2. Do the dishes promptly. Nothing makes a kitchen look messier than a pile of dirty dishes and if you do them after each meal the job won't be as big at the end of the day. Then, give the sink a quick wipe and pop the sponge in the dishwasher to clean and disinfect it right along with the dishes.
    3. Next, the bathroom: Train your family to wipe the walls down after each shower. Leave a note if you have to. It will keep soap scum and hard water off the wall, which will eliminate a whole lot of scrubbing.
    4. Use area rugs, it is easier to throw a rug in the washer once a week than to clean up muddy footprints.
    5. The bedroom: Make the bed every morning; it makes the whole room look neater. Don't toss clothes on a chair or bed frame; hang them up or toss them in a hamper. A couple of dryer sheets in the hamper will keep it smelling fresh until laundry day.
    6. Finally, the family room: Before you go to bed clean up clutter and put it in its place, then you aren't saddled with hours of clean-up on the weekend. Store used dryer sheets in a drawer in the living room or family room as a dust cloth for furniture and electronics and no need for spray polish.