Thanks to innovation there are more ways to reduce the workload of chores being a chore at home. Robots are ready to do more jobs, and little tech helpers can make the rest of your obligations more fun, or at least fly by so fast they hardly have the chance to bother you. You might be pleasantly surprised by the following things that can make your chores seem like…well, seem like much less of a chore.
1. Robot Mowers
A nicely mowed lawn is an ideal for many, but actually mowing the lawn? Well, that’s something most of us could do without if we’re honest. Enter the robot mower, a life-changing little gadget that does the job for us. The best robot mowers seem more like a tiny, grass-eating pet that loves nothing more than keeping your lawn pristine.
Just set it up, sit back, and watch in glee as your lawn is manicured to perfection without you lifting a finger. If you’ve used a robot mower, we’d love to know what you think.
2. Smart Washers and Dryers
Doing laundry is a bit like being stuck in a time loop. Wash, dry, fold, repeat. It’s a reliable chore that always seems to be needed. But, there’s an option to make it easier. Smart washers and dryers can be controlled remotely, send you notifications when your laundry’s done, and some even have steam and sanitizing functions. It’s like living in the future, but with less flying cars and more clean underwear.
3. Dishwasher Delight
We were dishwasher-free for the several years, and if you still wash dishes by hand, it’s time for a kitchen upgrade. Modern dishwashers are not just dishwashers; they are near-miracle workers. They use less water, energy, and soap than hand washing, and they often do a better job. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about stacking dishes into a machine, pressing a button, and walking away like you just solved a major life problem. Now, if only we could inspire our teenager to unload the dishes.
4. Vacuum Robots
Vacuuming is on the list with taxes in terms of things we’d rather not do. Thankfully, vacuum robots are here to help. These little disc-shaped heroes roam around your house, sucking up dust and debris, and some can even navigate around obstacles and adjust to different floor types. Watching them work is strangely hypnotic–like a cat chasing its tail, but way more productive and satisfying.
5. Meal Delivery Kits
Cooking can be a joy, but meal planning and grocery shopping? Not so much. Meal delivery kits are a game-changer for many of our friends who have big families. Ingredients and recipes delivered to your door, portioned and ready to go. It’s like having your own sous-chef who doesn’t judge you when you pronounce ‘quinoa’ wrong but is ready with all of the necessary ingredients.
6. Automatic Pet Feeders
Pet owners, here is a game changer. Automatic pet feeders can feed your furry friends on a schedule, ensuring they’re fed even if you’re running late. It’s like a robot butler for your pet–because even Fluffy deserves a taste of the high life. And, a pet water fountain has been a huge life changer for our cats. Not only does it filter fresh water, it provides a comforting sound that helps induce a cat nap.
7. Smart Home Assistants
Ever find yourself forgetting to do something until you’re comfortably settled on the couch? Smart home assistants can set reminders for you, play music to motivate you, and even order supplies online. It’s like having a personal assistant who doesn’t mind being asked a million questions a day. We even know someone who has three in her apartment. Now, that’s a lot of assistants.
8. Online Grocery Shopping
Online grocery shopping is a modern miracle. We’ve been using online ordering for a dozen years, and it’s been a huge help for our busy family. No more battling for parking spaces, navigating crowded aisles, or standing in line while someone pays in pennies or has a roll of coupons. Order your groceries online and have them delivered straight to your door. It’s like the supermarket equivalent of finding a $20 bill in your pocket.
9. Window Cleaning Robot
Windows need love too, but they’re often neglected. Seriously, who really wants to clean windows? Now there are window cleaning robots. Stick them on your window, and they’ll do the hard work, leaving you with streak-free views and a smug sense of satisfaction.
10. Gardening Apps
Not all of us are born with a green thumb. Gardening apps can help you figure out when to plant, water, and harvest. They’re like having a gardening expert in your pocket, minus the dirt under your fingernails. We’ve used garden apps to figure out what’s growing in our yard, and to find out what would be best to grow in different areas of our yard.
11. Decluttering
This one requires a bit of initial effort but pays off big time. Declutter your home, and you’ll have less to clean, organize, and stress about. It’s like weight loss for your home; it feels lighter, looks better, and is healthier overall. For homeowners who have been in their homes for decades, it can seem like a huge chore. We focus on one part of one room at a time. For example, declutter one closet, then clean out one drawer, and then clean out under the bed. If you carve the decluttering into smaller chores, it’s easier to wrap your energy around it. Plus, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed.
12. Chore Charts
Make a game out of chores with chore charts for the whole family. Assign points, set rewards, and watch as what was once a drudgery becomes a friendly family competition. It’s like a board game, but the prize is a clean house and bragging rights or maybe a fun prize like being able to pick the next family adventure.
13. The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and a Clean House)
Tackle chores first thing in the morning to get them out of the way. If you are looking for a free and effective way to make chores seem like much less of a chore, then cross them off the list early. Get them out of the way, and you have the whole day ahead of you, chore-free. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid–quick and relatively painless.
14. Ask a Friend
If you can, ask someone to help. Whether it’s a roommate, partner, child, or a friend on speakerphone, everything’s more fun with company, and the time will fly by. It’s also easier to declutter when there’s an objective person to help guide the realistic decision-making process.
15. Take Time for Quiet
Sometimes, you just need to embrace the silence. Turn off the music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Let your mind wander as you wash dishes or dust shelves. You’d be surprised where your thoughts can take you when they’re not being bombarded with sound. You can also try to just really focus on the task at hand like a form of mindfulness, that will make even the most mundane task more meaningful.
Do you have helpful tips to make chores feel less like a chore? Share in the comments below.
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