10 Tips to Make Everyday Chores More Joyful and Less Boring
- Sue Spencer
- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
Does your home feel like it's in a constant state of chaos? You're not alone. When life gets busy, household chores pile up fast, and suddenly even loading the dishwasher feels overwhelming. But here's some good news, everyday tasks like laundry and cleaning can feel easier and even enjoyable. A mindset shifts and simple systems can make a big difference - your home will thank you for it!
Ready to add a little lightness to your daily chores? Here are my favourite ways to make everyday tasks easier and maybe even a little joyful.
1. Reset your kitchen before bedtime
Waking up to a tidy kitchen sets a calm, positive tone for the day - it's easier to make breakfast and get out the door when you're not battling last night's dishes.
Doing a quick tidy up before bed, loading the dishwasher and wiping counters gives you an easier start to the day. Instead of feeling behind before you have even had your coffee, you'll come down to clear counters and a calmer morning routine - think of it as a gentle good morning gift to yourself.
2. Habit stack your daily chores
Those little pockets of time we often overlook can be surprisingly productive. Wipe down the bathroom counter while the shower warms up, fold a few items of laundry during your favourite TV show, or load the dishwasher while the coffee brews.
These mini-tasks add up faster than you think. This is not multitasking; it’s habit stacking, a way to sneak a bit of productivity into everyday moments without feeling like a slave to chores.
3. Keep things tidy in mini sprints
If the thought of tidying the whole house feels overwhelming, break it into 10-15 minute mini-sprints. Set a timer and give your full attention to one area - a countertop, drawer or the bathroom sink. These quick maintenance sessions keep your home clutter-free with minimal effort. You'll be surprised how much you can do in just a quarter of an hour.
4. Add a bit of Joy into every task
Doing the ironing or wiping surfaces doesn’t have to feel like a chore. I like to put on a podcast or playlist while working through my to-do list, sometimes it even means I look forward to tasks I used to avoid! You can also add small touches that feel good. Light a candle, open windows to let in fresh air and natural light and use products that smell great. Joy doesn’t just live in your home; it lives in how you spend your time there.
5. Make it easy to stay tidy
Create little systems that make life easier. A basket by the stairs for items that need to go up, a tray in the hall for keys and mail, wipes in the bathroom for quick cleaning and hooks at the right height so coats actually get hung up. These are small acts of kindness for your future self. When things are easy to put away, they're easier to keep organised. The less friction in your systems, the more likely they are to stick.
6. Accept that laundry is a cycle
Laundry isn't something to finish; it’s an ongoing rhythm as part of your home. In the KonMari spirit, we show gratitude for our belongings by caring for them properly. When you fold and put items away thoughtfully, you're extending their life and honouring the role they play in yours. Shift your mindset from doing chores to caring about your home - it can transform how you approach daily tasks. Learn more in about resetting your washing cycle and reducing overwhelm.
7. Set regular laundry days
By assigning specific days for different types of laundry, you create a rhythm that feels reliable and calm. For example, Mondays for towels, Wednesdays for bedding, Fridays for uniforms. This helps you stay on top of things, so you’re never caught without clean essentials, and gives you space for unexpected spills. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about creating a routine that supports your home and keeps things flowing as effortlessly as possible.
8. Get others on board
If you live with family or housemates, involve them in maintaining your systems. Keep it simple so everyone can help - label baskets or assign small tasks to suit each person. When everyone contributes, even in small ways, the load feels lighter and your home becomes a shared responsibility rather than one person’s endless task.
Celebrate once weekend chores are done. A treat, a film or just some guilt-free downtime makes everyone feel good about pitching in to help.
9. Embrace “good enough”
Some days, you'll only manage the bare minimum and that's perfectly okay.
A quick wipe of the kitchen counters is better than none.
Clothes in the basket, even if not folded, are better than on the floor.
You're building sustainable systems around your home, not chasing perfection. On busy weeks, be kind to yourself. The goal is a home that supports your life, not a life that revolves around your home.
10. Stay on track with a simple to do list
Delayed decisions lead to a build-up of work, clutter and mental overwhelm. Having a to-do list to tick off keeps you on track and gives a satisfying sense of progress. Little wins each day make the bigger tasks feel manageable and remind you that you're making progress. When you hit a rough patch and your systems slip, simply restart. No guilt, no drama – just pick up where you left off and begin again. Download my To-Do list here.
Your Home, Your Joy
It is not always about finishing tasks, it is about creating a home that works for you. Small tweaks, little systems and a sprinkle of joy can make everyday chores lighter, faster and more rewarding. When your home flows, your life flows – giving you more time and space to enjoy the life you have built.
If you've ever thought you don't have the time to stay organised, consider this quote from Rosie Barron (The Tidy Coo):
“I am not organised because I have time,
I have time because I am organised.”
Investing in systems, routines and mindful habits frees you from chaos. A tidy, calm home isn't the end goal - it's what will make everything else you'd love to do possible.
Hi! I’m Sue, a professional home organiser and KonMari Consultant based in Hampshire, UK. Trained by Marie Kondo, I specialise in rightsizing - helping growing families and empty nesters organise their homes to fit their lifestyles, without moving.
We declutter and organise to clear space and time, so they can get on with what really matters: enjoying life.
Are you ready to start living A Life More Organised?
For a no-obligation chat about how I can help, please get in touch.
m: 07740 782575 www.alifemoreorganised.co.uk
I'd love to keep in touch - why not follow me on Instagram or join in the conversation in my Facebook group
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