In this ultimate daily, weekly, and monthly household chores checklist, I’ll be sharing my tried-and-true tips for creating and maintaining a home cleaning schedule that actually works. So, if you want to know how to stay on top of house chores despite your busy schedule, keep reading.
For even more life hacks, check out the 15 easy ways to simplify your life and home in 30 days.
The Ultimate Household Chores List To Do Daily, Weekly & Monthly
If you are a loyal ready, you probably already know how much I love having routines. I shared my full morning routine checklist and my relaxing evening routine last month. But, today it’s time to talk about the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important world of maintaining a good home cleaning schedule. You know, those tasks we often put off until the last minute or conveniently forget altogether? Yeah, those.
I’ll be honest, I’ve had my fair share of struggles with chores. There were times when the thought of tackling a sink full of dishes or facing the daunting task of organizing my closet felt utterly overwhelming. I’d procrastinate, make excuses, and let things pile up until the chaos became too much to bear.
But here’s the thing: as much as I dreaded them, I’ve come to realize that keeping a strict household chores checklist is not just about maintaining a clean and organized home. Yes, even some simple weekly cleaning tasks can help set ourselves up for success and create a space where we can thrive.
Experts agree! A 2011 study from the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that disorganized homes make it hard for the brain to focus and process information. That overload can be stressful for some people. Additionally, a 2017 study on young adults found that clutter was linked to procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, and lower quality of life. So, to put it simply, when we stick to our list of household chores for adults, we are able to keep our surroundings clutter-free and orderly, which makes it easier for our minds to focus, relax, and recharge.
Trust me, I’ve experienced firsthand the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from crossing items off my to-do list.
In this household chores checklist, I rounded up some great tips and ideas to inspire you to maintain a household chores list for adults who want to stay organized, in control, and ready to take on whatever life throws their way.
What are the Benefits of a Household Chores List?
A strict home cleaning schedule can keep us organized and efficient
A chores list helps you stay organized by clearly outlining what tasks need to be done and when. This prevents tasks from slipping through the cracks and ensures that you’re using your time and energy efficiently.
Weekly cleaning tasks can help reduce stress
Knowing exactly what needs to be done and having a plan in place can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress. Instead of constantly worrying about what needs to be cleaned or organized, you can focus on tackling one task at a time.
A list of set household chores can improve time management
By prioritizing tasks and scheduling them into your routine, a chores list can help you better manage your time. This allows you to allocate time for chores without sacrificing other important activities or commitments.
List of Daily Cleaning Household Chores
Laundry Chores
Start a load of laundry first thing in the morning: This helps you stay on top of your laundry pile and prevents it from becoming overwhelming. Invest in a high-quality laundry detergent and consider using colour-safe bleach or vinegar for whites.
Fold and put away clean laundry immediately: Avoid the temptation to let clean clothes sit in baskets, as this can lead to wrinkles and clutter. Believe me, I’ve been there! Establish a designated folding area and storage space for each family member.
Spot treat any stains as soon as they happen: Keep a stain removal spray or stick handy in your laundry room or bathroom for quick and effective stain removal. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or sponge, working from the outside to prevent spreading.
Kitchen Chores
Wash Dishes: Start your day with a clean slate by washing yesterday’s dishes or loading them into the dishwasher if you’ve got a full load.
Load/Unload the Dishwasher: As you unload the dishwasher, you can take a moment to organize your kitchenware strategically. Placing items near where you’ll use them saves me time and ensures an efficient cooking process later on.
Clean Your Stovetop and Knobs: A quick wipe-down of the stovetop and knobs prevents grease buildup and keeps your kitchen looking pristine. Use a multipurpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth for sparkling results.
Clean the Microwave: Microwave mishaps happen to the best of us! Take a moment to wipe out any splatters or exploded food from the microwave interior. A damp cloth and a splash of vinegar make quick work of stubborn stains.
Wash Pet Food Bowls: Our furry friends deserve clean dishes too! Wash out pet food bowls daily with hot, soapy water to prevent bacteria buildup and keep your pets healthy and happy.
