How To Create An Efficient and Effective Chore Schedule
Household chores are less than ideal. They are repetitive, tedious, and not the ideal downtime activity. That being said, they are rewarding when scheduled and planned out accordingly. And we all know they are just apart of life so why not create the best process? A clean/organized home just hits differently. For me, I think it’s a smart and productive way to ensure you are getting what needs to be done as swiftly as possible whilst creating habits that become easier each month for whatever your schedule may look like.
Start with writing down a list of all the “chores” you take on in a month. Get micro with it and jot down ALL the things. Once you have your list, start grouping similar tasks together. For example, I like to do all dry work on a separate day than wet work. Fun fact - I used to work as a maid for a short time and that is the cleaning lingo. Dry work includes dusting, wiping down counter tops, cleaning mirrors and vacuuming. Wet work includes sealing counter tops, wiping down kitchen appliances, cleaning windows, toilets and mopping. Ideally they should be back to back. I like to include outdoor chores on a separate day. Laundry is generally included between both dry and wet days but honestly, I do laundry at least 2-3x a week. I prefer smaller, more manageable loads. Just how my brain works.
Personally I find by doing bite sized tasks on different days divides the work load out and I don’t feel anxious or overwhelmed thinking I need to get it all done on one day. No one wants to spend hours catching up.
Now that you have a compiled list of all your cleaning tasks start grouping together tasks you do once a week for vs every two weeks vs 1x a month, etc. I like to use the reminders feature in my phone for all of these. This feature is great because you can customize the occurrence to your specific needs. If you prefer desk calendars or planners then do that. Everything I have is stored electronically but I also write down these tasks in my daily planner to so that I can see it through out the day.
Remember, it’s about what works best for YOU! I also like to keep my work schedule next to me so I can decide what days are best to complete certain tasks. For example, If I am working a later shift I might want to schedule my morning to do list accordingly. Make it work for you. A great feature reminders has is that you can share it with others. Sean also has this list and together we check tasks off as we do them. Team work is the dream work!
These are all the categories we use in our reminders app.
Home Tasks
I like to write down everything, even if it seems silly. It helps me maintain a thorough routine and ensure everything I want is getting accomplished.
Yes, our pets have their own category, LOL. Very high maintenance.
I find that when I break everything up into certain days and specific tasks I actually complete what I need to each day and it's just apart of my daily routine. I have always been into cleaning and obsessed with organizing so it never didn’t get done, but I was not efficient with it. I would get lazy and then try to jam all these chores into one day so that I could get it all done and, that’s how you end up falling out of a routine and despising it.
Do yourself a favor and start a chore/cleaning task routine for yourself and never look back! You are going to love it. Oh, and if you have a roommate or partner living with you, split that shit. Create a schedule that works best and is evenly laid out for both people living in the home. I believe it's so important to give care and nourish the home you live in. Regardless of the size, age or if you own or rent. This is your precious sanctuary. Your space to recharge and rest and it needs TLC just like you.
See you next week,
XO
Charlene
