Tidy Up: Your Home Cleaning Schedule

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant task of keeping your home clean and organized? You’re not alone. Many of us strive for a tidy home. Why? According to a study by the American Cleaning Institute, 77% of people report feeling more relaxed in a clean home. Moreover, a survey conducted by Clorox found that 80% of individuals are less stressed and more productive when their homes are tidy. Clean spaces also contribute to improved mental health, with research from Princeton University suggesting that physical order in our surroundings can lead to better focus and increased ability to process information.

The science says a clean home is a happy home, but many of us struggle to maintain a tidy home amidst our busy lives. But what if there was a way to make cleaning feel manageable and even enjoyable? This cleaning schedule will show you how to create an easy-to-follow cleaning routine that fits perfectly into your lifestyle. Let’s make cleaning fun and stress-free.

Daily Cleaning Checklist

Start with the basics—daily cleaning. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to tidying up, such as wiping down surfaces, putting away stray items, and sweeping the floors, you can prevent messes from piling up. A simple, daily routine will keep your home looking its best and create a more pleasant and organized living environment. It makes your space more inviting and reduces general stress.

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place where you can relax and unwind. To keep it that way, follow this daily bedroom cleaning checklist:

Make the bed: A made bed instantly makes the room look cleaner.
Put away clothes: Whether they’re clean or dirty, clothes shouldn’t be left on the floor or furniture.
Declutter surfaces: Clear off nightstands, dressers, and any other surfaces that tend to collect clutter.

Living Room Cleaning Checklist

The living room is often the center of your home, where family and friends gather. Keep it inviting with this daily living room cleaning checklist:

Tidy up: Pick up any items that don’t belong and put them back in their proper places.
Fluff pillows and cushions: This simple step can make your furniture look fresh and inviting.
Wipe down surfaces: Use a damp cloth and cleaning agent to clean coffee tables, end tables, and other surfaces.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

A clean kitchen is essential for a healthy home. Follow this daily kitchen cleaning checklist to keep your cooking space spotless:

Wash dishes: Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight; wash them or load them into the dishwasher.
Wipe counters and stovetops: Clean up spills and crumbs to keep surfaces hygienic.
Take out the trash: Empty the trash bin daily to prevent odors and pests.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

Bathrooms can quickly become dirty and grimy. Maintain a fresh and clean bathroom with this daily bathroom cleaning checklist:

Wipe down the sink and mirror: Remove toothpaste splatters and water spots.
Clean the toilet: A quick scrub with a toilet brush will keep it looking clean.
Hang up towels: Make sure towels are hung up to dry properly

Weekly Home Cleaning Schedule

A weekly home cleaning schedule is beneficial because it helps you stay on top of bigger tasks. By breaking down chores into manageable segments, you can focus on different areas each day, such as dusting on Mondays, vacuuming on Tuesdays, and cleaning bathrooms on Wednesdays. This approach not only prevents the buildup of dirt and clutter but also makes cleaning less daunting and more consistent. By the end of the week, you’ll have maintained a tidy living space without having to dedicate an entire day to cleaning.

Vacuum and mop floors: This includes all areas of your home, not just high-traffic zones.
Dust surfaces: Pay attention to shelves, baseboards, and other areas that collect dust.
Clean appliances: Wipe down the exterior of appliances like the refrigerator, microwave, and oven.
Change bed linens: Refresh your bedrooms by changing the sheets and pillowcases.
Clean bathroom fixtures: Scrub the bathtub, shower, and sink to prevent soap scum and mildew build-up.
Wipe down baseboards and doors: Use a damp cloth to clean baseboards and doors throughout your home.
Clean windows and mirrors: Use a glass cleaner to make your windows and mirrors sparkle.
Empty and clean trash bins: Wash the interior of your trash bins to prevent odors and grime.
Organize and declutter: Go through one area of your home each week to declutter and organize, whether it’s a closet, a drawer, or a shelf.

Monthly Cleaning

Monthly cleaning tasks are those that need to be done less frequently but are still important for maintaining a clean and organized home. These tasks may include deep cleaning the refrigerator, dusting ceiling fans, washing windows, and cleaning under furniture. By staying on top of these tasks, you ensure that your living space remains fresh and hygienic, reducing the buildup of dirt and allergens over time.

Inside the Home

Clean windows: Wash both the inside and outside of your windows to keep them sparkling.
Vacuum upholstery: Remove dust and crumbs from sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture.
Deep clean carpets and rugs: Use a carpet cleaner or hire a professional to give your carpets a thorough cleaning.
Dust all surfaces: Wipe down shelves, tables, and other surfaces to remove dust buildup.
Clean kitchen appliances: Scrub the oven, microwave, and refrigerator to keep them in top condition.
Mop hard floors: Clean tile, hardwood, and laminate floors with a suitable cleaner.
Declutter rooms: Organize and remove unnecessary items from each room for a tidier space.
Disinfect bathrooms: Clean sinks, toilets, and showers with disinfectant to eliminate germs.
Wash bedding: Launder sheets, pillowcases, and blankets to keep them fresh.
Clean light fixtures: Dust and wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fans to brighten up your space.

Outside the Home

Sweep patios and decks: Keep outdoor spaces clean and free of debris.
Clean outdoor furniture: Wipe down tables, chairs, and other outdoor furniture.
Check and clean gutters: Ensure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris to prevent blockages.
Hose down driveways and walkways: Remove dirt, leaves, and grime from driveways and walkways using a hose or pressure washer.
Prune bushes and trees: Trim overgrown branches and bushes to keep your garden neat and healthy.
Weed garden beds: Remove weeds from flower and vegetable beds to prevent them from overtaking your garden.
Clean garage and storage areas: Sweep out and organize your garage or any outdoor storage spaces.
Wash exterior windows: Use a window cleaner or hose to clean the outside of your windows.
Inspect and clean outdoor lighting: Check that all outdoor lights are working and clean any fixtures to remove dirt and bugs.
Maintain lawn and landscaping: Mow the lawn, edge the grass, and water plants to keep your yard looking its best.

