Thursday, July 24, 2008

10-minute chore jar

My house cleaning habits are quite sporadic. I usually get a lot done on Mondays but get less and less inspired as the week progresses. One thing I've started that is really helping is a 10-minute chore jar. My friend Casey gave me the idea. I printed off all the cleaning chores I want to get done on a weekly basis, cut them out, and put them in a jar. Each day, usually at the beginning of the kids' afternoon nap time, I pick out one piece of paper and do that chore. Then I feel like I've gotten something done and can relax!

I broke them down into quick tasks:
  • Dust and Swiffer
  • Clean toilets
  • Clean and organize kitchen counter (the clutter magnet!)
  • Clean out refrigerator
  • Clean bathroom counters
  • Empty trash cans and Diaper Genie (though Jon usually does this one)
  • Clean all mirrors
  • Organize top of washer/dryer (also a clutter magnet)

I picked relatively quiet chores; vacuuming could be on the list, but I do that separately since I really don't do that during nap time. Some days I just do one chore, but other days I get inspired and do two or three. This is all in addition to the regular cooking, laundry, dishes, and toy pick-up that already gets done!

I have been accomplishing all tasks pretty much within a week, and once I do, I put all the pieces back in the jar and start again.

I've been thinking about also creating a jar for tasks I want to do once a month. Which tasks would you all put in that jar? Which would you add to my weekly list?

4 comments:

Ricci said...

Great idea! I would add maybe wash windows, sanitize toys, organize one draw at a time, including closets and maybe then some fun ones to keep it interesting: paint toe-nails, read a magazine, organize jewelry, have a treat, that type of thing. I am totally going to start doing this, fun and keeps it fresh!

Meg McCann said...

Hey Ricci! I like how you think!
If I can count painting toe nails and having an ice cream sandwich, I am going to love my house work!

Sheyb said...

This is a great idea! Unfortunately for me... I would end up forgetting about the jar! LOL. I work best under pressure. So, around 4:00pm [now] I start to clean up the house before Mike gets home... i.e. dishes, vacuuming, shower [for me], etc. That way, the house is always clean before Mike gets home. Toys stay in the playroom, which alleviates me having to constantly pick them up like I used to before the play room was available. :) I keep in mind to get 2 things cleaned daily. Which, is always a good idea rather than cleaning the entire house at one time. ;) Love the ideas!

The Weaver Family said...

How about scrub the shower? This morning I took in my nontoxic Method cleaner (so that me and my belly could breathe safely), sponge & scrubbed the shower in 5 minutes then took my shower. After I got out I sprayed the doors with vinegar & then after I got dressed I wiped them down. 10 minutes and you feel clean and refreshed too.