The key to easy house cleaning is to have a workable schedule that makes the cleaning process go simple and fast.
Not every thing needs to be cleaned every day or every week; but some things do need to be cleaned every day, every week, every month, or even just once a year. Start your cleaning plan by making a list of those things to be cleaned. A sample daily cleaning list might include picking up clothing and either putting it away or into the dirty clothes hamper, washing the dishes, wiping bathroom counters and sinks, wiping down the shower walls, wiping kitchen counters, sink and stove, wiping up any spills or crumbs on tables or floors, and making beds. This isn't an exhaustive list and some of the items on this list can be left undone. Choose what you want done every day and then decide what time you'll do it. Having a specific time each day for cleaning tasks makes the task more likely to happen.
Next make a list of cleaning jobs that must be done weekly. This might include sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming all carpets, dusting, laundry, cleaning sinks and countertops, cleaning bathtubs, cleaning toilets, cleaning mirrors, shaking out small rugs and doormats, and emptying out the garbage. Most people set aside a day or half a day to do these chores and enjoy having their entire house cleaned in one day. Others find that assigning one or two chores each day works better for their schedules. The key is to find out what works for you. Try both for a couple of weeks and then decide. You can always change your mind later. If you struggle with clutter, it does help to set aside time each day or a few hours each week to clear the clutter before you clean.
There are many cleaning jobs that are longer, more time consuming, or simply unnecessary to do every week or even every month. These chores should be marked on the calendar because none of us has the time to remember when we last cleaned out the refrigerator: we wait until we're tipped off by picking up the milk carton and discovering the bottom is stuck to the refrigerator shelf. Monthly cleaning tasks might include that dreaded refrigerator, cleaning kitchen appliances and cabinets, dusting trim and woodwork, vacuuming under beds and sofas, flipping and vacuuming sofa cushions, and sweeping the garage or porch. Even less often, perhaps every few months, be sure to clean out closets, clean out the freezer, and clean the oven. There are also annual cleaning jobs such as wiping down walls, defrosting the freezer, and cleaning windows and screens, but those usually fall under the topic of spring cleaning.
Remember, as you plan your cleaning schedule, go easy on yourself and don't do any unnecessary work. If it's not dirty, by all means, don't clean it!
