When I first got married, my life as a keeper of the home felt nerve-racking and hectic. I would constantly fall behind on laundry, forget to do a certain household chore that needed my attention, etc. I couldn’t help but feel overwhemed, and I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong. Then, one day, it hit me—I need a schedule!
My whole life my life has been based on a schedule. When I was a baby, I am sure my mother fed me, changed me, bathed me and put me down at certain times. From preschool through high school, I was told what class I had to be at when, and even in college I went to class at certain times and I worked at certain times. Now that I am married, I need a schedule to be a keeper of the home in an organized fashion. So, if you are finding that you are going through your days in a daze, and you are struggling to get everything done, try making a schedule. I have listed mine below to help you get started, but by no means should your schedule look like mine. Each house is different and each family is different, so each schedule should be different.
Mrs. T’s Daily Schedule
5:30-6:00 Wake up, let dog outside and make bed.
6:00-6:30 Get Dressed, Brush Hair, Etc.
6:30-7:00 Fix Breakfast
7:00-7:30 Eat Breakfast, Wash Dishes & Decide What Is For Dinner
7:30-9:30 Computer Time (Read E-Mail, Update Blog, Check News & Weather Etc.)
9:30-10:30 Let dog outside/walk/exercise
10:30-11:00 Fix Lunch
11:00-11:30 Eat Lunch, Wash Dishes
11:30-1:00 Quiet Time (Read, Pray, Etc.)
1:00-3:00 Zone Chores
3:00-3:30 Freshen up Time (Make sure living room is tidy, light a candle, freshen up myself, etc.)
3:30-5:30 Fix Dinner
5:30-6:00 Eat Dinner
6:00-6:30 Wash Dishes/Tidy Kitchen
6:30-7:30 Talk with Hubby, Read, Watch Movie Together, Etc.
7:30-8:00 Bathe/Shower
8:00-8:30 Night Routine (lay out clothes, let dog outide, lock-up, etc.)
8:30-9:00 Get Ready for Bed (brush teeth, floss, lotion up, etc.)
9:00-5:30 Sleep
Of course I don’t follow my schedule to the dot, but I use it as something to go by. You may be asking what Zone Chores are. Well, to make sure things get done on a regular basis I have divided our home into ”zones” or “areas”. Zone One includes the entrance, front porch, dining area, office area, and balcony. Zone Two includes the kitchen and utility room. Zone Three includes our master bedroom and the master bathroom. I have listed every chore that could possibly be done in each of our ”zones” so that I have a check list to go by. Usually I do Zone Three chores on Monday since it includes our master bedroom, and I like to launder sheets weekly at the beginning of the week. Zone Two on Tuesday and Zone One on Wednesday. I don’t have a zone for Thurdsay because this is my marketing/errand day. I also don’t have a zone for Friday because it is a weekend day around our home because Mr. B works 4 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday.
It might also help for you to create a weekly schedule or routine. For example, Sundays for us include going to church, baking, family time and relaxation. Mondays include laundry. Tuesdays I try to clean out my car so it is ready for errands on Thursday. Wednesdays I do any gardening that may need to be done, as well as update our finances and get bills ready to mail. Thursdays I make a meal plan for the next week, go to the post office, bank, etc. and do marketing. Friday and Saturdays are random days for us. They may include gardening, any home projects we’re working on, spending time with friends, etc.
Just as your life will change by certain events, your schedule will change. For example, if you have a new baby or if hubby’s job requires new hours your schedule may change dramatically. The important thing is to tailor your schedule to your home and family and not try to tailor someone else’s schedule to your home and family.
In Him,
Mrs. T
