Updated post: 1/9/24
Original post: 10/18/22
Note: You can convert the Sheets version of the chores list to Excel.
According to the University of Cambridge, men benefit the most in a marriage when they take on more household chores. Sharing household chores is the third-highest issue associated with a successful marriage.
We have had multiple conversations with marriage and family therapy experts while recording the Modern Husbands podcast about how folks should divide up chores. Keep an eye out for those when we release our second series.
We have had the same conversation with Modern Husbands Ambassadors. Here is a summary of the best advice they have given:
Discuss and identify what you enjoy and are good at doing.
Be honest about what you hate to do or the chores you don't feel the most confident doing yourself.
Whatever tasks remain, divide them up fairly.
Check out Fair Play if you are looking for a more detailed evidence-based system.
Related: Do you and your spouse lose track of what needs to be picked up at the grocery? Use the Coexist mobile app grocery template for seamless communication and tracking.
Housework List
The housework list below was extracted from the interactive downloadable household chores list.
Budgeting
Check expired foods
Clean backsplash
Clean baseboards
Clean blinds and curtains
Clean fridge shelves
Clean mirrors
Clean shower heads
Clean sink and countertops
Clean the inside of the cabinets
Clean toilet bowls and seats
Clean up after breakfast
Clean up after dinner
Clean up after lunch
Clean up breakfast
Clean up dinner
Clean up lunch
Clean washer and dryer
Clean/dust blinds
Clean/wash curtains
Deep clean appliances
Deep clean drains
Deep clean refrigerator
Deep clean the microwave
Deep clean the stove and oven
Deep clean toilet bowls and seats
Degrease stove and oven
Disinfect faucets and doorknobs
Doing the dishes
Doing the laundry
Dust
Dust light fixtures
Dusting surfaces
Empty trash bins
Filing tax returns
Folding the laundry
Grocery shopping
Ironing clothes
Laundering and replacing dish and hand towels
Managing bank accounts
Managing credit cards
Managing disability insurance
Managing health insurance
Managing investment accounts
Managing life insurance
Managing vehicle insurance
Meal prep: breakfast
Meal prep: dinner
Meal prep: lunch
Misc. insurance (i.e., pet insurance)
Misc. personal finance management
Mop floors
Ordering meal delivery
Overseeing financial goals (e.g., savings goals)
Paying online bills (e.g., vehicle loans, mortgage)
Paying paper bills (e.g., vehicle loans, mortgage)
Putting the laundry away
Scrub shower/tub
Setting financial goals
Sweep floors/floors
Sweeping the kitchen floor
Taking out the trash
Taking trash to the curb
Touchup paint on the walls
Vacuum floors
Vacuum rugs
Vacuum rugs
Wash floors
Wash windows
Weekly meal planning
Windexing mirrors
Wipe computer
Wipe shower screens
Wipe sinks and countertops
Wipe tub and shower
Wiping down kitchen appliances
Wiping down the countertops
Yard work
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