Living Room Chores
Clear the Counters and Putting Things Away: After breakfast, I take a few minutes to clear off any clutter from the counters and put things back in their designated spots. It instantly makes the space feel more open and inviting. You can turn this mundane task into a game by setting a timer for 10 minutes and seeing how much you can tidy up. It’s amazing what I can accomplish in such a short time, and it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Wipe Pet Hair: Living with pets means dealing with pet hair. A quick pass with a lint roller or damp microfiber cloth helps keep pet hair at bay on furniture and upholstery.
Bedroom Chores
Make the Bed: It’s amazing how something as simple as making the bed can set the tone for the entire day. Plus, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a neatly made bed after a long day. If you want to refresh your bedroom, here are some great bedding brands in Canada.
List of Weekly Cleaning Household Chores
Bathroom Chores
Clean All Surfaces: Take the time to thoroughly clean all surfaces in the bathroom, including countertops, shelves, mirrors, and any other surfaces that may collect dust, dirt, or grime. Use a gentle cleaner appropriate for each surface, such as a multi-surface spray for countertops and a glass cleaner for mirrors. Wipe down surfaces paying attention to corners and crevices where dust and grime can accumulate.
Kitchen Chores
Cooking or Preparing Meals: Challenge yourself to try new recipes or experiment with different flavor combinations every week! Prepping meals in advance not only saves time but also makes healthy eating a breeze.
Clean Your Stove Burners: Stove burners can accumulate grease and food residue over time, affecting their performance and appearance. Take a few minutes to remove the burners and soak them in warm, soapy water. Use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub away any buildup, then rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Organize Your Pantry and Fridge: A well-organized pantry and fridge make meal prep a breeze and help reduce food waste. Take stock of what you have, dispose of expired items, and group similar items together for easy access. Consider investing in storage containers or baskets to corral loose items and keep your shelves tidy.
Grocery Shopping: Grab your shopping list and reusable bag– it’s time for that weekly grocery shopping trip. There’s something oddly satisfying about crossing items off my list and discovering new ingredients to experiment with.
Make All Stainless Steel Appliances Shine: Stainless steel appliances add a sleek and modern touch to any kitchen, but they can quickly show fingerprints and smudges. Use a cloth and a stainless steel cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and water to wipe down the exterior surfaces. Buff in the direction of the grain for a streak-free shine.
Living room chores
Vacuum Your Couch: Our couches are often the center of activity in the living room, but they can also harbor dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Give your couch a thorough vacuuming with a brush attachment to keep it looking and feeling fresh.
P.S. If you also want to make your home smell amazing, check out these 12 non-toxic & delicious smelling ways to scent your home.
Clean and Organize Your Coffee and End Tables: Coffee and end tables can quickly become cluttered with remotes, magazines, and miscellaneous items. Steal a few minutes from your busy schedule each week to declutter and wipe down these surfaces with a damp cloth to maintain a tidy and inviting living room.
Sweep, Mop, and Dust: A comprehensive sweep, mop, and dust session ensures that your living room stays clean and inviting. Use a cloth or duster to capture dust and cobwebs from shelves, picture frames, and electronics. Then, sweep or vacuum the floors before giving them a thorough mopping to keep them looking their best.
Clean your Pet’s Bed: Our pets deserve a clean and cozy bed too! Toss your pet’s bed in the laundry once a week to remove dirt, hair, and odors. Use a pet-safe detergent and a gentle cycle for best results.
Outdoor Chores
Mowing the Lawn: Keep your outdoor space looking tidy and well-maintained by mowing the lawn on a weekly basis. This helps prevent overgrowth and ensures your yard remains neat and inviting.
List of Monthly Cleaning Household Chores
Deep cleaning chores
Clean Windows, Windowsills, and Ledges: Let the sunshine in by giving your windows and sills a thorough cleaning. Use a mixture of water and vinegar or a window cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and fingerprints. Don’t forget to wipe down the window ledges to eliminate dust buildup.
Clean the Doors: Doors can accumulate dust and grime, especially around handles and edges. Use a dusting wand to remove dust, then wipe down with a gentle cleaner and water for a fresh finish.
