We all know how dreading chores can be, especially when you have a busy schedule. Yet, no matter how hectic your week gets, someone still has to take out the trash and wash the dishes.
Are you aware of how much time actually goes into keeping the house clean? A recent Angi survey discovered that the average person spends about 5 hours a week doing chores. That equates to nearly one year of your lifetime!
So, if you’re looking for ways to cut down on that time, you’re in the right place. Here are five must-know hacks to reduce time spent on chores and relax at home!
1. Checklists, Checklists, Checklists!
From laundry day to cleaning the litter box, checklists come in handy when determining what needs to be done around the house (so nothing slips through the cracks). Use checklists to organize your cleaning routine by room and by necessity. You can even print out and laminate the lists so that they’re reusable.
2. Identify the “Now” and “Later” Chores
Certain things, such as the dishes and walking the dog, need to be performed daily. On the other hand, some tasks around the house, such as laundry, can wait a week. Keeping this in mind will help you eliminate unnecessary tasks day-to-day.
Another quick laundry tip to reduce time washing clothes: shoot for larger laundry loads (this can also help save on your utility bill!). Also, immediately treat stains on clothes once they happen. That way, your washer doesn’t work harder to remove them later.
3. Reevaluate at Your Schedule
Kids’ soccer game? Late day at the office? Add your chores into your weekly schedule, making notes of other errands that must be done. The structure of a schedule allows you to look at the day at hand so that you can make adjustments.
4. Divide and Conquer
Now that most people are working (or schooling) from home, everyone can lend a helping hand. Alternate household chores between the kids and adults in the house. And don’t forget to make it fun! Reward yourselves for working as a team—pizza night!
5. Make Health the Priority
Last but not least, keep allergies and flu season in mind. Scheduling routine HVAC and ventilation maintenance in advance will save you time (and money) in the long run.
The holiday season may be a bit busier from shopping and preparing the house for winter, so a professional house cleaning service can come in handy. These hacks should help free up your chore time so you can earn back your leisure.
Daniel says
Hack #6 Pay someone else to do your chores 🙂