The Best Digital Cleaning Routine for Moms
Digital cleaning routines are perfect for busy moms. Routines for moms are so important in helping us run out home, and a cleaning routine is one of the ones we need the most. I believe that cleaning, like anything else we have to do in life, won’t actually get done on a regular basis unless I have a system for it. I can pretty much systemize anything in my day to day life and it’s how, I feel, I am able to actually be super productive, less stressed and feel proud of myself.
When I started getting focused on my housework and homemaking I felt so lost. I had never learned how to take care of a home and I had no clue how to keep up with all the laundry (seriously… why do they wear so many clothes???), sweeping, bathrooms, and everything else that had to get done.
I had tried printing out charts and checklists. I tried writing things in my planners. I seriously feel like I tried almost everything to stay on top of a good cleaning routine and all I wound up doing was creating more paper clutter, forgetting about the checklists and charts that I wanted to use, avoiding the clearing that I didn’t want to do (can you say bathrooms?) and just feeling even more overwhelmed with all of the tasks.
And then… I tried Trello.
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How to Organize Your Life and Cleaning With Trello
Trello is an amazing website and app that you can use to digitally organize your entire life. When I first heard about it, I really thought it was just for work ad business and that’s how I started using it. After a few months, I saw all of the benefits it was having in my work flow and thought … “okay, there really is something to this” and decided to use it for more personal things. I’ve got a few other posts on how I use Trello personally, including for my prayer life, so check that out too!
I think Trello is a mom’s best friend because you literally can sync up your whole life, add in the people who need to know things, keep all your links, to do lists and everything literally in just one space. Gone are the days with paper clutter and buying a ton of planners you don’t use! Now, don’t get me wrong… I love a good Erin Condren planner, but there are sometimes where you just have to move into the digital age and get rid of all the paper clutter!
How to Use Trello as a Busy Mom
If you’re looking to move to a simplified system for cleaning, I want to share with you what works for me with Trello. You can head on over and just COPY my board to your base and customize it for you or create your own. Check out the video where I walk you through how to do it or read below for the play-by-play.
Step #1: How to Copy a Board on Trello
If you want to copy the board, you’ll need a Trello account to do so but it’s free so that rocks. Once you log in and go to the link, head right on over to the right where it says SHOW MENU. Next, hit the MORE button and hit COPY BOARD. When you copy the board, you can decide if you want to rename it and where you want it to go.
Step #2: How to Create Cleaning Cards on Trello
My system for cleaning routines is pretty basic. I make two lists (simply by typing in where it says ADD LIST); one for weekly cleaning and one for deep cleaning. You could also create a daily cleaning chart if you need as well.
My cleaning system also has me doing one room every single day. I tried so many other strategies but found if I stick to a simple ‘on Monday I do the bedrooms, on Tuesday I do the bathrooms” etc…. I will actually follow it.
I create a card for each room that make myself a checklist of what I want done in that room. This is also great because you can assign members to the board so, if you want to have your hubby or kiddos clean, you can make them a checklist. You have the capability to print the checklist as well so if you want them to have it, instead of using the app, it’s at their fingertips.
Related Post: How to Create a Cleaning Routine with Your Kids
I have also added attachments to those cards when I think of a project I want to do in that room and come across maybe a new bath curtain or cleaning supply I want to try. If someone recommends something to me that I might want to add to my kid’s room or shopping list, I can link the amazon link directly to it and get to it later. I can’t tell you how many times someone recommends a cleaning product and I think “oh I should get that” and completely forget when it’s time to buy it! This way, all the links are right there for me!
I also add a due date to the cards and rotate them each week, since I do the same room on the same days each week. You can sync this to your google calendar, which is what I do! I have started using my google calendar to pretty much plan all of my life so, when it’s time for my daily cleaning (which happens after my 9 month old goes down for his first nap while my toddler has craft/playtime), my checklist is right there for me!
Step #3 Sync Trello To Your Google Calendar
The sync to your calendar,you’ll need to install what’s called a POWER UP. These are basically just cool things to make your board even more awesome. Power ups are listed under your menu on the right. Download the CALENDAR power up to start.
Now anything you create on this board, you can see in calendar mode as well.
Now, open up your calendar and click the little gear icon to get the URL for this specific calendar. Then open your google calendar on your desktop ADD A CALENDAR and hit FROM URL. This is where you will input the URL from the Trello board. You can now see this on your main calendar as long as the box is checked.
I add in due date for the next week and, once I complete it, I simply change the due date on my board so that it comes up each week. You can also download the Card Repeater power up if you don’t want to have to change the due date. If you have Trello Gold, you can have more than one power up, but with the free version, you have to pick. So, if it were me, I’d have the calendar and do the repeating myself.
I also suggest making sure you set due dates for the deep cleaning things. I add in due dates for things such as washing sheets, cleaning baseboards, or dusting the ceiling fan. Any of the things that you maybe do once a month, once a quarter or even once a year should go on your deep cleaning list! And don’t forget to add the due date so it shows up on your google calendar too!
Using a Cleaning Caddy and Trello
As a busy mom, you need a cleaning routine that works. I hope you’ll see how a digital system can be super easy for you and your family. One of my favorite things about using Trello is that I can have it on my phone while I’m around the house. This also helps if you’re getting your older kids to help around the house. You can refer them to the Trello board on their phone with the app and make sure they complete their individual checklist before calling you in to check!
If you’re cleaning on the go, bring along your phone and Trello checklist and a cleaning caddy! I keep one main cleaning caddy that I bring from room to room. This way, it’s easy to grab it and have all my supplies in hand.
What could you keep in a cleaning caddy?
- High quality cleaning supplies (We love these ones for only $3 from Brandless!)
- The Scrub Daddy (we’re obsessed!)
- Magic Erasers
- Paper Towels
- Microfiber Clothes
Related Post: Is Brandless Legit
As busy moms, I know how overwhelming cleaning and keeping up with our homes can be! I hope this Trello board and checklist helped! Do you do zone cleaning or room by room? Post it in the comments!
More Trello Tips for Moms
The Best Way to Plan a Birthday Party with Trello
How to Organize Your Goals with Trello
Organize Your Kid’s Schedules with Trello
The Ultimate Christmas Planner with Trello
How to Organize Your Prayer Time with Trello
Must Have Resources for Moms to Get Organized!
Organize Your Life with Trello Course
Want to grab my free stay at home mom evening routine checklist? Just drop your email address and it’s all yours!
Thank you for sharing! Great ideas!
Thanks! Glad they helped!