In the new year I am working on the house more, and that means making lots of lists to keep me on track. I keep a notebook at my desk with the daily to do’s and a little notebook on my bedside table with things that I don’t want to forget. I keep a third in my purse, just in case.

I’m also working in a housekeeping schedule for myself. I’ve been reading through lists and tips on pinterest, and I’ve been keeping to mine pretty good so far. I still really need to get a schedule down that I can stick to. I’m the worst when it comes to housework, I’d rather be cooking, or crocheting.

Here is what my Tuesday and Thursday Housekeeping List looks like:

Downstairs:

• Foyer/Dining Room: Dust/sweep,vac if needed, de-clutter, and put away items, sweep stairs, water plants, restock items on the dining room table
• Den/Office: Dust surfaces, empty trash cans, sweep/vac floor, put away and de-clutter, water plants
• Living Room: Sweep floors, vac carpets, water plants, dust surfaces, de-clutter toy bins
• Kitchen: Sweep, clean surfaces. empty trash cans, one load of dishes
• Utility Room/ Half bathroom: Sweep, clean surfaces, load one batch of laundry, clean the litter-box, clean the toilet, empty trash can, water plants
• Take all of the trash outside

Upstairs:

• Agnes’ Room: Make the bed, change bedding if needed, empty trash can, dust surfaces, sweep, vac carpet, put away toys, and de-clutter at least one toy bin
• Boy’s Room: Make the beds, change bedding if needed, empty trash can, dust surfaces, sweep, put away toys, and de;-clutter at least one toy bin
• Hallway: Sweep, Clear clutter as needed from storage closet
• Bathroom: Spray down shower, sweep floor, de-clutter surfaces, clean all surfaces, clean the toilet, water plants, empty trash can
• Master bedroom: Dust surfaces, sweep floor, vac carpet, make the bed, change bedding as needed, de-clutter surfaces, and empty trash cans
• Take all of the trash outside

It takes me a little over two hours to get it all done, I’m often adding little chores to the list too. It is a pretty good start, I just need to stay motivated to keep it up.

What about you… Do you keep lots of lists too?

While I was looking at my calendar filled with post-its, and school papers, I realized that I haven’t gotten too much accomplished on my October to-do list…

• Clean out the boys room, closet, dresser (again): Still not done
• Clean out Agnes’ closet and toy bins (much needed): Well the toy bins have been cleaned out and re-organized. The closet still needs a lot of work.
• Decorate indoors and outdoors. The new den could use some Halloween decor, and the front porch needs a little work to welcome Autumn.
  Well, this one might get scrapped…
• Plan Agnes’ 5th birthday party, and get to shopping: REALLY NEEDS DONE!!!
• Figure out what to get James for his birthday and our anniversary too…: Yep, no idea
• I’m helping out with pre-school duties again, I can’t wait!: I’m scheduled to help two times again next week…
• I actually finished one of the crocheted Christmas gifts, and I have just one left to make. I went a different route, but I liked the finished product even more.
• The kids have a lot of time off in October, maybe a little road trip is in order.: Hmmm, looks like the last week (when they have days off) is already a little busy
• Finalize Halloween costumes. Agnes has hers, Dylan has an idea, Thade’s costume had to be scrapped ($$$$$), so he is thinking on it.

The Halloween costumes are done, and ready to go trick-or-treating! I also picked up the boys some new shoes. They’ve both changed sizes again.

• A few indoor plants need to be re-potted, I picked up a great pot at the flea market yesterday for the task.

Oh yeah, this one is done!

• Clean out and reorganize the kitchen shelves, get rid of a few cluttered items: Still needs to be accomplished…
• I also had an impromptu item added. I cleaned out my closet, and took all of the unused clothes to be donated. I also rearranged my out of season purses too. My closet is a little bit cleaner now.

Today it is cold and rainy, and it looks like we are going to be in for the weekend. Maybe I can get some of these tasks done. I had better get to it, the month is getting away from me.

With October just around the corner, I’ve been thinking of a few projects I would to get accomplished during the month.

• Clean out the boys room, closet, dresser (again)
• Clean out Agnes’ closet and toy bins (much needed)
• Decorate indoors and outdoors. The new den could use some Halloween decor, and the front porch needs a little work to welcome Autumn.
• Plan Agnes’ 5th birthday party, and get to shopping
• Figure out what to get James for his birthday and our anniversary too…
• I’m helping out with pre-school duties again, I can’t wait!
• Locate and purchase yarn colors needed to complete Christmas gifts. I’m down to the last two gifts to make, and I’m losing steam.
• The kids have a lot of time off in October, maybe a little road trip is in order.
• Finalize Halloween costumes. Agnes has hers, Dylan has an idea, Thade’s costume had to be scrapped ($$$$$), so he is thinking on it.
• A few indoor plants need to be re-potted, I picked up a great pot at the flea market yesterday for the task.
• Clean out and reorganize the kitchen shelves, get rid of a few cluttered items

I’m sure that more items will get added to the list. What do you have on your To Do List for October?