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What to Clean and When | Proverbs 31 @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Housekeeping Rules to Live By | Free Printable

“Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?” Luke 15:8

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Today I’m sharing my 7 Rules for Housekeeping with you and I’m certain that if you follow these simple housekeeping rules, you’ll have an easier time keeping your house tidy!

Housekeeping Rules to Live By @ AVirtuousWoman.org

When it comes to keeping a tidy house, it can feel just about impossible to keep up. However, I have realized that enacting a few basic housekeeping rules helps me keep my sanity when it comes to our home staying somewhat picked up.

Plus, these are fun little rules to teach the kids that can be passed down to their children. No one said keeping a house clean and tidy had to be a negative experience.

7 Housekeeping Rules to Live By

  1. “Put it away, don’t put it down.”
  2. “A place for everything and everything in its place.”
  3. “A tidy house is easier to clean than a messy house.”
  4. “Kids need chores appropriate for their age.”
  5. “Plan, plan, plan – and make a list!”
  6. “Create a routine and stick to it.”
  7. “Don’t wait till the last minute to start a chore. Do it ahead of time.”

To be sure we understand what each of these rules means, let’s take a closer look at each of these housekeeping rules.

Be sure to download my free printable checklist at the end of the post!

Housekeeping Rules to Live By

These little housekeeping rules can be turned into a neat memory on top of turning cleaning the house into a fun and light experience. These seven housekeeping rules will not only help you but, also help your family in staying on top of a clean home.

1. Put it away, don’t put it down

It’s all too easy to just put something down where we’re standing instead of just putting it away. However, the more times we just set something down instead of putting it away, can add up and cause for a lot more work later on.

If things are put away as they’re used, not only does that get the work finished in smaller spurts but, later on, there won’t be anything to pick up. This results in not having to worry about taking an hour to pick up everything and reorganize it down the road.

This also makes it nice for when you have last minute company coming over or you don’t have time to clean the house. There won’t be stuff randomly placed everywhere, making your house, at the very least, look uncluttered.

related: The One Minute Rule

2. A place for everything and everything in its place

It can be tempting to just toss something down without trying to find a rightful place for it. For example, those dreaded junk drawers that just about every house has. Although these can be handy for random tools, batteries, matches, etc. there is a better way to organize these items rather than tossing them into a drawer.

For example, having a plastic container with apartments inside the drawer where each item can go, is a much nicer way to keep things organized and gives each item a place it belongs. This way, there’s no confusion about where an item can be found and where it belongs.

This can also make it easier for children and parents to keep items cleaned up. Knowing, without a doubt, where an item goes can encourage each person in the house to place it back where it belongs after using it. As the last rule suggests, always place something back in its place after using it.

3. A tidy house is easier to clean than a messy house

As mentioned in the first rule, it’s much easier to clean a house that stays picked up rather than attempt to clean a house that looks like a tornado hit!

Taking a few seconds to put something back in its place once you’re finished using it will make cleaning the house in depth, much easier and much quicker because there will be far less to handle.

The hardest part is picking everything up and organizing back into its place. Imagine only having to sweep, dust, or vacuum a room when cleaning instead of everything else.

4. Kids need chores appropriate for their age

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with giving your children chores around the house. This helps them learn responsibility and respect. This also encourages them to not be as messy since they will have to cleanup their own messes, not getting to leave it for someone else to clean.

However, it’s important that children aren’t tasked with something too complicated or dangerous for their age. For example, it’s probably not the smartest idea to give a five-year-old the task of mowing the lawn. Age appropriate chores will allow everyone to pitch and have the ability to stay safe and do a good job at the chore they’re given.

related: Chore Chart Bundle for Kids

5. Plan, plan, plan – and make a list!

Plan ahead and make lists to keep it all organized. It can be so easy to let life wash us away in worry and stress. However, the more organized you can stay, the easier it will be to keep a handle on everything that stresses us out, including keeping the house clean.

Make a list of chores that need to be done and post it for everyone in the house to see. Make a to-do list for yourself and ensure that keeping the house clean is on it. Work it into your schedule instead of just tossing it in when you can.

If you plan for cleaning the house, it won’t feel like it’s an extra chore you’re having to shove in. It’s already on your list and isn’t a surprise.

6. Create a routine and stick to it

We’ve all heard that making something a habit makes it easier to handle. For example, exercising can be hard to work into our already busy schedules. However, if we make it a part of our daily routine, it becomes an automatic action rather than a forced one.

The same holds true for cleaning the house or keeping it tidy. Make it a routine to cleanup some of the house at certain points in the day. Before long, your mind and body will automatically be attuned to doing it at that time of a day and it will be much easier and not feel forced.

related: How to Create a House Cleaning Routine

7. Don’t wait till the last minute to start a chore. Do it ahead of time

Procrastination can be our worst enemy. The hardest part is just starting. So, don’t wait, just jump in and get started. Putting it off until the last minute will only add stress and pressure.

Neither of these things usually bode well for your health or your overall attitude. So, don’t do that to yourself. Get up, say a little prayer for motivation, and get it finished.

You will be so relieved once you’ve finished and the weight on your shoulders will be much lighter!


Many of these rules of housekeeping are pretty simple and may not be anything new to most of us. However, it can be easy to overlook or forget these basic rules in our day-to-day routine.

An organized list of these housekeeping rules is a nice reminder of ways to keep our house tidy while reducing stress at the same time.

Action Steps to Take Today

  1. Think about your current habits. Which of these housekeeping rules do you struggle with the most?
  2. Download my free printable Rules of Housekeeping Checklist below.
  3. Use the printable as a guide to help you build new, better habits.
  4. Learn to be more disciplined and cultivate a heart of self discipline at home.

Free Printable Checklist

Free Printable | Housekeeping Rules to Live By @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Download

  1. Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive an email with the link to download your free printable Housekeeping Rules to Live By. You’ll also receive helpful emails and updates from me on a regular basis!
  2. If you are already a subscriber, you’ll find this resource in my Subscriber Exclusive Resource Library.
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About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MAGDA

    September 25, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    LOVE YOUR PRINTABLES!! THANKS FOR SHARE. GREETINGS FROM MONTERREY MEXICO!!!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      September 25, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      I'm so glad! :) Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Hope to see you again soon!
      Reply
  2. Andrea

    August 10, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    When will the 2017 planners be mailed?
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      August 10, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Hi Andrea, the planners will begin to ship in late September 2016 in order of purchase. I hope to have all pre-orders shipped by Thanksgiving.
      Reply
  3. Akila

    December 17, 2016 at 9:09 am

    Hi, I'm Akila from Algeria. I'm a Mom to 2 kids, one of them suffers from dysphalsia, so you can imaginé the amount of time I have to dévote to him( more than my elder son. Now that they are somehow more indépendant, as they are 13 and 10, I'm turning to finding more time to my work préparations as a teacher, and assisting their éducation. I find your site and tips about planning, decluttering,,, soooooo helpful, so thank you very much. God bless.
    Reply

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purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
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A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
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But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
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☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
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Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
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There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
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Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
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The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
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He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
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But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
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⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
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✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
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In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
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📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
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📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
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🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
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☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
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✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
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Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
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So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
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I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
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📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
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