Simple Chore Chart for Adults (That Actually Works)
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Most of us didn’t grow up dreaming about having a chore chart as an adult. lol
But life happens. Laundry piles up. The kitchen somehow looks like a tornado hit it (again). And suddenly, it’s been weeks since anyone mopped.
You don’t need a rigid, color-coded chart or some Instagram-perfect system to stay on top of your home.
You just need a simple rhythm, a few key tasks that keep the basics under control and help you chip away at the deeper stuff over time.
That’s exactly what I’m going to show you today.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by adulting or cleaning, this post is for you. My system is super simple, flexible, and most importantly… realistic!
♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡
Why Use a Chore Chart as an Adult?
Here’s the deal: without a plan (even a loose one), chores tend to fall into one of two categories:
Constantly ignored, so they pile up and feel impossible
Tackled in an occasional burst of energy that leads straight to burnout
Neither of those options works long term.
That’s where creating a simple rhythm via a chore chart comes in.
A small list of daily tasks + a little deep cleaning here and there can completely change how your home feels without eating up your whole life!
How My Simple Chore System Works
Think of this less like a “chart” and more like a rhythm or flow. You’ve got:
Daily basics
Weekly reset day
Up to 15 minutes of cleaning or decluttering most days
Daily Tasks (Do These Every Day)
These are the small things that keep your home running smoothly. You can knock them out quickly once they become routine.
Make the bed
One load of laundry (or check if a load is needed—some days there won’t be any)
10-minute home tidy (1 to 3 quick reset’s of main living spaces. Picking up clutter, straightening surfaces, spot vacuuming or a quick wipe where needed)
15-minute kitchen tidy (after meals—your secret weapon for keeping the kitchen from getting out of control)
Up to 15 minutes of deep cleaning or decluttering — skip this on your weekly cleaning day
Weekly Cleaning Tasks (One Day Per Week)
This is your “reset” day. You’ll skip the 15-minute deep cleaning or decluttering on this day and just focus on these weekly tasks:
Wash sheets
Tend to plants
Clean pet bowls / potty areas
Wipe down bathroom surfaces (toilet, sink, shower)
Spot clean mirrors and glass
Dust
Tidy the fridge (quick check for expired items, wipe shelves if needed)
Vacuum
Mop
Pick a day that works for you. I like doing this on Friday or Saturday so the house feels fresh heading into the weekend, but any day is fair game.
If Your Home Is Cluttered (Start Here First)
If your home is feeling cluttered or chaotic, I highly recommend using your 15-minute window each day for decluttering first, before you dive into deep cleaning.
Why? Because it’s way easier to clean a space once it’s been simplified. Plus, decluttering itself makes your home feel lighter and more manageable, even before you scrub a thing.
Here’s how to approach it:
Pick one small area per day (one drawer, one shelf, one corner)
Set a timer for 15 minutes
Declutter as much as you can in that time—don’t overthink it
Stop when the timer’s up (progress over perfection!)
Once your home is more streamlined, you can shift that daily 15-minute window to deeper cleaning tasks.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Tools and Products
One of the easiest ways to make this system work better (and feel more enjoyable) is to use cleaning tools and products that actually work!
Personally, I’m all about keeping it simple, effective, and mostly non-toxic. I don’t DIY my cleaning products. I just use store-bought options that are safer for my home and easy to grab!
If you’re curious, I have a full list of my favorite cleaning products and tools here!
The key is to find products you enjoy using and keep your most-used supplies easy to access. That way, daily and weekly chores feel a lot less like… well, chores.
Why This Chore Chart Actually Works
You’re not trying to clean the whole house at once
Daily basics keep things feeling “under control” even when life gets busy
Weekly tasks give your home a consistent reset
The 15-minute daily window helps you chip away at bigger tasks over time and build the habit without burning out!
It’s flexible—if you miss a day, you just start again the next day (no guilt trips here)
♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡
Tips to Make This Work for YOU
Pick a weekly reset day and a allotted amount of time that you want to spend on it (I recommend an hour) that fits your life
Adjust the daily list if needed (add pet tasks, kid-related chores, etc.)
Start with decluttering if your home feels cluttered—don’t skip this step!
Choose tools and products that work—cleaning is easier when what your using actually works!
Remember: consistency beats perfection every time!
♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡
Grab Your Printable Adult Chore Chart!
If you’d like a super simple printable version of this system (so you can hang it on your fridge or add it to your planner), grab my free Adult Chore Chart below!
It’s an easy visual reminder of the rhythm, and a great way to stay motivated.
Adulting is enough of a circus you don’t need an overcomplicated chore chart for adults on top of everything else.
This simple system works because it’s flexible, doable, and built for real life.
A few small habits + a weekly reset + 15 focused minutes a day = a home that feels good to live in! And is healthier to!
Start small, give yourself grace, and watch how this rhythm transforms your space! You’ve got this. Hugs!
For more chore charts and cleaning checklists, follow me on Pinterest!
Updated on: 6/10/2025
