Simplify Your Life with Daily Chores Modified for Our Modern Times
Our great grandparents were probably brought up with a “days of the week” list of chores to help break up the big jobs over the course of an entire week. Theses days we have so many modern conveniences to make things easier, however we can still benefit from having a set schedule. Here is our take on the modern-day details of each of these daily chores.
Monday ~ Wash Day
It’s much different doing the laundry now than it was back in Victorian times. Back then it was common for the chore to consume an entire day, and families even had to make their own soap to do the washing with. Today we have our high efficiency front loaders and our high capacity dryers to make much quicker work of it all… aren’t we lucky!!!!
- Assign a family member to gather all of the dirty linens and clothes and bring to the laundry room.
- Sort by load type: darks, whites, brights and delicates.
- Assign a different family member to fold clothes and towels, put away all folded items and help make the beds.
Tuesday ~ Ironing Day
I remember when my Grandma used to press all of her sheets before making the beds! In today’s busy times, pressed sheets are not our top priority. We do, however, still want to look our best so there are probably still a few things that could stand to be freshly pressed before we wear them out in public. With so many of our things made out of easy-care fabrics, we have much less ironing to do these days (thank goodness)!
- Gather all items that need ironing from the previous day’s laundry session.
- Take 20 minutes out of your day to iron all of these items. You will be so glad that they are ready to go when you need them!
Wednesday ~ Sewing Day (Mending Day)
In this age of inexpensive, mass produced clothing we may have to make a call on spending time and effort to mend something, or just throwing it out. But we do still have to keep our things in good condition and looking their best, which does involve some ongoing maintenance.
- Set aside some time today to either mend items that you know need mending, or start a list of items that need replacements (such as socks with holes, etc…)
- You can also include in this weekly activity taking anything that needs repair to a professional (shoes that need re-heeled or polishing, handbags that need a strap re-stiched, etc…).
Thursday ~ Market Day
The best day to go grocery shopping is up to debate… but we think buying the groceries makes sense on a Thursday so that you are all stocked up for the weekend without having to brave the crowds on Saturday and Sunday. It’s still most time efficient to try doing one shopping trip each week, but since we don’t have to rely on a horse and buggy to take us to our local market we may end up going more than once!
Friday ~ Cleaning Day
Friday’s a great day to accomplish the cleaning for the week for many reasons.
- A clean kitchen will entice you and your family to stay home and make more meals over the weekend.
- If the cleaning chores are done, the weekend can be free to enjoy activities as a family.
- If you have been setting aside a few minutes every evening to clear off your surfaces (including the floor), then cleaning day should just focus on the deep cleaning of surfaces (cleaning counter tops, vacuuming carpets and rugs, mopping solid floors, dusting and cleaning bathrooms).
Saturday ~ Baking Day (or “Family Activity Day”)
Since the old-fashioned “Baking Day” included the children working right alongside Mom while she baked things in the kitchen, we think our modern-day take on this should involve the family doing things together. Whether it be going to sports activities, seeing relatives or going out to movies, this is a day when the whole family should focus on spending their free time together.
Sunday ~ Day of Rest
After all of that hard work throughout the week, we all deserve a day of rest! Enjoy!
Posted September 26, 2017. Written by Leticia Pfeiffer. Edited by .
