I’m looking for a “complete” list of household chores so I can filter out what doesn’t apply to our household, then we can figure out who is responsible for what. The internet was rife with lists, but most of them were miserably short.
So I asked my assistant to come up with a list:
Here it is:
Here’s a comprehensive household task list you can use to divide responsibilities. Cross out anything that doesn’t apply, then assign the rest—including the planning, noticing and follow-up that happen before and after the visible work.
For each task, record:
| Task | Owner | Backup | Frequency or trigger | What “done” means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: laundry | Twice a week | Clothes washed, dried, folded and put away | ||
| Example: dinner | Assigned days | Meal planned, ingredients available, food cooked and leftovers stored |
An owner takes responsibility for noticing when the task is needed and seeing it through. For shared tasks, allocating specific days or parts usually works better than writing “everyone”.
1. Food, meals and groceries
- Plan meals around schedules, preferences, dietary needs and the budget.
- Check the fridge, freezer and cupboards before shopping.
- Keep the shopping list up to date.
- Track and replenish staples, snacks, drinks and condiments.
- Buy groceries or organise delivery/click-and-collect.
- Unpack shopping and store food.
- Wash and prepare produce.
- Prepare breakfasts.
- Prepare lunches and packed lunches.
- Prepare dinners.
- Prepare snacks.
- Batch-cook and freeze meals.
- Defrost ingredients ahead of time.
- Coordinate meals when people work late or are out.
- Arrange takeaway or emergency meals when needed.
- Store, label and use leftovers.
- Check expiry dates and discard spoiled food.
- Keep track of allergies and dietary requirements.
- Plan food for guests, celebrations and holidays.
- Review food waste and adjust shopping quantities.
2. Kitchen cleaning and upkeep
- Clear the table and put food away after meals.
- Load and run the dishwasher.
- Unload the dishwasher.
- Hand-wash dishes, pots and delicate items.
- Dry and put away hand-washed items.
- Wipe benches, splashbacks and the dining table.
- Clean the sink, drain strainer and taps.
- Wipe the stovetop.
- Sweep or vacuum kitchen floors.
- Mop kitchen floors.
- Change and wash tea towels, dishcloths and sponges.
- Clean the microwave.
- Clean the oven and oven racks.
- Clean the rangehood and filters.
- Clean fridge shelves, drawers and seals.
- Clean and organise the freezer; defrost if needed.
- Clean small appliances, including toaster trays.
- Descale the kettle and coffee machine as needed.
- Clean the dishwasher filter and seals.
- Wipe cupboard fronts, handles and shelves.
- Organise pantry storage and food containers.
- Clean under and behind movable appliances.
- Replace worn kitchen tools and damaged containers.
3. Laundry and clothing
- Collect laundry from bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Sort washing and check pockets.
- Treat stains.
- Wash everyday clothes.
- Wash delicate or special-care items.
- Wash towels, bedding and household textiles.
- Hang clothes or load the dryer.
- Bring washing in and finish drying damp items.
- Fold clothes and match socks.
- Put clean washing away.
- Iron or steam clothes.
- Organise dry-cleaning and collect it.
- Mend clothing and replace buttons.
- Clean and maintain shoes.
- Prepare uniforms, workwear and sports kits.
- Check clothing sizes, condition and seasonal needs.
- Buy replacement clothes, underwear and shoes.
- Donate, sell or recycle unwanted clothing.
- Swap seasonal clothing in and out of storage.
- Replenish laundry products.
- Clean washing-machine drawers, seals and filters.
- Clean dryer lint filters and arrange vent maintenance where applicable.
4. Bathrooms and toilets
- Clean toilets, including seats, bases and surrounding floors.
- Clean basins, taps and benchtops.
- Clean showers, baths, screens and tiles.
- Remove soap scum and address mould.
- Clean mirrors.
- Clear hair from accessible drain strainers.
- Wipe cupboards, handles and frequently touched surfaces.
- Sweep and mop floors.
- Replace and wash towels, hand towels and bathmats.
- Wash or replace shower curtains and liners.
- Empty and clean bathroom bins.
