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.

For specific common rooms, check out the tabs below:

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)

(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:

• Fun Kids Rewards & System Ideas
• 9 Thrilling Chore Games to Try

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?

Simplify, automate, and delegate anywhere that you can.

Try my free email challenge for more ideas!

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!)

Other great family organization posts & resources…

• The Big List of Gifts for Kids That Aren’t Toys
• Effective Morning Routine Tips for School
• 100+ Common Healthy Dinner Ideas

All the Household Chores Ideas in One Big List