by Kate Rosenberger

Created on: June 17, 2008

Household chores are often the first thing to fall by the wayside as our lives become increasingly jam packed. Weekdays are consumed by work, play dates, extracurricular activities, and homework. Weekends are supposed to be a time to relax, unwind, and gear up for the upcoming week. Where do the household chores fit in? You don't have to choose between having a clean house and having a life. Here are five tips that will help you earn some guilt free relaxation time on the weekend.

Tip # 1: Scatter the cleaning supplies
Rather than storing all of the supplies in one centrally located spot, try storing them strategically throughout the house. Keep trashcan liners in the trashcan under the current liner. You'll be more likely to change it right away if you have a new liner right there. Store the bathroom cleaning supplies in the bathroom. Try keeping a little bin in the bathroom vanity or closet. Stock it with: toilet cleaning supplies, mildew remover, glass cleaner, rags, cleanser, a duster and a couple of sponges. If you live in a multi story house, keep some general cleaning supplies on each floor. If something needs cleaning upstairs, you're more likely to take care of it promptly if you don't have to run all over to retrieve your cleaning supplies.

Tip # 2: Multitask, multitask, multitask
There is no need to set aside large chunks of time specifically for cleaning. The next time you are watching your favorite TV program, polish the furniture or do a little dusting. Better yet, set the vacuum cleaner up and get the vacuuming done during commercials. The bathroom is often one of the most difficult rooms to keep clean. The next time your child is begging for some extra play time in the tub give it to him. In five minutes you can clean the toilet and give the sink a quick rub down. While you're brushing your teeth, grab the glass cleaner and clean the mirror. Stuck in the bathroom waiting for your hair dye to set? Pull out a rag and wipe down the tile.

Tip # 3: Who says you have to do one room at a time?
The thought of tackling an entire room at one shot can be a little daunting, especially after a long day. Rather than give up altogether, do a little each night. It doesn't even have to be one room at a time. One night could be for vacuuming, one for dusting, another for cleaning windows and mirrors. This has the added benefit of saving time because you won't need your whole arsenal of cleaning supplies at once. Just grab your duster and get going.

Tip # 4: Involve the whole family
Household chores aren't just mom's job. This is especially true for working mothers. The rest of the family can and should help. Even young children can help with minor chores. Simple things like picking up after themselves will save time. Often the most time consuming part of cleaning is putting everything away BEFORE you clean. That being said.

Tip # 5: Don't let the clutter get out of hand
It can be difficult but try to keep the mess under control as much as possible. It sounds obvious but everyone is guilty of leaving at least a few things lying around. Those few things can add up fast. Instead of leaving shoes piled up by the door, get in the habit of leaving them on the steps. Put them away on your next trip upstairs. Get in the habit of putting your dishes in the dishwasher right away rather than leaving them in the sink. Weed through mail each day rather than letting it pile up. It will take some time and discipline to retrain yourself but it will be worthwhile.

The real trick to organizing your household chores is to do it in a way that suits your lifestyle. There are no rules, do whatever works for you. Try a few of these tips and invent some of your own. Your weekends will again belong to you!

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