- Replenish toilet paper, soap and toiletries.
- Review and organise bathroom storage.
- Clean ventilation fan covers.
- Report or arrange repairs for leaks, damaged seals and failing grout.
5. Bedrooms and bedding
- Make beds to the household’s agreed standard.
- Put away clothes, shoes and personal items.
- Change sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers.
- Wash mattress protectors, blankets, duvets and pillows as appropriate.
- Rotate mattresses if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Dust furniture, lamps and accessible surfaces.
- Vacuum floors and under beds.
- Organise wardrobes, drawers and bedside storage.
- Check and replace worn bedding.
- Prepare and reset guest bedding.
6. General cleaning and tidying
- Do a daily reset of shared spaces.
- Return belongings to their storage places.
- Clear clutter from tables, benches and floors.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Sweep and mop hard floors.
- Vacuum stairs.
- Dust furniture, shelves and decorations.
- Clean mirrors and internal glass.
- Wipe door handles, switches and remote controls.
- Clean doors, skirting boards and window sills.
- Remove cobwebs.
- Clean windows, tracks and flyscreens.
- Clean blinds and wash curtains.
- Vacuum sofas and beneath cushions.
- Clean upholstery and treat spills.
- Wash throws, cushion covers and washable rugs.
- Clean desks and home-office areas.
- Clean fans, vents and accessible light fittings.
- Clean and maintain the vacuum and other cleaning equipment.
- Keep cleaning supplies stocked.
- Organise occasional deep cleaning or carpet cleaning.
- Book, brief and coordinate cleaners if used.
7. Rubbish, recycling and unwanted items
- Empty household rubbish bins.
- Sort recycling and flatten cardboard.
- Manage food scraps or compost.
- Replace bin liners.
- Take bins out for collection.
- Bring bins back in.
- Check collection changes around holidays.
- Wash indoor and outdoor bins.
- Take glass, soft plastics or other accepted materials to collection points.
- Arrange appropriate disposal of batteries, electronics, chemicals and medicines.
- Book bulky-waste collections or tip trips.
- Drop off donations.
- Photograph, list and coordinate collection of items being sold.
- Deal with packaging and clutter after purchases or deliveries.
8. Household supplies and organisation
- Track and replace toiletries and personal-care supplies.
- Replenish cleaning products, bin bags and paper goods.
- Keep basic batteries, light bulbs and other useful spares.
- Keep first-aid supplies stocked.
- Maintain storage systems and labels.
- Organise cupboards, wardrobes, garage and storage areas.
- Keep track of keys, spare keys and access devices.
- Manage incoming parcels and deliveries.
- Handle returns, refunds and warranty claims.
- Keep manuals, receipts and warranty details.
- Review recurring deliveries and subscriptions.
- Research and buy replacement household items.
- Arrange assembly, installation and disposal of old items.
- Return borrowed items and keep track of things lent out.
9. Money, bills and paperwork
- Set and review the household budget.
- Agree how shared costs are divided.
- Track spending and reimburse shared purchases.
- Pay rent or mortgage.
- Pay electricity, gas, water and internet bills.
- Pay council, strata or other property charges where applicable.
- Check bills for errors or unusual usage.
- Review utilities, phone plans and subscriptions.
- Arrange and renew relevant insurance.
- Keep an inventory of valuable possessions.
- Handle insurance claims.
- Track debt repayments and savings contributions.
- Plan for large purchases and irregular annual expenses.
- Manage childcare, school, activity and membership payments.
- Open, sort and action mail.
- File important documents.
- Gather information for tax returns.
- Track identity-document and licence expiry dates.
- Update addresses and contact details after changes.
- Maintain relevant emergency, estate and decision-making documents.
- Review household finances together periodically.
10. Scheduling and household coordination
- Maintain the shared calendar.
- Coordinate work schedules, appointments and activities.
- Plan who is home for deliveries, repairs and inspections.
- Coordinate lifts, pickups and drop-offs.
- Identify clashes and make alternative arrangements.
- Plan around school holidays and public holidays.
- Keep shared contacts and emergency information current.
- Organise a brief household check-in.
