Chores are a necessary part of life. They keep our homes clean and organized 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 organization 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 household chore list that you can use as a guide.
Related: Age-appropriate chores for kids
A sneak peek list of chores around the house:
- Doing the dishes
- Taking out the trash 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 trash 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 organization. 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- Clearing out-of-date food from the fridge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 (baseboards, doors and door frames, ceiling lights...)
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 kids can get stuck in too. Yearly chores include:
- Cleaning out cupboards and drawers
- Decluttering closets
- Cleaning out the garage
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
- Shoveling snow
- Storing away summer furniture
Related: Chores for kids to do in the summer
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
- Organizing 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
Related: Family chore rota
Why planning chores matters
Organizing 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 allowance at the end of the week will teach them that hard work does pay off, or you can find other reward systems that work for you.
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 keep everyone on track, and there are plenty of different chore list ideas to pick from. 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, remember to pick age-appropriate chores. You can also use the chore chart to track when each chore 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: Chore charts for kids, Chore charts for teens
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 kids debit card & chore app, parents can set chores for their children to complete around the house and offer a financial reward for doing them.
Chores can help to teach children the importance of self-sufficiency and responsibility, as well as provide a tangible motivation for completing them.
Paid chores can be customized to suit the family's needs, and are 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 our in-app Money Missions, your kids can also learn how to earn, manage, and save money. This will help instill good money habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Get started today and see how GoHenry 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.
Related articles:
Differerence between chores and jobs
How do chores teach life skills?
