Chore Checklist

From LoveToKnow Cleaning

Making a chore checklist is a great way to keep your home organized while teaching your children responsibility and cleanliness. From simple whiteboard lists to more elaborate versions, there are plenty of ways to get started.

The Benefits of a Chore Checklist

There are many reasons why you may choose to use a chore checklist. First of all, it is the best way to bring order into your home. Especially if you have children, you can enable them to complete basic tasks and stay on top of what they’re responsible for. You will also enjoy a cleaner house and calmer evenings at home. Finally, it just keeps things fair – everyone does their share, and the checklist brings proof to it. If you happen to be out of town, or you’re leaving the kids with a sitter, the chore list is there for her to keep the routine going.

If you are a college student or someone else living with multiple housemates, a chore checklist can help bring down stress as people from different backgrounds and walks of life come together and live under one roof. One may be messy, one might be a clean freak – the chore checklist clearly states what everyone is expected to do, and if people honor it, there will be less conflict at home.

Making Your List

The easiest way to make a chore checklist is to purchase a white board and write out the various household responsibilities. From cleaning the bathroom to cooking dinner, you can list out whatever your home needs, and assign people to each task. The white board makes it simple to change around the names regularly, so you aren’t always stuck scrubbing the toilet!

Hang the white board in the kitchen, laundry room, or other area that is common enough for each member of your family to see, but discreet enough that friends and visitors don’t need to know the laundry isn’t done yet.

If you want a more permanent list, you can type one out on your personal computer and post it in a similar manner. Laminate it for long-term use, or save the file so you can make extra copies when needed.

Getting More Creative

There are fun ways to make a chore checklist. One popular idea is a chore wheel, which is similar to a Wheel of Fortune type wheel. The chores are listed in colored wedges around the circle, and then a smaller, inner circle lists everyone’s names. Spin the inner circle, and whatever your name lands on, that is your chore responsibility for the week. It keeps things fair and simple, and kids will love both making and using the colorful wheel that can be constructed out of construction paper or cardstock.

You can also turn to the Internet for help. Websites like Printable Checklists provides downloadable lists that are age-appropriate for each member of your family. From picture checklists for the youngest to encouraging reward checklists for older children, you will find something that will benefit your family’s functionality.

Relevant Chores

You can put anything you want onto a chore list. In case your mind is cloudy and overwhelmed from all of the housework that needs to be done, here is a sampling of what you may include:

  • Dishes
  • Vacuuming
  • Laundry
  • Sweeping
  • Scrubbing basins and sinks
  • Cleaning windows
  • Taking out the trash
  • Feeding/walking the family dog (if you have one)
  • Yard work
  • Mopping
  • Preparing family meals
  • Cleaning the dinner table
  • Grocery shopping

Be sure to assign chores that are age-appropriate for children, and realistic for those with incredibly busy schedules, such as a working spouse. Chore checklists are great to have, and you will love the sense of structure that enters your home.



 


Comment on Chore Checklist



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Cleaning Categories
LoveToKnow Tools




Do you deep clean before the holidays?