20 Actionable Tips on Managing That Never-ending Housework.

Do you struggle with managing housework? Well, you're not alone... We've all been there before!

Here are some useful tips on how to effectively manage that never-ending housework, revealed through my many failures and decent amount of success.
Most housewives, stay-home-moms and even working mothers will agree that housework is a 24/7 job. No matter how organized you are or how much you do, it is never enough. Besides, we women have a tendency to set very high standards for ourselves. We expect to keep house (and if I subdivide that, it will run into millions of pages!), cook for the family (how simple does that sound?!!) and in some cases manage a full time job as well (And we all know how enjoyable THAT is!).

It's true - Managing house-work is a tough job!

I left my job a short while after I got married; It didn't take me too long to realize I wasn't going to be able to "do it all". I probably would have continued working if we had a better working culture or options to work part time or from home. But here in India, you either slog like a dog or you don't work at all. So I chose the latter and have no regrets. Not yet, at least.

Yes, I do miss the prestige that comes with working outside the home - well, actually that's not really true! What I miss, is the luxury of working a job while someone else takes care of all the housework!

I am no expert at home-keeping. But, while analyzing the cause of my many failures, I gathered some useful tips on how to achieve success. 

Two important things for managing housework effectively are a good (and realistic) plan and a strong will power (to stick to the plan). Sadly, I suck at the second part.

I usually fail because I am a Procrastinator. 

Below I am sharing some useful tips that I have gathered during my quest to be an ideal housewife. I hope you will find them useful in some way.

20 highly actionable tips on managing housework effectively:

• Prepare a good schedule that is clear, comprehensive and realistic. (You can even find some free downloadable schedulers online)
• Perform tough or boring tasks at a time when you are fresh and energized - probably in the morning. 
• You can either prepare schedules monthly, weekly or daily depending on what suits you best.(I spend a few minutes each night chalking the next days plan of action)
• Decide the frequency of different tasks/chores that have to be performed while preparing your schedule.
• Delegate tasks/chores to family members or hired help (if you need it). 

  By Hardeep Singh, via Wikimedia Commons

• Keep your schedule in a place such that you can refer to it easily throughout the day. Check each item as it gets done (This is important as it has a feel good factor to it!)
• Be realistic when you prepare your schedules. Make sure you allocate adequate time for each task. Don't fill up your day with too many jobs.
• If you find you can't fit in everything, prioritize. Decide what really has to be done and how often. For example, can the curtains be washed monthly rather than fortnightly?
• Don't be too rigid with the schedule. If you find you have some extra time on some days, complete some tasks in advance. Similarly, if you find that on some days you are running behind, try and compensate the next day or identify tasks which can be postponed to another less busy days. 

  By Parvathisri, via Wikimedia Commons

• Don't get disheartened and give up too easily - Its okay to slip up sometime. Get back up and move on. 
• Go to sleep early and get up before the rest of the family. Getting up early and refreshed helps start the day on a good note. 
• Use tools or equipment that make your chores easier/faster. 
• Organize the house in a way that makes work easier. For example, keep frequently used articles in easily accessible places so you don't have to bend or stretch or struggle to get them everyday.
• Avoid bending excessively or lifting heavy weights. Use appropriate tools, if possible (like long handled mops) 
• while bending or picking things up from the floor, do it the right way - bend with your knees, keep your back straight.

  By Bjornwireen , via Wikimedia Commons

• Control the amount of time you spend on the TV, internet and phone. (Major time wasters in my case! Where is that will power?!)
• Multitask in moderation. Some small tasks can be combined, but don't overdo it. 
• Plan/Prepare for the next day in advance. For example, ironing clothes or chopping vegetables for the next day. 
• Make use of extra time wisely. For example, while the food is on the stove, you could begin cleaning up/setting the table already.
• Avoid procrastination. (Can't add anything here! I am fighting a losing battle with it!)