Chores are a necessary part of life. They keep our homes clean and organised, and help us learn the importance of responsibility. There are many different types of chores that need to be done on a regular basis depending on your family's needs.
The good news is that with a bit of organisation and your family's help, you can manage all of your household chores without feeling overwhelmed. And to help you along the way, we have written a full list of household chores that you can use as a guide.
Related: Age-appropriate chore list for kids
A sneak peek list of household chores
- Doing the dishes
- Taking out the rubbish and recycling
- Wiping down surfaces
- Tidying bedrooms
- Sweeping the kitchen floor
- Vacuuming
- Feeding pets
- Making the bed
- Setting the breakfast table
- Doing the laundry
- Cleaning carpets
- Cleaning furniture
- Decluttering closets
- Cleaning out the garage
- Cleaning out the gutters
- Washing the outside of windows
- Cooking dinner
- Folding laundry
- Washing the car
- Gardening
Daily chores
There are some household chores that need to be done on a daily basis in order to keep the home running smoothly. Some daily chores that you can include are:
- Doing the dishes
- Taking out the rubbish and recycling
- Wiping down surfaces
- Tidying bedrooms
- Sweeping the kitchen floor
- Vacuuming
- Feeding pets
- Cleaning surfaces in the kitchen
- Preparing and cooking meals
These daily chores can be divided between your kids and the rest of the family, and are generally quick and easy to do. This means that younger children can participate too.
Weekly chores
There are chores that are recommended to be done on a weekly basis that can be rotated between family members so that everyone has a chance to help out. Weekly chores take a bit more time than daily chores but are still manageable with some organisation. Weekly chores typically include:
- Watering plants
- Doing the laundry
- Cleaning the bathroom
- Mopping floors
- Changing bed sheets
- Dusting surfaces
- Clearing out of date food from the fridge
Monthly chores
There are some household chores that are recommended to be completed on a monthly basis. These take a little more time and effort than weekly and daily chores, but are essential to keeping your home clean and tidy. Monthly chores can be shared between family members, although they tend to be more suitable for older children and adults. Here is a list of household monthly chores:
- Cleaning the oven
- Deep cleaning the fridge
- Washing windows
- Cleaning carpets
- Cleaning furniture
- Washing fixtures and fittings (skirting boards and mouldings, doors and door frames, ceiling light fixtures...)
Yearly chores
There are some household chores that only need to be done once a year. These can be shared between family members and can be a great way to get everyone involved. While some of these may be more suited for adults and younger children, there are some tasks that your little ones can get stuck in too. Yearly chores include:
- Cleaning out cupboards and drawers
- Decluttering closets
- Cleaning out the garage
- Washing walls and repainting if necessary
Seasonal chores
With the changing seasons come different tasks that can be completed around the home. They can be a great way to get everyone involved in the upkeep of the home no matter what the weather. Seasonal chores include:
- Cleaning out the gutters
- Washing the outside of windows
- Cleaning the BBQ
- Raking leaves
- Shovelling snow
- Storing away summer furniture
Personal chores
Some chores can be personal to each family member and can be a great way to teach your children independence, as well as make them feel responsible for their own space and belongings. These types of chores can be assigned as needed, and can include:
- Making the bed
- Cleaning personal bathroom (for example an en-suite)
- Picking up personal messes (food, toys, clothes...)
- Doing personal laundry
- Organising personal space (for example a bedroom or desk)
Family chores
It is always great to get the whole family involved and there are some household chores that the whole family can do together. These are great for families to bond and spend some time together while getting the housework done. Family chores can include:
- Cooking dinner
- Folding laundry
- Washing the car
- Gardening
- Cleaning the house
- Grocery shopping
Why planning chores matters
Organising your household chores can seem like a daunting task, but it is important to remember that everyone in the family can pitch in to help. By creating a chore chart or schedule, you can ensure that all of the necessary tasks are completed each week without anyone feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it is a great way to introduce your kids to chores, which will teach them about responsibility and the importance of taking care of their home. You can reward them once they have completed their chores, which will also teach them the importance of hard work and delayed gratification. For example, rewarding them by adding some extra pocket money at the end of the week will teach them that hard work does pay off. For more inspiration, check out our 9 kid reward system ideas.
Chore charts can help with chore planning
Creating a chore chart is a great way to get everyone in the family involved in managing the household chores. You can create a physical chart or schedule that everyone can see to help keep everyone on track. If you need some inspiration, you can use these chore chart ideas for kids. Having a chore chart is also a great way to ensure that everyone in the family knows what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to include all of the necessary tasks and assign them to specific family members - while you know your children best, you may want to give your little ones age-appropriate chores. You can also use the chore chart to track when each task is completed and add in any special instructions that might be needed. By involving the whole family in the process, you can create a system that works for everyone.
Related: Free printable chore chart
Encourage your kids to complete household tasks with GoHenry
GoHenry can help families to manage chores and reward children for doing them. With GoHenry's paid tasks, parents can set tasks for their children to complete around the house and offer a financial reward for doing them. Not sure how many chores to give everyone? Take a look at our how many chores should my child do blog post.
Chores can help to teach children the importance of self-sufficiency and responsibility, as well as providing a tangible motivation for completing chores. Paid tasks can be customised to suit the family's needs, and can be a great way to get everyone involved in the running of the household. GoHenry can help make chore time fun, while also teaching children valuable life and money management skills. In fact, with Money Missions, your little ones can also learn how to earn, manage and save money. This will help instil good money habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Get started today and see how GoHenry's debit card app for kids can help your family stay on top of chores, as well as help your children develop good money habits that will last them a lifetime.
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