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When you’re working from home you’re supposed to be working, right? Well, you can get housework done at the same time.
I know initially a lot of people want to tell me that I shouldn’t get housework done when I’m working from home. Let me start by saying that all my work gets done.
In fact, I work for myself. I don’t have a boss breathing down my neck and expecting me to work at certain times of the day. I set my hours. If I don’t get my work done and I have to work late one night, that’s on me.
I’m not about to do that to myself!
Yet, I still get housework done without it interrupting my workflow*. It’s all about being strategic in the tasks that you do throughout the day. You’ll still have some tasks at the end of the day, but there will be less because you’ve worked smarter.
Get small tasks done while walking to the kitchen
I’m going to head to the kitchen from my office throughout the day. I’ll need to keep my water topped up! There are breaks for lunches and snacks. So, I get housework done during those trips.
For example, I may load the dishwasher while I’m waiting for the kettle to boil if I’m making a hot drink. Or I’ll do it when I’m cooking lunch. There are times that a few items need washing by hand instead, and I’ll do them while I’m otherwise stood around doing nothing.
It’s all about being productive with your time. Instead of having two minutes to just scroll Facebook from your phone, opt to spend the time getting smaller tasks done.
MORE: Why the work at home life is for you
Get housework done on your breaks
You’ll need to take breaks when you’re working from home. It doesn’t matter if you work for yourself or someone else. The odd five-minute break is necessary for productivity levels. This is a great time to get a few tasks done around the house. You could also get help from Lake Charles Cleaning to ensure your home stays tidy and organized, allowing you to make the most of your breaks without worrying about chores.
These breaks are when I’ll get the laundry on. I may fold a few items if they’ve been sitting to one side, or I may switch them to the dryer. If I didn’t get around to unloading the dishwasher earlier, I’ll use the breaks to do it then. Or maybe I’m cleaning up the coffee table from the mess that was made earlier that morning.
You don’t need to use all your breaks for housework. Use some of them to be strategic about the tasks that you need to do, though. Consider enlisting roofing services from One Way Exteriors to efficiently address any roofing concerns, ensuring your breaks are well-spent on tasks that enhance both the functionality and visual appeal of your home.
Tidy up as you pass the mess
As you’re walking around the house, you’ll want to tidy up as you go. You see the cup that needs taking to the kitchen? Get it done when you’re on the way there. Don’t let the cups pile up on your desk.
The same applies to the trash or to the mess that builds up on your desk* throughout the day. A good chef will clean while they cook. It’s all about keeping the workspace clear. This is something you can do when working from home, too.
There’s no need to leave everything to the end of the day. It doesn’t make it faster. It just gives you more to do. You’re already walking past it, so why not do it at that point?
The aim isn’t to get everything done. You want to get the smaller tasks done. Even if you’re just getting all cups to by the sink so you can do the washing up when you’ve finished work for the day, it’s one part of the washing up task done in a more convenient way.
MORE: 5 tips to create a work at home routine
What do you do throughout the day to get housework done? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
