Lately, there’s been a surge of discussions around the challenges faced by busy moms, and I find myself resonating with that sentiment. While my home undergoes a thorough cleaning each Saturday with the entire family pitching in, maintaining that level of cleanliness throughout the week is often a battle I can’t seem to win. After a few hours of scrubbing and tidying up, I’m guilty of taking shortcuts to finish before I hit the wall. It’s all about survival. With weekdays overflowing with work and kids’ activities, spreading out the chores is not really an option. Here are some of the ways I’ve learned to cut corners to keep my sanity intact.
- Dishes and Cookware
I hate to confess, but on some nights, after loading the dishwasher and putting away the leftovers, I’m just too drained to tackle the pots and pans. They often end up soaking in the sink and may remain there until morning. Just keeping it real here! - Crockpot Cleanup
Kudos to the brilliant mind behind the crockpot. However, if someone could invent a self-cleaning version, they’d likely make a fortune! Cleaning those things can be a hassle, so they often join the pots in the soak-fest. - Laundry Management
I wash, dry, and fold the laundry, but putting it away? That’s another story. It mostly sits in the basket until it overflows, forcing me to clear it out for the next load. A never-ending cycle, really. - Vacuuming Strategy
I admit it: I don’t always move furniture when I vacuum. Sometimes I just clean around items, figuring they’re protecting the floor beneath them. Sure, I do a thorough clean occasionally, but not every time. Sorry, not sorry. - Car Chaos
My car is a complete disaster zone. I have no excuses; it’s just true. I’m pretty sure some long-forgotten snacks and spilled drinks are hiding in there. - Stairs as Temporary Storage
When we tidy up, items that belong upstairs often make their way to the stairs and stay there. Maybe it’s time for a one-story home? - Making the Bed
Let’s be honest: I often rush in the mornings, so I sometimes make the bed at night before climbing in. Does that still count? - Kid Clutter
Sure, I pick up after my kids sometimes, but not always. Maybe I’m setting them up to be future hot messes? Honestly, I’m too tired to stress about it right now. - Hot Appliances
I don’t always put away the toaster, hair straightener, or other hot appliances right away. I’m uneasy about stashing them in drawers before they cool down, which means they often linger on the counter. - Condiment Collection
We have two nearly empty bottles of every condiment in the fridge. Cleaning out expired ones is a chore I keep putting off, but I’ll get to it—eventually. - Shoe Situation
Shoes seem to multiply overnight. No one seems to put them away without constant reminders. They often end up strewn across the house, especially by the door. - Vacuum Hose Dilemma
I’m pretty good at vacuuming on weekends, but for some reason, I leave the hose out until Sunday night. Am I subconsciously showing off my cleaning efforts? Who knows! - Mail Pileup
The mail often piles up on my kitchen counter until recycling day. I find it easier to sort through it all at once. If you need something urgent, just call!
These are just a few of the household chores I struggle to complete. Balancing time and energy has taught me the art of corner-cutting for the sake of sanity. If you happen to visit my home and see clutter, feel free to help out—it’s all about teamwork! And if you’re interested in more parenting tips, you might find this insightful article on home insemination beneficial, as well as this great resource on in vitro fertilization for further reading.
In summary, cutting corners is sometimes necessary for busy households. Embracing imperfections can help ease the stress of daily life, and we can all learn to support one another in this journey.