How to Make a Cleaning Chart

Write a list of weekly cleaning tasks, such as cleaning the bathroom and washing the bedding. Repeat the process for biweekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly cleaning tasks. Your preferences will help you to decide which task goes on which list. Some people clean their refrigerator every three months, while others do it every month. Your decisions will be affected by how many people live in your house, whether you have small children (who tend to create more mess), and how large your house is.

Draw a large grid on a sheet of paper, at least 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Using a ruler, divide the page into 40 boxes (5 rows of 8 boxes). Leave the first box in the top row blank. Write a day of the week, Monday through Sunday, in each of the other boxes in the top row. Make 12 copies of the blank 4-week chart to give you a year's supply. Alternatively, make a table on your computer with the same number of boxes. Save it and print 13 copies.

Refer to your lists of cleaning tasks. Starting with weekly tasks, fill in the boxes on the first four-week chart. Assign each task to a certain day; for example, delegate vacuuming every Monday and dusting every Wednesday. This makes it easier to get into a routine. Under each task, write an approximate time of how long it should take. Then write the name of the person who is responsible for each particular task. Teach children the importance of organization by scheduling a weekly time slot for them to tidy their bedrooms and to help with other light cleaning. Review each task as it is completed, making sure you have not missed anything. Keep in mind other commitments on specific days, such as work or appointments, and consider keeping the weekends fairly free of chores in order to enjoy some leisure time.

Repeat the process for the biweekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly tasks. Remember that each chart represents four weeks. Fill out as many charts as you like, depending on how far in advance you wish to organize your cleaning schedule.

Fill out the chart in pencil, so that changes can easily be made. Use three different colors of pencil: one for the task, one for the time it will take and one for the person responsible. If you choose to fill out a chart on the computer, be sure you are satisfied with the final version before printing.

Display each week's cleaning chart in a prominent place, such as the front of the refrigerator or a cork board. At the end of each week, replace the chart with the next one.