It can often seem like no matter how many chores we do, there are always more waiting to get done, almost like we didn't do any at all. This can be challenging, especially when managing work, kids, and other responsibilities. Read on for more about combating the seemingly endless list of chores while decreasing how overwhelming it can feel.

1. Decrease how many items you have

The fewer items you have, the less you need to worry about cleaning. For example, if you have a bunch of food storage containers you never use, books you know you'll never read, or clothes you no longer like, clean them out and donate them, give them away, or throw them out.

You can either start small and build up to more significant projects or get the latter over immediately. To make the process more enjoyable, have someone help you or bring a loved one over to keep you company while you sort through a particular area.

2. Get the worst tasks over with early

I can't stand cleaning out the fridge. It's one of the reasons I get it over with as early in the day as possible so it's not something I have to dread doing. However, once it's done and over with, I don't have to think about it anymore. Whatever your dreaded chore is, get it done as early as possible so you won't have to stay up late to finish it or push off the task another day.

3. Make cleaning an enjoyable experience

One of the reasons many don't like doing chores is that it's often not enjoyable. Rather than it being a tedious and unpleasant experience, make it fun. Turn on your favorite music, listen to an audiobook, or put a movie on while you're sorting laundry. My personal favorite is talking on the phone. They're perfect chances to multitask and do an activity you love while still completing the chores.

4. Share the chores list

For the most part, anyone living in your home – including kids and partners – should be doing chores. For example, one person can take out the garbage and recycle, vacuum, and wipe down kitchen counters. Another person can do the laundry, clean out the fridge and pantry, and clean the bathroom. Schedules, abilities, and ages can play a part in who gets what chores.

5. Team up with others

Have one or more loved ones come over and keep you company while you do your chores. For example, you can have coffee with a friend while you fold clothes or chat with a relative while you tend to your garden. As long as you stay on task, you can use chores as an opportunity to spend time with your favorite people while still getting your responsibilities done.

6. Set up a reward system for chores

Creating a reward system for yourself can be an excellent motivator for completing chores. Want to watch a movie? Get the vacuuming done first. Want to sit outside with a glass of wine and watch the sunset? Do the dishes beforehand. These little motivators inspire you to get a lot more done as long as you stick to the process.

7. Be patient with yourself

Sometimes it will only be possible to do some of what you wanted to get done. For example, if you have a cold and can barely get out of bed or you got out of work several hours after you thought you would, you're likely not going to be able to complete everything on your to-do list. It's okay; have patience with yourself in these circumstances. Reschedule them for a day when you have more time and ability.

8. Be intentional with where you put items

Whenever I come in, I hang up my coat, put my bag in its proper place, and put my shoes away, regardless of how exhausted I am. It saves me the time of having to take care of it later. If you already have a significant number of chores, you don't want to add even more on top of it and make things harder on yourself. Be intentional with where you place items instead of putting them in a random spot so you don't have to deal with them later for a second time.

9. Grab an item whenever you get up

I got into the habit of grabbing an item whenever I get up and putting it where it needs to go. For instance, if I get up to get a snack, I'll take a few extra seconds to throw out junk mail. Doing things as you go along requires minimal effort and can significantly help combat clutter.

10. Do a 20-minute daily clean-up

At the end of a long day, as tempting as it can be to crawl into bed, take 20 minutes to straighten up. Fold blankets, wash any dishes in the sink, and pick up random items and put them where they're supposed to be. You can even implement the previous method of making it an enjoyable experience, like talking on the phone or listening to an audiobook, so it doesn't seem like such a tedious task.

11. Set a chore chart

Creating a chore chart that works for you and your schedule can help you create a routine. Make sure it's doable with your other responsibilities. For example, don't schedule intense chores on days you get in late and have to get to bed early (which could force you to stay up late and disrupt your sleep schedule).

Your chores aren't going away anytime soon, but there are plenty of ways to manage them, make them more accessible, and try to make them enjoyable. Find what works best for you, your schedule, and your household, and devise a plan that can help you combat your never-ending chore list and simplify the cleaning process.

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