Vacuum Everything: Give your upholstered furniture, curtains, and pet beds a deep clean by vacuuming them thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust, pet hair, and debris from couches, chairs, love-seats, chaise lounges, and any other upholstered surfaces. Also, here’s my favourite way to clean the couch naturally at home.
Steam Clean Your Rugs and Carpets: For a deeper clean, consider shampooing your rugs or carpets with a steam cleaner. This helps remove embedded dirt and odours, leaving your floors looking and smelling fresh. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets, let it sit overnight to absorb odours, then vacuum it up in the morning.
Wash Cushions and Pillow Covers: Revitalize your cushions and throw pillows by washing their covers according to care instructions. If washing isn’t an option, give them a quick spritz with spray to freshen them up between washes.
Disinfect the Most Used Items: Combat germs and bacteria by disinfecting frequently touched items such as remote controls, doorknobs, light switches, and electronic screens. Use disinfectant wipes or a solution of water and rubbing alcohol for a thorough cleaning.
Clean Your Screens: Screens on televisions, laptops, Kindles, iPads, and other electronic devices can quickly accumulate dust and smudges. Opt for a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or an electronic-safe cleaner to gently wipe away dirt and fingerprints.
Clean Light Fixtures: Remove dust and grime from light fixtures to ensure optimal brightness. Use a damp cloth to wipe them down and let them shine.
Kitchen Chores
Cleaning out the Refrigerator: Before tossing out close-to-expired food, I take a quick inventory of what’s left and brainstorm creative ways to use up ingredients. It’s a fun challenge that helps minimize food waste and saves money.
Clean The Oven: Don’t forget about your oven! Whether you’re using the self-cleaning cycle or cleaning it manually, make sure to wipe out any caked-on food before starting to prevent the risk of fire.
Clean and Descale Your Coffee Maker: Keep your coffee tasting fresh by descaling your coffee maker regularly. Run a mixture of water and vinegar through the machine to remove mineral buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Clean Out Your Fridge and Freezer: Remove shelves and drawers to clean both the inside and outside surfaces.
Clean the Cabinets and Wash Walls: Don’t neglect your cabinets and walls, especially near the stove where grease tends to accumulate. Use a gentle degreaser to remove buildup and wipe down surfaces.
Clean Your Dishwasher Filter: Prevent clogs and odours by cleaning your dishwasher filter regularly. Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner to eliminate limescale and grease buildup. Also, make sure that you have enough dish soap for the upcoming month – here are my favourite non-toxic dish soap brands in Canada.
Bathroom chores
Scrub Your Shower, Bathtub, and Sink: Tackle soap scum and grime with a good scrubbing. Use a suitable cleaner and a scrub brush to clean surfaces thoroughly, including grout lines and shower doors.
Clean the Shower-head and Faucets: Remove mineral deposits and buildup from your shower-head and faucets. Soak them in a solution of vinegar and water, then scrub them with a brush to restore their shine.
Deep Clean the Toilet: Use a toilet brush and cleaner to deep clean the toilet bowl, seat, and exterior. Sanitize high-touch areas including the nearby floor, toilet seat, back of the toilet, hinges, flusher, and attachments.
Clean the Toothbrush Caddy: Toss your toothbrush caddy in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Don’t forget to sanitize the trash can to eliminate odors and germs.
Home Maintenance Chores
Change the HVAC Filter: To make this task more memorable, I’ve set a reminder on my phone with a quirky notification. It’s a small gesture that ensures I never forget to change the filter and keep my home’s air quality pristine.
Seasonal Household Chores Checklist
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts: Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage and flooding during spring showers.
Clean Window Screens: Remove dust and grime from window screens to improve airflow and visibility.
Sweep and Power Wash Decks, Porches, and Patios: Get your outdoor living spaces ready for entertaining by sweeping away debris and giving them a thorough power wash to remove dirt and stains.
Clean Your Grill: Get your grill ready for barbecue season by giving it a deep clean. Remove grease and buildup from grates and surfaces for safe and flavorful cooking.
