How to reduce arguments about household chores

We have little choice in life but to bow to the chores around our homes. But living with others can make these mandatory tasks become a source of great frustration.

“It was YOUR turn to do the washing up!” “Why is the laundry not hung out to dry?!” “The bin is overflowing – take it out!!”

We’ve all been there. But what are the chores that cause the most consternation? And how can you make things fairer? Using data from fitted furniture experts Hammonds, let’s take a look.

What the stats say

Hammonds surveyed 2,000 Brits about their household habits…

Almost a quarter of those polled said that their other half not pulling their weight around the house had been the source of arguments.
Nearly half of those polled (44%) said they did all of the housework. This number jumped to 54% among female respondents.
Even when others do chip in, it still doesn’t always keep the peace. Things not being cleaned to a required standard was a grumble for 15%.

Ways to make it fairer

If the arguments around chores are becoming too much to bear, there are some steps you can take to try and make things fairer across the board.

Create a rota: Sharing the jobs around means that everyone should be pulling their weight. And if something doesn’t get done then you know who needs to get busy! Similarly, if someone is better at a certain task, then why not give it to them and steer clear of any fallings out around the quality of work done?
Focus on the outcome: OK, so doing odd jobs around the house isn’t the most thrilling part of life. But focusing on the positives can help you get there quicker and a little bit happier. The room is going to look amazing when it’s tidied up, the sound of things rattling around the vacuum is pretty satisfying, and how about the shine on those windows after a polish?!
Show respect: Especially for parents, if your other half has had a long day looking after the kids, maybe you can lighten the load by taking on some chores. Kirsty Oakes, head of product and marketing at Hammonds Furniture, said: “For bigger tasks, it’s important to remember to split the load in your household and not let it be one person’s responsibility to do all the chores around the home. If each person in a home completes their own jobs, this can help ease the burden and lessen any friction.”

The nation’s favourite chores

If all else fails, maybe you could stick to these five most popular tasks among those polled...