This isn’t going to be a fun post. I’m sorry, but it’s about doing chores. If there were anything enjoyable about getting them done, they would have a different name.
If you, your family, or your roommates struggle with these daily tasks, there are tools out there that can help. Here are four apps you can install right away on your Android phone or tablet.
1. OurHome
What if doing chores was as fun as playing a game? Well, OurHome tries to make that happen. Create a list of tasks, assign point values to each one, and watch as your kids, significant other, or roommate go about getting the work done.
And no, they won’t do this just to get the highest score. They’re after the rewards that you create. Want a new video game? 200 points. Want to host another sleepover? 150. Sure, you could call this bribery. Depending on your circumstances, you might also call it effective.
OurHome isn’t just a chore manager. You can also use the app to create a shopping list that syncs across devices. With the ability to like or comment on anything someone does, the experience may even feel like a tiny social network. This is enhanced by the ability to send any member of the household a private message.
2. ChoreMonster
ChoreMonster uses a “bribery” system similar to OurHome, but it’s aimed specifically at little kids. Not only is the interface adorable in general, but the app doesn’t just stick to user-created rewards to entice youngsters to clean their rooms. It also doles out collectible monsters. If Pokemon and Digimon taught us anything, it’s that kids love hoarding monsters.
The app lets you assign some chores to repeat daily, such as getting dressed for school and packing lunch. Others, like picking up all of the toys, can be once a week. Doctor’s visits could have a specific due date. With everything in one place, your kids know exactly where to go to see precisely what needs to get done, and when.
3. Clean House
So you’re sold on the idea of using an app to organize your chores, but you could do without the gimmicks. In that case, try out Clean House. There are no points here. There aren’t any rewards. You simple create a list of chores and set how often they repeat. A notification will appear when it’s time to get stuff done.
Note that Clean House doesn’t sync across multiple devices. This is a tool for keeping you in check. If more than one person intends to use the app, you each will need to keep your own list. Can you trust them with that responsibility? If not, well, scroll back up and select from the options above.
4. Chores List
If you’re looking for something that helps you stay on task, but you’re looking for more features than Clean House has to offer, consider Chores List. The interface is a bit out-dated at this point, but the functionality remains pretty thorough. You can create multiple lists, organize tasks into groups, and track how far along you are in completing each task.
The app also comes pre-loaded with over 150 housekeeping tasks, which can save you the effort of even having to think of all the things that need to get done. Just dive in and get to work.
The interface scales up and down to adapt to both phones and tablets. The free version is ad-supported, but you can get rid of those by going pro for US$1.99. And if you want dedicated lists for going on vacation, taking a camping trip, or just heading to the grocery store, well, developer Jimbl has plenty of options for you.
Honourable Mentions
The apps don’t stop here. Hub Family Calendar offers similar functionality packaged more as a personal organizer. If your kids are a little too old for ChoreMonster, consider DooApp instead. Chores.com also offers an Android app you could use to keep yourself in line.
Or Use a General To-Do List
You don’t have to pick out a dedicated app for chores. If you’re already using a to-do list app to keep your life in order, it’s pretty straightforward to just add your chores to the rest of your tasks. Evernote, Google Keep, Todoist, and many others can get the job done just fine. Here’s a list of some of the best options for Android if you need help picking one out.
There are also websites available to those of you who would rather plan things out from a desktop computer. And if you’re into spreadsheets, here are some templates that can help you get your life in order.
Are You Ready to Get to Work?
Maybe you need gamification to stay motivated. Maybe you just need a tightly organized system. Either way, there’s an Android app out there to help you stay on task. The ones listed above are hardly the first.
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