- Review task allocations when workloads or circumstances change.
- Arrange cover when a task owner is away or unwell.
- Follow up unfinished bookings, repairs and administrative tasks.
- Coordinate household rules, guests, quiet times and use of shared spaces.
11. Home maintenance, repairs and safety
- Notice and record maintenance issues.
- Report problems to the landlord, agent or building manager.
- Find tradespeople, obtain quotes and book work.
- Provide access, check completed work and manage payment.
- Replace light bulbs.
- Check and maintain smoke alarms according to local requirements.
- Maintain carbon-monoxide alarms where applicable.
- Check fire-safety equipment and emergency supplies.
- Keep exits and access routes clear.
- Maintain an emergency plan and accessible emergency contacts.
- Check locks, windows, gates and security systems.
- Watch for leaks, damp, mould and pest activity.
- Arrange pest treatment when needed.
- Clean or replace air-conditioning and heating filters.
- Arrange heating, cooling and hot-water servicing.
- Maintain water filters and other installed systems.
- Arrange gutter, roof and drainage checks.
- Maintain plumbing, taps, seals and toilets.
- Repair damaged furniture, fixtures and fittings.
- Arrange electrical repairs through a suitable professional.
- Maintain paintwork, weather seals and external surfaces.
- Prepare the property for seasonal weather.
- Track larger maintenance projects and replacement costs.
12. Garden and outdoor areas
- Water indoor and outdoor plants.
- Mow lawns and trim edges.
- Weed garden beds and paths.
- Prune plants, shrubs and hedges.
- Fertilise, mulch and replenish soil.
- Rake leaves and collect fallen branches.
- Harvest and maintain edible plants.
- Maintain irrigation systems.
- Sweep patios, balconies, paths and entryways.
- Clean outdoor furniture.
- Clean and maintain the barbecue.
- Store or cover outdoor items before bad weather.
- Maintain fences, gates, decks and sheds.
- Organise tools and maintain garden equipment.
- Dispose of green waste.
- Maintain pools, spas, ponds and their safety barriers where applicable.
- Check outdoor lighting.
- Arrange tree care or other specialist outdoor work.
13. Vehicles and transport
- Refuel or charge vehicles.
- Monitor tyre pressure and tyre condition.
- Book servicing, repairs and required inspections.
- Renew registration, insurance and roadside assistance.
- Clean vehicle interiors and exteriors.
- Restock necessary vehicle supplies.
- Manage parking permits, toll accounts and transport cards.
- Maintain bicycles, helmets and scooters.
- Arrange alternative transport when vehicles are unavailable.
- Coordinate vehicle sharing.
- Maintain and adjust child car seats where applicable.
14. Health and personal care coordination
Include the parts people need help with or that affect the whole household.
- Book medical, dental, optical and other appointments.
- Coordinate transport and accompaniment.
- Manage prescriptions, refills and pharmacy pickups.
- Track relevant follow-up appointments and paperwork.
- Keep health and emergency-contact information accessible.
- Maintain glasses, hearing aids and other personal equipment.
- Organise haircuts and other routine personal-care appointments.
- Coordinate care, food and household cover when someone is unwell.
- Maintain agreed support arrangements for disability or ongoing care needs.
- Submit relevant health-insurance claims and reimbursements.
15. Children and school, if applicable
- Manage morning routines.
- Manage bedtime routines.
- Handle overnight waking and care.
- Manage nappies, toileting and toilet-training supplies.
- Help with bathing, teeth, hair and dressing.
- Prepare bottles, meals and snacks.
- Clean feeding equipment.
- Pack childcare and school bags.
- Prepare lunches and water bottles.
- Track spare clothes, uniforms and shoes.
- Handle school and childcare drop-offs and pickups.
- Arrange before-school, after-school and holiday care.
- Read school messages and newsletters.
- Complete forms, permissions and payments.
- Track excursions, dress-up days and special events.
- Help with homework, reading and projects.
- Maintain school supplies and devices.
- Attend parent–teacher meetings and school events.
- Research and manage enrolments and transitions.
- Organise extracurricular activities and transport.