Clean Patio Furniture and Outdoor Pillows: Wipe down patio furniture and cushions to remove dirt and mildew. Store cushions indoors when not in use to prolong their lifespan.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Check for Mold and Mildew: Inspect areas prone to mold and mildew growth, such as around AC units, pipes, and in the basement. Clean and treat affected areas to prevent further growth.
Clean Out and Organize the Garage: Declutter and organize your garage to make room for outdoor equipment and seasonal items. Sweep out dust and debris for a fresh start to the season.
Clean Out Your Closet: Declutter your closet and donate clothes that no longer fit or are no longer needed. Vacuum and sweep the closet floor to remove dust and debris.
Deep Clean Kid’s toys: Sanitize plastic toys by soaking them in a mixture of bleach and water. Hand wash soft toys and fluff them up with a hair dryer afterward.
Household Chores FAQs
How Do You Stay On Top Of House Chores?
It’s all about finding that sweet spot between efficiency and motivation. Here’s how I do it:
First off, you have to learn to embrace the power of routine. Setting aside specific times each day for chores helps me stay organized and ensures that tasks don’t pile up. Whether it’s tackling dishes after dinner or doing a quick tidy-up before bed, having a routine keeps things manageable.
I’m also a big believer in the power of lists. I mean, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of crossing things off a to-do list? I jot down my chores for the day, week, and month, breaking them down into bite-sized tasks. It helps me stay focused and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things that need to be done.
But perhaps the most important thing for me is finding ways to make chores less, well, chore-like. I crank up my favorite playlist or podcast while I clean, turning it into a mini dance party or learning session. And I always reward myself afterward, whether it’s with a cup of tea or a guilt-free Netflix binge.
Of course, there are days when I just don’t feel like doing chores. And that’s okay! I’ve learned to give myself grace and not beat myself up about it. Tomorrow is always another day, after all.
So yeah, staying on top of the home cleaning schedule is definitely a balancing act. But with a little bit of routine, a dash of motivation, and a whole lot of grace, it’s totally doable.
How Do I Make a Household Chore Schedule?
Granted, making a household chore schedule can seem daunting, but with a bit of planning and organization, it’s totally achievable!
- Assess Your Needs: Start by evaluating your household’s cleaning and organizing needs. Consider factors like the size of your home, the number of occupants, and any specific cleaning tasks that are priorities for you.
- Identify Chores: Make a detailed household chores checklist that needs to be done on a regular basis. This includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks such as vacuuming, laundry, dusting, and bathroom cleaning.
- Divide Tasks: Once you have your list of chores, divide them into categories based on how often they need to be done. Separate your home cleaning schedule into daily, weekly, and monthly categories to create a balanced schedule.
- Assign Days: Assign specific days for each set of tasks based on your household’s schedule and preferences. For example, you might designate Mondays for laundry, Tuesdays for vacuuming, Wednesdays for bathroom cleaning, and so on.
- Rotate Responsibilities: If you share your living space with others, consider rotating chore responsibilities to ensure fairness and equal contribution. Create a rotating schedule where each person takes turns tackling different tasks each week or month.
- Be Flexible: Life happens, and sometimes schedules need to be adjusted. Be flexible and willing to adapt your chore schedule as needed to accommodate changes in routines, schedules, or unexpected events.
- Set Reminders: Use reminders or alarms on your phone, calendar, or household chore app to help you stay on track with your schedule. Set reminders for specific tasks to ensure they don’t slip through the cracks.
- Review and Adjust: Periodically review your list of household chores for adults to assess their effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. If certain tasks are consistently being overlooked or neglected, consider tweaking your schedule to better suit your needs.
This post was about the best daily, weekly, monthly household chores checklist
Having a household chores checklist brings order to the chaos of daily life. In fact, clutter might be one of the many reasons why you’re feeling overwhelmed according to experts. A home cleaning schedule also frees up valuable mental space. Instead of constantly worrying about what needs to be done next, you can relax knowing that everything is planned out and under control. Plus, you’ll save so much time! By breaking down your list of household chores for adults into manageable chunks and spreading them out over time, you avoid getting overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. It’s all about working smarter, not harder. Your future self will thank you, I promise.
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