Best Household Chores List to Divide and Conquer Your To-Dos
Are you tired of pulling your hair out because you can’t find what you need? Do you feel like your house is a mess? Or you’re the only one doing all the work?
A good list of household chores can be a game-changer. And today we have a master chore list, a great list of chores for kids, and tips for how to work smarter – not harder on household tasks.
What should you include in your chores list?
Pro Tip: First, get out a piece of paper to make your master list while you read!
And remember: this doesn’t have to just be cleaning. It can include anything that keeps your household running smoothly throughout the week. Things like:
- Meal prep
- Common house repair
- Errands
- Getting kids to activities
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The Master Chore List
Now, you can create your master chore list two ways. First, here are ideas for household categories. Then, read on for ideas based on frequency.
Keep scrolling to get your hands on the freebie too!
Common Cleaning List of Chores
- Picking up different rooms
- Vacuuming
- Doing the dishwasher
- Sweeping
- Mopping
- Dusting
- Cleaning bathrooms
For specific common rooms, check out the tabs below:
- Pick up clutter
- Wipe counters
- Clean the stovetop
- Clean out sink
- Wipe down appliances
- Run the dishwasher/do dishes needed
- Wipe inside of the microwave
- Clean out the fridge
- Replace kitchen towels
- Sweep floor
- Mop floor
- Wipe the mirror
- Wipe the sink
- Clean the bathtub/shower
- Wipe the toilet
- Clean the inside of the toilet
- Sweep floor/mop
- Replace bathroom towels
- Take out trash
- Pick up stuff
- Make bed
- Clear off desk and dresser
- Change sheets
- Clean out trash
- Clean under bed
- Dust
- Vacuum
See this kids routine pack for a fun bedroom cleaning checklist
Errands
- Grocery shopping
- Household supplies
- Car supplies and maintenance
- Getting kids to and from activities
Laundry
- Running loads of laundry (Print a free laundry cheat sheet)
- Sorting, folding, and putting away
- Washing sheets, blankets, pillows
- Ironing
Cooking
- Preparing a meal or snack ahead
- Cooking
- After meal clean up (wiping the table, putting dishes away, washing pans, etc.)
Outside Chores
- Mowing the lawn
- Working in the garden
- Landscaping
- Weeding
- Small house repair jobs
Responsibilities Involving Kids/Pets
- Childcare
- Kids activities (signing up for and/or being involved in)
- Buying kids supplies
- School drop off and pick up
- Feeding, bathing, cleaning up after pets
Chores By How Often
Now, here’s a list of chore ideas broken down into how often something needs to be done (daily, weekly, monthly).
Note that some ideas are different from above. Use ALL of the task ideas in this article to help you create your own customizable list.
Daily Household Chores List
- Making beds
- Picking up rooms
- Taking out the trash
- Running the dishwasher
- Wiping countertops
- Washing dishes
- Spot sweeping & vacuuming
- Wiping the dinner table
- Setting and clearing dinner table
- Cooking and meal clean up
- Feeding pets
- Childcare
- Scrubbing kitchen sink
*Use this free daily schedule block template to schedule them in!
Weekly
- Sorting the mail (this may be daily for you depending on the amount you receive)
- Paying the bills / doing the budget
- Mowing the lawn
- Sweeping & mopping
- Vacuuming
- Doing laundry
- Meal planning (Find a free template HERE)
- Meal prepping
- Cleaning particular rooms (bathrooms, kitchen, etc.)
- Going grocery shopping
- Cleaning out fridge
- Kids activities
- Working in the garden
- Watering plants
- Wiping mirrors & dirty windows
- Washing towels
- Wiping surfaces
* This free habit tracker may be helpful in tracking progress!
Monthly or Seasonal Chores:
- Cleaning inside of the oven
- Deep cleaning the inside of the fridge
- Cleaning out and organizing spice rack
- Cleaning inside of cabinets
- Cleaning out the freezer
- Wiping outside of cabinets
- Scrubbing the showers/bathtubs
- Re-organizing the medicine cabinet.
- Washing rugs, pillows, throws, curtains
- Changing sheets and bedding
- Cleaning hard to reach windows & fans
- Cleaning out closets
- Decluttering toys, shoes, etc.
- Washing the car
- Bathing pets
- Wiping baseboards/switch plates, railings, chairs, doorknobs, walls, etc.
Yearly List of Chores:
- Shampooing carpets
- Cleaning the garage
- Pruning shrubs and trees
- Wiping baseboards
- Replacing air filters
- Dusting blinds
- Paying taxes
- Home repair
- Cleaning dryer vent
- Deep cleaning specific rooms (office, basement, etc)
Handy Free Printable PDF of Chores List
Grab access below and get the free chore list printable! Then, read on to get the scoop on the kid’s list.
Why a Household Chores List Will Help You
First, here are some important benefits of a chore list:
You’ll stay ahead of the game.
