Household chores are an inevitable part of life that need to get done regularly. But is there an optimal way to approach chores that makes the process more efficient? Surprisingly, research shows that the order in which you do chores can have an impact on your productivity, stress levels, and enjoyment of the task. Approaching chores strategically can save time, reduce fatigue, and lead to better results.
Why Order Matters When Tackling Chores
Many people tackle chores randomly without thinking about the sequence. But consider these benefits of doing chores in the right order:
Maximizes Efficiency
Strategically sequencing chores so that tasks flow one into the next without redundancy maximizes your efficiency. For example, it makes sense to dust furniture then vacuum floors rather than vacuuming first. Doing it in the right order decreases the need to re-do work.
Minimizes Transitions
Ordering chores by location in the home minimizes frequent transitions between rooms. Fewer transitions mean less time wasted moving from task to task. For instance, completing all kitchen chores in one session before moving to the bedroom streamlines the process.
Reduces Fatigue
Organizing chores from top to bottom or light to heavy reduces fatigue. For example, cleaning upper shelves and light fixtures before cleaning floors prevents exhaustion from repeated bending and stooping. Similarly, doing lighter tasks like dusting before heavy lifting chores like vacuuming is less tiring.
Improves Results
Doing tasks in the correct sequence improves results. Wet mopping before you sweep simply makes more of a mess. But sweeping first allows you to remove dirt and debris before mopping for cleaner floors.
Enhances Motivation
A logical order provides a sense of progress as tasks get checked off one by one. This can enhance motivation to maintain momentum rather than feeling overwhelmed by a random approach.
Factors to Consider When Ordering Chores
Several factors should guide your approach to optimizing chore order:
Work Top to Bottom
Working from top to bottom takes advantage of gravity by sending dust, dirt and debris downward. This prevents the need for re-cleaning. For example, dust overhead light fixtures before dusting furniture and sweeping floors.
Finish Rooms Before Hallways
Complete all chores within each room before moving to transitional spaces like hallways. Otherwise you’ll be crisscrossing areas and duplicating efforts.
Cluster Chores by Area
Group chores by common areas of the home to minimize frequent transitions from one space to another. For instance, first do all kitchen chores, then all bathroom chores, and so on.
Go Light Duty to Heavy Duty
Start with less demanding light duty tasks like dusting and progress towards heavy duty work like vacuuming, mopping or scrubbing. This approach helps prevent fatigue.
Sequence Tasks Logically
Make sure each chore is done in an order that logically flows into the next without redundancy. Washing windows before curtains or dusting before vacuuming makes more sense.
A Sample Efficient Chore Order
Here is one example of an efficient chore order moving top to bottom through the home:
Living Room
- Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans, wall decor
- Dust and wipe flat surfaces like shelves, mantels and furniture
- Vacuum upholstered furniture
- Vacuum floors thoroughly including under furniture
Kitchen
- Clear counters and wash dirty dishes
- Load dishwasher and start cycle
- Wipe down exterior of appliances
- Clean sinks, faucets and counters
- Sweep then mop floors
Bathrooms
- Wipe down mirrors and counters
- Clean sinks, faucets, showers, tubs
- Toilets and floors last
Bedrooms
- Make beds and tidy rooms
- Dust overhead lights and fans
- Dust flat surfaces
- Vacuum floors
Entryway
- Dust light fixtures
- Clean entryway floors last
This start-to-finish order maximizes efficiency by working top-down, clustering chores per room, going light duty to heavy duty, and sequencing tasks logically. Adjust the order based on your home layout and preferences.
Optimizing Chore Order Per Cleaning Task
Looking at specific cleaning tasks, ideal sequencing differs slightly. Here are some recommendations for optimizing chore order based on the type of cleaning task:
Dusting
- Start dusting from the top down since dust falls downward. So dust overhead lights, fans and wall hangings first.
- Dust less often used items first before frequently handled objects. For example, dust shelves before tabletops.
- Finish by dusting floor surfaces like baseboards last to collect any fallen dust.
Vacuuming
- First vacuum upholstered furniture like couches to remove loose debris.
- Vacuum floor surfaces next, including under furniture edges.
- Finish by vacuuming entryways and high traffic areas which collect dirt fastest.
Mopping
- Always sweep floors first to remove dust and debris before mopping.
- Fill mop bucket with cleaning solution and wring out mop before starting.
- Work in sections, mopping from the far corner of the room backwards towards the exit.
- Rinse and wring mop frequently for best results.
Window Washing
- Dust window frames and sills first before washing.
- Fill bucket with cleaning solution and soak/wring sponge mop.
- Wash windows section by section starting at the top.
- Wipe and squeegee windows and frames until streak-free.
- Wash window exteriors last if needed.
Thinking through the ideal process for each cleaning task helps maximize productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chore Order
Should I do heavy or light chores first?
