The important thing with cleaning is to stay on top of it and not let it become to big and overwhelming a job to complete. A schedule really does help to break all chores down and make them achievable. I also find popping on favourite music and working to it helps!

When our kids were a bit younger we always had a cleaning morning on the Saturday morning and we most often had the music on and made it a bit into a party.
Through this my kids learned that * cleaning is part of life * cleaning can be fun and is rewarding * each family member is important and plays their part * and important life skills were developed.
Nowadays I just do a bit on the go each day.

You need to try and get a little done each night once your child is settled. I find that I would usally try to get lunches done while cooking dinner, then after normal routines are finished, put some washing on and clean the bathroom for example. Any life admin, I try to get done while at work if possible, i.e. in my lunch break.

We have a daily schedule and that includes cleaning jobs. It really does help to plan and to list all jobs that need attention in the home. We set certain jobs for set days and also have a blitz day on a Saturday and then we can relax on Sunday and it is a day off from cleaning and housework.

See this as fairly normal, and don’t be too hard on yourself, especially as a full-time working single parent. If you can afford a cleaner, perhaps get one in once a fortnight. Otherwise, do one thing every day, and then it won’t get overwhelming. Do a load of washing every day, always put the dishwasher on, have your kids help tidy the shared living space before bed (a place for everything). Kids are capable of more than we ever give them credit for.

I think we all feel like this at times – you are not alone.
I like working with a list and ticking things off as I get them done.
I keep a basket at the bottom of the stairs and if I find something that needs to go upstairs, pop it in there to take the basket up in one hit later.
Take small steps so you feel less overwhelmed.

I find doing a lot of small tasks often make a big difference. Vacuum every second day and use a floor cleaner twice a week. Clean up the kitchen before I shower in the evenings and make sure the dishes are done. I’ll focus on one part of the bathrooms at a time. Clean all the toilets one day, spray down the showers another. Plan out my groceries and meal plans, down to what I’ll cook on what day. That way I can make the easier things mid week when I know I’ll be wanting a bit of a break. Picking up anything random on the floor as I go through the house before it’s 100 random things my toddler has found.

I was a single parent years ago and I made up a chore list … the little things that actually take more time to do and then you can do the big chores knowing the little ones are taken care of by your child/children. My daughter used to feed the dog, help clean the buckets for the dog’s water and then fill them all whilst I did something else like putting on or getting off the washing. Once she got older it was her job to do a “poop patrol” where she collected the poops from the backyard and put them into a bucket lined with a garbage bag. You would be surprised how much time this saves when you’re a busy Mum. Once they get older, they can help with more things, but I suggest as other Mums have to do the washing early and sweep/mop after they go to bed when you’re not dodging little feet and the areas dry quickly. Also cooking ahead and leaving some things to do on the weekend that don’t take up all your free time when you also want to spend time with your child/children. The child/children can also help by packing away their toys and keeping their rooms tidy, putting away their washing, as it comes off the line is also a time saver. You’re doing an amazing job as a single parent, just remember this and never doubt yourself. Good job! 🙂

I take my hat off for you too as a full time working single parent ! The way I keep on top of my cleaning is by keeping a certain structure at least for some task. I put the washing machine early morning so I can hang it out before the school drop and work it away in the evening. When you’re time poor you could consider a dryer. I do the floor every morning. I take a shower before the kids are awake and directly clean the shower cabin and walls and when finished clean the toilets and mirrors. I go with a cloth over the counter, kitchen cupboard and through the oven when I do the dishes in the morning. When cooking always make some extra meals and store them in the freezer for days you’re in a rush or out of time. For the rest I priortise and allocate 1 day/half a day a week to do cleaning chores

I don’t know how you do it. Hats off to you. I work part time and despite having a husband and kids, I still feel overwhelmed with housework. My tip would be get your kids involved, delegate chores. Cook in bulk so you can use leftovers for another days meal. Accept help from family. Good luck.