One of the many lessons I’ve learned from Ma (Caroline Ingalls) is to spread my work throughout the week. Having designated days has helped me get more accomplished more consistently than ever before.
Ma said . . .
“Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday, Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday, Rest on Sunday”
Now, I may not be churning butter or mending clothing, but I use this same principle to help me get it all done.
My schedule looks more like this . . .
I get all the laundry done on Monday.
Tuesday is my easy day (my only must-do’s are clipping the kids’ nails and mopping the kitchen).
Wednesday is baking day (we make the cinnamon rolls, pizzas, and other various goodies for the freezer).
Thursday is errand day (market shopping, miscellaneous errands, anything that makes me leave the house I like to do all on one day). I firmly believe that limiting your time out of the house as a stay at home can help volumes in getting everything done.
Friday is our deep clean day. We do different zones each Friday. For example, 1st Friday is kitchen and mudroom. 2nd Friday is the school room and toy room . . . By deep cleaning each of the zones once a month, there’s never a need for Spring cleaning and the house stays decently clean year round.
Saturday is my work day. I make sure the kids have lots of easy food choices for the day and I go hide in my room for about six hours to get my computer work done for the upcoming week. (Don’t worry, my 16-year-old does an excellent job of watching everyone.)
Ideally, I’m not on my laptop during the week while the kids are awake. Having my designated work day and getting a few things done in the early mornings before they wake up help me to accomplish this goal.
But what about the things that need to be done daily?
Of course, there are things that must be done daily, and those things are put on a chore chart of sorts. I keep a copy of it on the fridge.
This is what it currently looks like . . .
By getting little things done each day, and big zones done on Fridays, we’re able to keep the house looking nice without stress.
(Find the Little House on the Prairie books here.)
Some other homemaking posts you might be interested in . . .
Finding Housekeeping Help When Life Is Busy
Simple Housekeeping for Busy Moms
How to Plan Your Ideal Day {w/ printable template}
The Benefits of Cooking From Scratch
15 Staples To Keep On Hand and Over 25 Dishes to Make With Them
Large Family Meal Planning on a Budget (Feeding 8 people on $150/week) With a Sample Menu
7 Things That Help Save Over $150/month on Groceries
Hi there,
Yes I have learned a lot from Caroline Ingalls. She was very hard working, and keeping a home clean, warm and inviting can be hard work too.
I work to do all my chores in the mornings, so the afternoons are free for the things that I love to do, that benefit my family.
Monday afternoons are for Baking
Tuesday afternoons are sewing and repairs .
Wednesday afternoons is gardening
Thursday afternoons is book work and paperwork.( paying bills writing letters)
Fridays is Food shopping.
Thanks to Caroline for her inspiration.
I’d love the templates. This is very helpful and inspiring.