Does a cleaning schedule work?

I think so.

I can't lie.  The day I got this post ready to go, I went to print my cleaning schedule and the printer was out of toner and so I did what any non-technologically advanced person would do:  I copied it onto a piece of paper.

You can see that I took notes and made some changes as I went...the "haha" next to "Sheets" is because I washed them and then never put them back on.  Don't worry..since then, they were put on, washed again, and put back on. 

1.  I added "mop wood" to "as needed".  If it needs done, I'm going to do it more than once a week.  This one is really dependent on the weather also because, if it's wet outside, paws will track that stuff in.

2.  I added "vacuum furniture" in its place.  I had forgotten about that.  I try to get to the couches about twice a month, so why not once a week?  Of course, if I were going to add it to the list (I did), then I need to actually do it (I didn't).

3.  I gave the guest bathroom a good cleaning and then decided to let it go for now.  It's only me so I don't need to clean a bathroom I don't use.

4.  Clothes:  Is it kind of depressing that this is my biggest challenge? Ever since I was a kid, keeping the floor of my closet clean or putting clothes away as soon as I take them out of the dryer has been an issue.  I end up doing 2 hours worth of work once a month instead of just cleaning up as I go.  I'm working on it...there may have been a Wednesday night where I worked on the closet for awhile.

5.  Cleaning up the kitchen: I'm actually getting better at this.  I set the timer for 22 minutes and work, work, work until it goes off.  If I finish dishes/kitchen-related cleaning, I move onto something else until it beeps.  Why 22 minutes?  20 seemed too short, but 30 is way too long.

6. Dogs:  I try to keep up with their needs as necessary.  Making a schedule for this wasn't going to work.  Ears, teeth, brushing, etc are things I get around to a couple of times a week.  If they're not out hunting in the mud, baths don't need to happen as often either.  Don't worry, they're well-cared for (clearly).

7.  Does anyone have tips for cleaning a laminate floor? Our basement is now laminate and I know you're supposed to mop rarely, but what kind of mop or cleaner works best?  Google is inconclusive.

8. Most of my cleaning is still happening on the weekends.  Honestly, I just dated the weeks on my schedule, but I found it was really difficult to work up the motivation to clean on weeknights.  I would cross off a task here and there, but I did accomplish more on the first weekend of March than during the week.  Then Jett got hurt and I lost the desire to clean the second weekend in March and then spring break came around and I got a lot done but I was sick so I didn't keep track, necessarily, of what I was doing.

9.Those of you who DO use cleaning schedules: What do you do when things are particularly busy?  For instance, if I have houseguests, how do I stick to the schedule?  My strategy is usually "clean for 2 days straight" before they arrive, "clean for 2 days straight" after they leave, and then don't clean again until more guests arrive.  It's not a good way to go about things.

Did the cleaning schedule work?  I'm sure it would have.  And I'm sure it will. I'm just experimenting with things and figuring out what will definitely not work and then I'll have a better idea about what I can do in the future.  I think the trick is to tailor it to your needs and wants, your schedule, and your expectations.  Some things are more important to some people.  Clean floors, clean/put away dishes, and cleared countertops are my priorities.  Dusting and folding clothes are at the bottom of my list.