily cleaning checklist isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategy to reclaim your time and maintain the safety and comfort of a clean home. By integrating these practices into your routine, you can enjoy a consistently clean home and the peace of mind that comes with it.I know the list is simple, but trust me – sometimes the biggest gamechangers are the simplest little changes.  And, as always, if you need us, we’re never more than a phone call away.