You’ll know what needs to be done! You can work on chores incrementally instead of doing one big soul-sucking clean up all at once. That’s a big mental boost right there!
It’s easier to delegate.
Once you see everything that needs to be done clearly, it’s much easier to list out chores for everyone in your household.
You can put things on autopilot.
No one wants to spend their time thinking about chores. So, don’t!
As a mama of 3, I’ve learned that the more I can get down on paper – and automate- the better life is for all of us!
You reduce mental overload.
By using the list to organize and automate your household duties, you’ll have so much less to keep track of in your head! You’ll feel less scattered and have more focus and energy for other activities that matter to you.
List of Chores for Kids
Now that we have a master list, it’s time to divide out what needs to be done!
Why Kids Should Help
First, kids absolutely should be helping with chores. Not only does it help mom and dad stay sane, but it teaches kids responsibility, good habits, work ethic, and teamwork.
A recent poll discovered that just 28% of parents say they regularly assign chores to their kids, even though 82% of parents said they grew up doing chores themselves. (source)
Here’s a simple kids chore list by age:
Household Chores List for 2-4 Year Olds
At this level, they are just learning. So, start with small areas and easier tasks. And be sure to model repeatedly.
- Sweep
- Dust
- Light vacuum
- Wipe windows
- Pick up
- Wipe counters
- Help put away clothes
- Set and clear the table
- Pick up room/toys
- Feed pets
- Water the plants
- Help make/put away breakfast
Chores List for Kids 5-9 Year Olds
The LIST ABOVE, PLUS:
- Sort laundry into whites and darks
- Help with laundry
- Sort & put away their own laundry
- Clean bathrooms
- Take out light trash/recycling
- Regular vacuuming
- Wash or dry dishes
- Cook simple recipes
- Help with cooking
- Help clean up after dinner
- Load and unload the dishwasher
- Bring in groceries from the car
- Make school lunches
- Make and put away breakfast (by themselves)
List of Kids & Teens Chores (for 10 Year Olds & Up)
The LISTS ABOVE, PLUS:
- Walk the family dog
- Do own laundry
- Watch younger siblings (with supervision when younger)
- Mow the lawn (older kids)
- Take out heavy trash & recycling
- Pack themselves when traveling (Here’s a packing checklist for camping)
Related: How To Teach Budgeting To Kids
(You can also find a clear kids chore list printable in my family routine pack)
How to Use the Kids List of Chores
Divide Responsibilities
Now that you have a master list and kids list, divide out chores to do to each family member.
For daily responsibilities, a routine checklist works well. And for weekly chores, you’ll want a chore chart printable template. Both of these resources can work for kids or adults.
Break Down Some Chores for Kids
Especially with younger kids, you may need to break down a common chore.
For example, one child can clear the table, while another washes, and another dries. If you find something a struggle, start with less and build over time.
Get Input and Practice
As my kids have gotten older, I’ve realized that chores run smoother when they have input on when and what they do. Therefore, we now work together on what their responsibilities (and good habits) should be. Plus, I try to give them some autonomy on when it gets done.
The rest is a matter of practice! It gets smoother with time.
Motivate Everyone
And finally, if your kids need extra motivation, try out these free coupons for kids in the resource library. My kids LOVE them and they could be just what you need to kick-start your family chores.
Related:
For yourself, see this list of non food rewards for adults to get you inspired!
Other Ideas to Reduce the Chore Load
Creating a list of chores, automating, and dividing them out is a big step. But sometimes, it’s not enough.
If you need more help, consider these creative solutions:
Hire a cleaner:
If you are drowning in to-dos, this could take A LOT off your plate.
Talk to your partner:
Be open, clear, and firm that you expect everyone to help. If your partner isn’t pitching in enough, it’s time to put your foot down.
Stop folding kids clothes:
Honestly, do they stay folded anyways?
Ask for help in other ways:
There are companies that will pick up your dirty laundry, wash, and drop off your clean clothes on the doorstep. It’s magic!
You can also hire someone to mow your lawn, add to your childcare, or do your taxes.
But, what if you are short on cash? Enlist relatives and friends instead, barter and trade for things, or join a carpool. If you are motivated enough, you can find more help than you realize!
Buy healthy pre-made food:
If cooking is a problem, invest in more healthy options at the store that make meals easier. Ideas include rotisserie chicken, pre-made salads, and cut-up veggies. (Or try HelloFresh HERE)
Let stuff go:
Perhaps there are things on your master list that don’t HAVE to be done. What could you cut out entirely?
To Consider With Your Chores To Do Around the House
Remember, the best list of chores is the one that works well for YOU. I hope this helped make yours today!
And tell me, what did I miss on this household chore list? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it!
Do you want to increase responsibility AND raise helpful kids?
Start today! Use the Kids Routine & Reward Pack to help create routines for your kids that will help them throughout life. (Includes a pdf version of the kids chore list too!)
