A 2019 Yelp study cited that more than 80% of couples fight about housework.
That percentage may not surprise you, particularly if you’re no stranger to fighting over chores in your own home.
If this quandary hits a little close to home, these tips can help.
How to Stop Fighting over Chores
Your list of chores alone won’t necessarily cause a relationship breakdown but there may be much more behind this ongoing argument, according to Psychology Today.
While a lack of contribution to chores or constantly leaving dishes in the sink may not seem like much to one person, another may see it as a lack of respect, indicator of a difference in values, or even a representation of social inequality.
So, before you start fighting over chores, check out our tips below to help you resolve your cleaning conflicts.
1. Keep The Battle Lines Clear
How can anyone stick to the rules if they haven’t been established properly and agreed to?
Have the discussion at the right time, not in the middle of an argument, about what chores are a ‘must do’ for each of you.
Prioritise what chores need to be completed first when either of you have a moment to clean, to make you both feel that your home has a good standard of cleanliness at any time.
Folding that pile of laundry might be important to you while your partner may recoil at the sight of dirty dishes. Both jobs are important.
This can differ between homes and even between people.
Assign jobs that each of you don’t mind doing, or even get joy from doing. For example, I enjoy cooking, so my husband is happy to fold laundry while I’m preparing dinner.
This will minimise the chance of fighting over chores, especially if you’re doing a task you enjoy or get satisfaction from.
If you really want to get organised, you can download a range of chore charts online or there are apps available too, Like Cozi Family Organiser or Homey.
2. Remember To Re-Negotiate
Life is all about changes and surprises, so keep in mind that you may need to adapt your housework strategy. Career changes, moving between homes, having children – these life moments are just some of the reasons that your strategy requires an update. Someone may have to take on more of the housework or chore priorities may change.
Set aside some time to review your chore chart together and revisit the questions about your chore priorities – having these conversations when life throws changes your way may prevent future arguments.
3. Think About Outsourcing
We know life gets busy, and that chores can fall by the wayside.
Outsourcing housework is a great way to reclaim your weekend and spend more quality time together.
Consider your budget and instead of purchasing material items, outsource your chores to buy yourself a little extra time. These are five questions you might like to consider before bringing in a house cleaner.
Companies like Electrodry can take on a range of professional services that can beautify your home.
Also Read:
Five Questions to Consider Before Hiring a House Cleaner
Life is busy. On the ever-growing to-do list of life, cleaning the house can feel like a never-ending chore and a waste of the weekend’s precious hours.
Smaller tasks can be handled through websites like Airtasker, where you can hire someone to do a range of tasks for a fee.
5 Cleaning Jobs Kids Can Do Around the Home
If the kids are old enough, get them involved in chores around the home. It may take time and patience but enlisting their help (for a little pocket money as a sweetener) will certainly make life easier in the long run. Here’s just some of the jobs the kids can start helping with at home.
And while the fortnight may have started with the best intentions, school holiday boredom has likely reared its restless head.
4. Be Kind
Housework can take up many hours of our week, so it makes sense that it becomes a point of contention between many couples.
This is how to best keep the peace:
- Try not to be too picky about the way your partner does a certain chore.
- Be constructive and kind if you want to bring up their poor form. Don’t be critical of what their housework priorities are.
- Play fair and remember to always do your share for a healthy, clean, and happy household.
How Do I Keep My Home Clean?
As per point three above, getting a professional technician into your home to tackle some of the more difficult housework tasks (getting rid of mould, tackling extremely dirty carpet, rejuvenating tiles and grout lines) will give you peace of mind that the job has been done to a professional standard.
Visit Electrodry to make a booking or call our friendly team on 13 27 13