Seasonal Cleaning Schedule

Certain tasks only need to be done once a year but are crucial for maintaining a clean and organized home. These tasks, while infrequent, can make a significant difference in the overall upkeep of your living space. For instance, deep cleaning carpets, washing windows, and organizing storage spaces can vastly improve your home’s appearance and functionality. Follow this comprehensive annual cleaning schedule to ensure every corner of your home is spotless and well-maintained. By dedicating time to these tasks, you can create a more comfortable and inviting environment for you and your family.

Spring Cleaning

Declutter and organize: Go through your belongings and donate or discard items you no longer need.
Wash curtains and drapes: Freshen up your home by cleaning window treatments.
Clean baseboards and walls: Remove scuffs and dust from baseboards and walls.
Clean inside cabinets and drawers: Wipe down surfaces and reorganize contents to keep everything tidy.
Deep clean kitchen appliances: Pay extra attention to the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
Steam clean tile and grout: Use a steam cleaner to remove grime and refresh bathroom and kitchen tiles.
Shampoo carpets and rugs: For a thorough clean, use a carpet shampooer or hire a professional service.
Check and replace HVAC filters: Ensure your heating and cooling systems are running efficiently by maintaining clean filters.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace batteries if needed to ensure your home is safe.
Polish wood furniture: Use a suitable polish to maintain the luster and longevity of your wooden pieces.
Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans: Dust and wipe down to remove accumulated dirt and improve lighting efficiency.

Summer Cleaning

Clean and check HVAC systems: Ensure your air conditioning is in good working order.
Wash outdoor windows: Take advantage of the warm weather to clean exterior windows.
Deep clean the garage: Organize tools, sweep the floor, and discard any unnecessary items.
Power wash driveways and walkways: Remove built-up dirt and grime from your driveway and walkways.
Inspect and clean outdoor lighting: Make sure outdoor lights are free of dust and cobwebs and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Clean outdoor grills and BBQs: Scrub grates and wipe down surfaces to prepare for summer barbecues.
Trim trees and bushes: Keep your yard looking tidy and prevent overgrowth from damaging your home.
Check and maintain lawn equipment: Sharpen mower blades and ensure other equipment is functioning properly.

Fall Cleaning

Prepare for winter: Clean and store outdoor furniture, and check weather stripping on doors and windows.
Deep clean the kitchen: Empty and clean out the refrigerator and pantry and scrub the oven.
Inspect and clean the fireplace: Ensure your fireplace is clean and ready for use during the colder months.
Clean the gutters: Clear out leaves and debris to prevent blockages during winter rains.
Rake leaves: Regularly clear fallen leaves from your yard to maintain a tidy outdoor space.
Inspect the roof: Check for any damage or leaks and make necessary repairs before winter.
Seal gaps and cracks: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that could let in drafts, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Clean and store garden tools: Properly clean and store your gardening equipment to protect it during the colder months.
Check insulation: Ensure that your attic and walls have adequate insulation to keep your home warm during winter.
Service heating systems: Have a professional inspect and tune up your furnace or boiler to ensure it runs efficiently throughout the winter.

Winter Cleaning

Clean light fixtures: Dust and wipe down ceiling lights, chandeliers, and lampshades.
Organize holiday decorations: Sort through and neatly store holiday decorations for the next season.
Inspect and clean the furnace: Make sure your heating system is functioning efficiently and replace filters if necessary.
Wash bedding and comforters: Deep clean blankets, comforters, and other bedding items for a fresh start.
Clean out closets: Remove and store seasonal clothes and make room for winter attire.
Defrost the freezer: Clear out and defrost your freezer, discarding any expired items.
Dust bookshelves and books: Wipe down shelves and carefully dust individual books to keep your library pristine.
Clean and polish door handles and knobs: Regularly disinfect and polish to maintain hygiene and shine.
Check for drafts: Inspect windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps to conserve heat and lower energy bills.
Clean and organize the basement: Sort through stored items, discard, or donate unnecessary belongings, and thoroughly clean the space to keep it clutter-free.

General Annual Tasks

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Test each device and replace batteries if needed.
Pressure wash exterior: Clean the exterior walls, driveway, and walkways with a pressure washer.
Service the car: Schedule annual maintenance for your vehicle, including oil changes and tire rotation.
Review household safety: Ensure fire extinguishers are in working order and create or update a family emergency plan.
Touch up paint: Perform minor paint touch-ups on walls, doors, and trim to keep your home looking fresh.
Inspect insulation: Check the attic and walls for adequate insulation and address any areas needing improvement.
Clean dryer vents: Prevent fire hazards by thoroughly cleaning out dryer vents and ducts.
Test home security systems: Make sure all alarms, sensors, and cameras are functioning properly.
Maintain plumbing: Inspect for leaks, check water pressure, and clean faucet aerators.
Clean chimney: If you have a chimney, hire a professional to clean it and check for blockages or damage.

Stay Clutter-free with CubeSmart

Whether you’re moving, organizing, or aspiring to create a clean and comfortable home, CubeSmart can help. When you just don’t have the space for all the things you’re trying to declutter, you can find it at CubeSmart. Our storage options help you maintain your easy-to-follow home cleaning schedule by helping you actually clear the space you need to clean. No need to toss the things you love, like seasonal décor and sports equipment, store them at CubeSmart. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you and commit to a clutter-free home.