How to Simplify Housework

Organizing your supplies can help you save time when doing housework.

Few people approach housework with eager anticipation. On the contrary, most folks consider household chores as dull and tedious. Housework can even feel overwhelming if you have other responsibilities and obligations to attend to. Taking charge of your household work can help you stay organized and maximize your free time.

Instructions

1. Create a schedule. Some people like to divide housework into daily chores, while others prefer to do it all once a week. Figure out which style is easiest and most effective for you. With an established schedule, you'll save time by knowing exactly when to attack each chore.

2. Declutter your home. The more "stuff" that you have, the more time you spend on housework. Decide which possessions are useful and meaningful. Donate or sell the rest.

3. Organize your cleaning supplies before you begin a task. Housework can be extremely frustrating and tiring if you're having to stop every few minutes to retrieve an item you need. Place all of your supplies in a bucket or caddy before you begin.

4. Clean and organize as needed. If you clean up messes and spills and return items to their proper place on a daily basis, you'll have less to do in terms of housework because you haven't allowed tasks to accumulate.

5. Delegate household tasks if possible. If you have children, assign age-appropriate chores. If you are married or live with a partner or roommate, sit down with that person and decide on a fair division of work.

References

• Zen Habits: The Minimalist's Guide to Simple Housework
• Simplify Right Now; Simple Weekday House Work Schedule; Sherry Morris
• The Latter-day Saint Woman -- Basic Manual for Women: Lesson 20 -- Managing Our Homes Well