How to Save Time on Household Chores
Saving time on household chores has been a journey of discovery, discipline, and prioritization for me. As a full-time father and writer, my responsibilities demand careful time management, particularly since my wife works full-time outside the home. With two small children aged two and four, our household is lively, messy, and brimming with energy. Navigating the daily whirlwind of tasks requires strategy and adaptability, ensuring that my home remains functional and welcoming while preserving time for my professional pursuits.
I start my day early, often before the first light of dawn. This quiet stretch of the morning, before the kids wake up, is a golden opportunity to get ahead of the day’s tasks. I’ve learned that tackling chores incrementally, rather than attempting to complete everything in one go, not only prevents overwhelm but also fits seamlessly into the dynamic rhythm of our household. The tasks I prioritize during this time include tidying up the main living areas, sorting laundry, and addressing any carryover from the previous day. By the time my children are awake, I’ve already made a dent in the day’s workload, leaving me more available for their needs and my creative work.
Cleaning is an ongoing process in our home. With two young children, messes appear almost as quickly as I can tidy up, necessitating at least four rounds of cleaning daily. This might sound daunting, but I’ve embraced it as a manageable routine by focusing on specific areas each time. For instance, after breakfast, I’ll clear and wipe down the dining area, ensuring everything is ready for the next meal. Similarly, during nap times or when the kids are engrossed in play, I take the opportunity to tidy their toys, straighten cushions, and put stray items back in their designated places. Returning things to their proper spots immediately not only reduces clutter but also instills a sense of order that my children are beginning to observe and mimic.
One rule I adhere to religiously is dealing with dishes immediately after use. Allowing dishes to pile up creates an additional layer of work that can quickly become overwhelming. Whether it’s rinsing a plate after breakfast or cleaning pots and pans after dinner, I ensure the sink is clear and ready for the next meal. This simple habit keeps the kitchen organized and prevents the dreaded chore of tackling a mountain of dirty dishes at the end of a long day.
Laundry, another significant component of household maintenance, is approached with regularity and precision. Depending on the need, I do a load of laundry daily or every other day, ensuring a steady flow of clean clothes and linens. Larger items, such as bedsheets, sofa covers, curtains, and blankets, are handled separately and on a more structured schedule. Bedsheets are washed once a week, while blankets are addressed every two weeks. Sofa covers and dining chair covers are cleaned as required but usually twice a week. Curtains and tablecloths also follow a biweekly schedule, keeping them fresh and free from dust.
Once the laundry is dry, I iron and press the clothes promptly, folding and placing them directly into cupboards. This eliminates the chaos of clothes piling up and makes mornings smoother when dressing myself or the children. Maintaining this rhythm ensures that our wardrobes are always organized and ready.
Other areas of the home receive attention on a rotational basis. The study table, often a hub of activity with papers, books, and my writing tools, is tidied daily to keep it functional and inspiring. Balconies, where the kids often play, are swept and cleaned every three days. Less frequent but equally essential tasks include deep cleaning the dry kitchen every two weeks and thoroughly scrubbing the bathrooms and lavatories weekly. Each of these chores is planned to align with quieter moments in the day, ensuring that they don’t disrupt the household’s flow.
This approach to household chores, though detailed, has become second nature to me. It’s not about achieving perfection but maintaining a balance that allows me to care for my family, nurture my professional aspirations, and carve out moments of rest. By integrating these tasks into my daily routine with intention and consistency, I’ve found a rhythm that works for our family. While the demands of managing a household with young children are constant, so too are the rewards of a home that feels both lived-in and cared for.
