I'm a total housekeeping failure. I've never been successful at keeping my house organized and clean. The best I got was just after I got married and DH & I would spend our Saturdays doing crazy cleaning and then wait til the next week.
A month or 2 ago I found
www.justmommies.com 's housekeeping plan and omgosh - my house looks so much more amazing! I am feeling more successful and have seen such an improvement. I'm not embarrassed if people come by, etc.
I'm not where near perfect, but the changes it's motivated in me have been tremendous.
Basically, there's every day routine tasks - morning, afternoon and evening. Then there's daily tasks - like Monday is changing the bathroom towels and bed sheets. and washing the laundry. Tuesday is vacuuming and dusting. Wednesday is washing the bathroom and wiping lightswitches/doorknobs. etc. etc.
Then there's a calendar for the month. Each day has something to do. Like today is sweep the front and rear entrances.
For people who want/need more, there's monthly goals too - like to go through your drawers and get rid of clothes you don't need, etc.
... maybe it sounds more complicated than it really is!
I just printed out what I have to do every day. Printed out a blank meal plan for the week. Printed out the calendar. Then taped them all on my pantry door in sheet protector.
I've also finished reading Steve & Teri Maxwell's book "Managers of their Chores" and have been inspired to include my boys in the housekeeping. I made their little chorepacks and added them to the pantry collection of paperwork. Day 2 of adding them into the plan and they love it! (Hoping that continues). I'm finding getting them involved gets me involved.
My husband has actually mentioned that he can see the difference - and THAT, for me, is success.