- Prepare and maintain sports or activity equipment.
- Arrange playdates and supervise visitors.
- Plan birthday parties and buy gifts for parties attended.
- Organise childcare or babysitters.
- Coordinate appointments and developmental support.
- Sort outgrown clothes, toys, books and equipment.
- Clean toys, prams, highchairs and car seats.
- Maintain age-appropriate household safety arrangements.
- Support friendships, worries and emotional needs.
- Teach and supervise children’s household contributions.
- Coordinate screen-time rules and online safety.
16. Pets, if applicable
- Feed pets and refresh drinking water.
- Buy food, treats, bedding and other supplies.
- Walk pets and provide exercise, play and enrichment.
- Clean litter trays, cages, tanks or enclosures.
- Pick up outdoor waste.
- Wash bedding, bowls and toys.
- Groom pets and arrange professional grooming if needed.
- Book veterinary appointments.
- Manage prescribed treatments and preventative care.
- Maintain registration, microchip details and insurance.
- Train pets and manage behavioural needs.
- Arrange pet sitting, boarding or holiday care.
- Clean up hair, muddy footprints and accidents.
17. Family, social life and caring responsibilities
- Remember birthdays, anniversaries and significant dates.
- Buy, wrap and send gifts or cards.
- Coordinate invitations and RSVPs.
- Organise family visits and social plans.
- Plan celebrations and traditions.
- Prepare the home for visitors.
- Host guests and clean up afterwards.
- Keep in touch with relatives who rely on household support.
- Coordinate help for older relatives or dependants.
- Arrange visits, transport, appointments or practical assistance.
- Manage relevant care-provider communication and paperwork.
- Organise support during illness, bereavement or major life events.
- Maintain neighbourhood or community commitments.
18. Technology and digital administration
- Set up and maintain internet and Wi-Fi.
- Troubleshoot shared devices and printers.
- Manage shared subscriptions and accounts.
- Keep devices and software updated.
- Maintain password-management and account-recovery arrangements.
- Back up important documents and family photos.
- Organise digital files and shared storage.
- Manage storage limits and unwanted subscriptions.
- Maintain smart-home devices, cameras and doorbells.
- Set up parental controls where applicable.
- Arrange repairs, replacements and responsible disposal of devices.
- Ensure relevant adults can access essential household information.
19. Holidays, trips and time away
- Agree dates and budget.
- Research and book transport and accommodation.
- Check travel documents and other trip requirements.
- Arrange insurance where needed.
- Plan activities and make reservations.
- Create packing lists and pack shared supplies.
- Prepare children’s and pets’ needs.
- Arrange house, plant and pet care.
- Manage bins, deliveries and mail while away.
- Use up perishable food before leaving.
- Secure the home and complete departure checks.
- Organise transport to and from departure points.
- Unpack, do laundry and restock food after returning.
- Reconcile shared trip expenses.
20. Occasional projects and major changes
- Declutter each room periodically.
- Review what is stored and whether it is still needed.
- Plan furniture, appliance and household-equipment replacements.
- Coordinate renovations and larger repairs.
- Prepare for rental inspections.
- Manage lease renewals and housing paperwork.
- Organise moves, packing, utilities and address changes.
- Adapt rooms and routines as household needs change.
- Prepare for a new baby, pet, housemate or family member.
- Review emergency supplies and important documents.
- Review the task allocation after changes in work, health or caring demands.
Making the allocation fair and workable
When you divide the list, account for time, frequency, mental effort and how tightly a task controls someone’s schedule. A daily school pickup can be more restrictive than a longer job that can happen whenever convenient.
- Assign whole responsibilities where practical. “Manage groceries” includes checking supplies, making the list, shopping and putting things away.
- Split large responsibilities explicitly. One person can plan meals while another shops, provided the handover is clear.
- Agree a minimum standard. Specify what counts as done and roughly when it needs to happen.
- Include backups. Decide who covers illness, travel and unusually busy weeks.
- Protect personal downtime. Aim for a fair overall load and comparable opportunities to rest.
- Try the arrangement for two weeks, then adjust. Tasks often take more or less effort than expected.