It’s best to start with lighter duties like dusting and progress towards heavy chores like vacuuming or mopping floors. This helps prevent fatigue so you don’t run out of energy before finishing.
Should I clean top-down or bottom-up?
Work top-down when possible so that dust and dirt falls downward and doesn’t land on already cleaned surfaces. Exceptions could include scrubbing bathtubs before shower walls or mopping floors first.
Is there an ideal room order?
There’s no absolute ideal order between rooms. Focus on clustering rooms in proximity to minimize transitions. Work from less dirty like living spaces to dirtier spaces like bathrooms. Above or below ground layouts can also guide order.
Should I put things back as I clean or wait till the end?
Returning items to their proper place as you clean makes putting it all back easier. It also keeps surfaces cleared for cleaning and prevents misplacing cleaned items.
Should I make beds first or last thing?
Make beds first before vacuuming to allow dust and dirt to fall to the floor for picking up by the vacuum. Also, tidy rooms early on when you have the most energy.
Benefits of Optimizing Chore Order
Approaching chores strategically offers many benefits:
- Saves time by increasing efficiency
- Prevents duplication of efforts
- Reduces fatigue by working top down
- Enhances motivation and momentum
- Improves cleaning results
- Makes the process less frustrating
- Allows you to finish faster
Thinking through chore sequencing can feel tedious upfront. But the payoff is saving time and energy in the long run. Establishing an efficient system makes it easier to maintain cleanliness.
Tips for Optimizing Your Chore Routine
Here are some additional tips for streamlining your chore routine:
- Create a checklist – Make a customizable list of typical chores in ideal order tailored to your home.
- Set a schedule – Designate regular chore days and times and stick to the routine.
- Use the flylady system – Assign zone cleaning tasks to different days of the week.
- Time yourself – Use a timer to stay on track and motivated. Celebrate beating your time.
- Make it a game – Challenge yourself or family members to race against the clock.
- Work together – Get others involved and make chore time family time.
- Listen to music – Make chore time more enjoyable by listening to upbeat music.
- Take breaks – Schedule short breaks to stay energized for heavy duty tasks.
- Reward yourself – When finished, indulge in quality relaxation and fun rewards.
Establishing an Efficient Chore Routine
The key to establishing an efficient chore system is all about strategy and planning. Here is a step-by-step guide to organizing an optimal chore routine:
Step 1: Make a Customizable Chore Chart
Sit down and make a comprehensive list of all routine chores needed in your household. Then organize by room, cleaning task, estimated time, and frequency. Allow for customization.
Step 2: Designate Chore Days
Figure out what days of the week work best to tackle certain chores in your household. Periodically rotate days to share workload.
Step 3: Sequence Chores Optimally
Referring to your list, put chores in an intentional order that maximizes efficiency based on the factors above.
Step 4: Schedule Chore Blocks
Assign chunks of time for chore sessions, whether daily, weekly or on weekends. Consistency is key.
Step 5: Set Timers
Use timers for each chore task to stay on track. This adds a challenge element and motivates quicker work.
Step 6: Add Accountability
Get the whole household involved and hold each other accountable. Make chore time family time.
Step 7: Build in Rewards
Schedule quality rewards after chore sessions so you have something to look forward to.
With some intentional planning, it’s possible to overhaul an inefficient chore routine and make chores take less time and effort.
Best Practices for Staying on Track
Once you’ve optimized chore order and created an efficient routine, consistency is key. Here are best practices for staying on track long-term:
- Stick to set chore days and times
- Use calendars, alarms and reminders
- Post chore charts and schedules visibly
- Do a little each day rather than all at once
- Clean as you go instead of letting messes build
- Put items away as you finish using them
- Do weekly mini cleans to prevent deep cleaning
- Maintain decluttered spaces
- Hold all household members accountable
Chores will never feel fun. But an intentional system makes staying on top of them feel easier and more motivating over time.
Rewards and Motivation for Chore Success
Since chores can feel tedious and draining, building rewards into your system helps provide motivation. Here are some ideas:
- Enjoy a relaxing bubble bath
- Spend time outdoors
- Watch a movie or favorite show
- Get takeout from your favorite restaurant
- Go out for dessert like ice cream
- Plan a weekend picnic at the park
- Read a new novel
- Arrange a games night or pizza party
- Schedule appointments for mani-pedis or massages
- Plan a fun excursion like bowling or mini golf
Having these “chore treats” to look forward to makes accomplishing chores feel more rewarding. Just don’t reward yourself by skipping chores!
Conclusion
While chores will likely never rank high on your list of favorite things to do, approaching them strategically can make the process more efficient, effective and even motivating. Optimizing the order in which you do chores based on logical sequencing principles can enhance productivity, reduce fatigue, improve results and boost momentum.
Implementing an intentional system with set chore blocks, timers, rewards and accountability can transform an overbearing chore routine into a manageable task. With the right order and tools, checking chores off your list can provide a sense of accomplishment rather than dread.