How I Keep My House Clean with a Big Family: Tips, Tricks, and a Free Chore List!

As a mom of four with a five-bedroom, four-bathroom house (plus a loft, basement, gym, and an open-concept living area), keeping everything clean and organized can feel like an uphill battle. Add kids and everyday life into the mix, and it's easy to get overwhelmed. But over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to help me stay on top of it all—and I’m sharing them with you today! Download List here

1. The Power of the 15-Minute Clean

One of my favorite strategies is the 15-minute power clean. Each day, I set a timer and tackle high-traffic areas like the kitchen, entryway, and living room. Knowing there’s a time limit keeps me focused, and it’s amazing how much can get done in just 15 minutes! Bonus: It helps prevent big messes from piling up.

2. Laundry Every Day

Let’s be real—laundry can get out of control quickly, especially with a family. To avoid the dreaded laundry mountain, I do one load every day. Whether it’s towels, clothes, or bedding, keeping it manageable means I’m never spending an entire day sorting through piles of laundry.

3. Divide and Conquer with Zone Cleaning

Cleaning a big house all at once is just not realistic. Instead, I use zone cleaning. I divide the house into zones and focus on one area each day. For example, Mondays might be bedrooms, Tuesdays are for bathrooms, and Wednesdays are for common areas. This breaks cleaning into smaller, less overwhelming tasks.

4. Declutter Regularly

I make a point to declutter regularly. It’s simple: the less stuff we have, the less I have to clean. Every few months, I go through toys, clothes, and other household items, donating or tossing anything that isn’t used anymore. A clutter-free home is easier to maintain and feels much more peaceful!

5. Get the Kids Involved

As much as I try to stay on top of things, I’m not a one-woman show. My kids help too! They have age-appropriate chores like tidying up their rooms, helping with dishes, or putting away laundry. Not only does it lighten my load, but it also teaches them responsibility and how to take care of their space.

6. Consistency Is Key

It’s not about having a perfect home; it’s about creating manageable routines. By sticking to these daily habits, I can keep the house in order and avoid feeling like everything is piling up at once.