No matter how many household chores we do, there is always more waiting to get done, almost like we didn't do any at all. This can undoubtedly be challenging, especially when you're 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.

Decrease the number of items you have

The fewer items you have, the less you need to worry about cleaning. For example, if you have a bunch of unused toys, books you know you'll never read, or dirty clothes you no longer like, clean them out and donate them, give them away, or throw them out. This can also help reduce clutter in your living room or other spaces.

Get the worst tasks over with early

Dreaded chores like cleaning the bathroom or tackling a load of laundry can make the whole day feel like a burden. Try to complete these tasks early in the day so that you won't have to stay up late to finish them or push off the task another day.

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 wiping down kitchen counters, mopping floors, or sorting dirty dishes.

Share the chores list

For the most part, anyone living in your home – including kids, roommates, and partners – should be doing chores. For example, one person can take out the garbage and recycling, use the vacuum cleaner, and load the dishwasher. Another person can do the laundry, clean out the fridge and pantry, and clean the bathroom. Schedules, abilities, and ages can affect who gets what chores.

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 clean clothes or chat with a relative while you sort through the hamper of dirty laundry. As long as you stay on task, you can use chores to spend time with your favorite people while still completing your responsibilities.

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? Finish the daily chores first. Want to sit outside with a glass of wine and watch the sunset? Clear the living room mess beforehand. These little motivators inspire you to get a lot more done as long as you stick to the process.

Be patient with yourself

Sometimes it will only be possible to do some things you wanted to get done. For example, suppose you have a cold and can barely get out of bed, or you got out of work several hours after you thought you would. In that case, you'll likely not 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.

Be intentional with where you put items

Whenever you come in, hang up your coat, put your bag in its proper place, and put your shoes away, regardless of how exhausted you are. It saves you 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.

Grab an item whenever you get up

Develop the habit of grabbing an item whenever you get up and putting it where it needs to go. For instance, if you get up to get a snack, take a few extra seconds to throw out junk mail or put away a mop or cleaning supplies. Doing things as you go along requires minimal effort and will significantly combat clutter.

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 dirty dishes in the sink, and pick up random items like toys or towels and put them where they should 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.

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 like deep cleanings 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). Based on your needs, incorporate tasks like laundry, dishwasher cycles, and pet care.

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

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