Do you ever feel as if housework rules your life, eating up your day, your weekend or even your holidays? You’re not alone. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that British people spent an average of two hours 22 minutes per day on housework in 2005. Although this is less time than we spent on chores in the past, the fact that it is now common for both partners to work, means that household chores are crammed into free time and evenings. So what can you do to make your home chores easier and quicker?
Organisation
It is less spontaneous, but ultimately more rewarding if you organise your household chores properly. Draw up a list of jobs and decide who is going to do which task. Set aside a regular time. Half-an-hour each evening after work between you adds up. Two hours each on a Saturday morning will see you through to the next week. If you need more time, you can increase the hours, but do have a system. Involve the children by giving them one simple task each. Liven up housework by saying “Ready, Steady, GO!” and set the clock going. It is amazing what can be done in 30 minutes when you are all trying to outdo each other. Men and boys seem to be particularly motivated by this technique!
Tips and Tricks
There are many tips to help you whizz through chores. Here are just a few to get you started:
- Save up your socks for a dedicated ‘socks’ wash, that way you are less likely to end up with unmatched pairs.
- Invest in a new ironing board cover to help you whip through ironing in less time. They are inexpensive to purchase, simple to fit and will brighten up your laundry room. They also cushion your laundry as you iron and make the task quicker and more manageable. You can buy new Addis ironing board covers here – a well-known and highly recommended make.
- Boil a cup of water inside your microwave to help loosen the dirt before attempting to clean it.
Clutter creates ‘visual noise’ which will weigh you down, make cleaning harder and results less obvious. Have a good clear out and try to keep the floor clear as much of the time as possible. A clear floor gives the impression of a tidy room. Use a pegged sock drier to save time and space when hanging up socks to dry on the line. Use a shower spray each day, to prevent soap build up. Try a shirt folder to ensure all your shirts are folded to the same shape and size to fit in drawers. It takes seconds and will save you a great deal of time.
When you have finally whizzed through your daily chores, don’t forget to reward yourselves with a sit down and a cup of tea. Housework is irksome, but it should not rule your life. Organise it, do it, then forget it!