Household Chore Chart

Who this is for

Who does what, every day this week. The days run down the side with room for three chores and a name against each; the jobs that only happen once a week sit in a second list with a day and a tick.

Families sharing chores between adults and children, flat-shares that want the arrangement written down, and anyone whose 'we take turns' has stopped working.

What this helps you track

• Which chores fall on which day, so the week is not front-loaded
• Whose name is against each chore, which ends most arguments before they start
• The once-a-week jobs that need a day chosen or they never happen
• A fresh sheet each week, so the rota can be swapped round without a fuss

How to use it

1. Write the week beginning at the top and the names of everyone taking part.
2. For each day, write up to three chores and put a name next to each. Keep them small enough to be done that day.
3. List the once-a-week jobs underneath, choose a day for each and put a name against it.
4. Pin the sheet where everyone sees it, or share the browser version. Tick the weekly jobs as they are done; initial the daily ones if you want a record.
5. Next week, rotate the names so nobody keeps the worst job. Print a fresh sheet or clear the browser version.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The online version keeps what you enter in your own browser and builds the completed PDF on your device.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

Which chores suit which ages?

That depends on the child and the home, and we do not offer a list. Choose jobs that can actually be finished by the person named, and be willing to move them around after the first week.

Can I use it for rewards or pocket money?

You can — initial the boxes as chores are done and keep the arrangement wherever you keep pocket money. The sheet itself does not attach a value to any chore; that is a household decision.

What if we need more than three chores a day?

Combine small jobs on one line — 'clear table, load dishwasher' — or use the weekly list for anything that does not need a fixed day. The browser version can add rows to the weekly list; the daily grid is fixed so it stays on one page.

How is this different from the whole-house cleaning schedule?

That schedule is organised by room with a frequency and a person for each. This chart is organised by day, for the week in front of you, and covers chores that are not cleaning — bins, pets, cooking — as well as those that are.