The 3x3 Chore Checklist That Makes Housework Simple and Doable

How to use the 3x3 daily chore checklist

I’ve been so excited to see many of you enjoying the checklist already! This post will break things down if you’d like more direction. Find my first post about the checklist here. P.S. By subscribing, you’ll receive this free chore checklist along with a bonus one, my original checklists. Let’s break it down step by step so you can see how easy it is to get started!

---

Here’s how the 3x3 Daily Chore Checklist works:

1️⃣ Daily Basics:
These are the non-negotiables that keep your home running smoothly.

• Laundry: Whether it’s a full load or just catching up, keeping it moving makes all the difference. You can wash, sort, fold, put away. All of those or pick and choose!

• Dishes: A clean sink and surfaces instantly help calm the chaos. Plus get the dishwasher on if you have one.

• Floors: Sweep, vacuum, or spot mop. We have many pets and kids, so doing *something* with the floors daily is a must.

I also call the daily basics my “Plan B” chores and lean into just these three chores during difficult days, weeks, or seasons..and then catch up as I can when life becomes more stable again.

2️⃣ Daily Focus Area:
Instead of trying to tackle everything every day, this step lets you go deeper into one area. There are a few ways to do this. For example, you could pick a focus area each day:

• Monday: Bathrooms

• Tuesday: Living room

• Wednesday: Bedrooms

Or you could pick and choose which area you'd like to focus on each day, if you'd prefer that over a schedule like the one above. I prefer that myself! Miss a day? No big deal. This isn’t about perfection and you can just pick up where you left off. It’s flexible by design. On the chore checklist, you’re given three tasks for the daily focus area: clean, organize, and tidy.

3️⃣ Family & Extras:
This part brings everyone else into the mix and leaves room for the “extras” that come up:

• Family involvement: Have the kids tidy their rooms, help with dishes, or assist in a quick cleanup session.

• Extras: This could mean decluttering a drawer or tackling a little (or big!) project you’ve been meaning to get to. I need this category in the chore checklist because I’m a procrastinator with this kind of chore! It’s also a chance to add a spark of joy, like tidying up your favorite cozy spot or organizing something that’s been bugging you. I usually tidy up my master bedroom because that's very important to me. I love my bed. 😄

---

Why It Works

The 3x3 Daily Chore Checklist isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters most and keeping it manageable…but always with forward momentum.

Instead of drowning in an overwhelming list or feeling like you’re constantly behind, you can focus on small, meaningful wins. Over time, those small wins add up to a home that feels simpler and more functional.

And the best part? It’s flexible. Whether you’re squeezing in chores during nap time, multitasking between work calls, or teaming up with the family for a quick 15-minute blitz tidy, this method keeps your home running without (as much) stress.

---

Ready to Simplify?

In my next post, I’ll share how to set up your own 3x3 daily chore checklist in more detail. I’ll also offer an alternate printable version for my paid subscribers with even more breakdown (perfect for folks who prefer detailed breakdowns like me!).

Managing your home shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. After all, chores should be a part of your life, but not your whole life!