I have found that batching is the key to getting lots of things done but not thinking about it all day. Today’s article is simple and full of examples. I’m sure you will be able to apply this practical tool in whatever areas are frustrating for you.
I use batching in my homemaking in multiple ways. Here are some examples.
Dishes:
I have strategically chosen times each day to worry about dirty/clean dishes. In the mornings as the day begins and in the evenings after dinner.
What this looks like:
- My teen has the morning chore of unloading the dishwasher. This means that we start our day with an empty dishwasher and plenty of clean dishes. She’s been doing this morning to her for over 5 years and she is excellent at it.
- During the day the house rule is that you put your dirty dishes in the sink. After we eat a meal or snack we automatically clean up our spot, rinse off the dishes, and stack them in the sink.
- At the end of the day after dinner, my son loads the dishwasher, starts it, and all hand wash dishes are taken care of by me.
- This is also when I clean up the kitchen. (With help from the kids.)
- You can read more about that here = My Counters Affect My Productivity
Why this works for me – I do not feel guilt or annoyance for the dirty dishes all day long.
I know that they will be dealt with later that day. And if something happens and we don’t get to it that evening we will deal with it the next morning. There is consistent work done so that it doesn’t pile up.
Laundry:
I have a few days a week that I work on loads of laundry. Typically I load, switch, and fold on a few days a week.
What this looks like:
- Mondays I put in a load of laundry as part of my morning routine. Then switch it before starting school work upstairs. That afternoon, I fold the clean clothes while listening to a podcast.
- Fridays I do the same routine and maybe an extra load of towels or sheets.
My kids are old enough that they each do their own laundry. I have taken the time to train and reinforce this life skill. Even my 7 year-old can do the whole process without my help. This has been a huge burden lifted from my shoulders. A few years ago I was doing over 8 loads of laundry a week.
Why this works for me –
My laundry – I do not have to think about laundry when I am doing other tasks around the house.
It has set days that it will get done and I usually can fold the load that day or the day after.
The kids laundry – They are learning real life consequences.
All of my kids have had to learn the cause and effect of not doing their laundry each week. I purposely do not rescue them from the mishaps of not having clean clothes. They have learned the hard way and it has helped them be more responsible. (I do give gentle reminders once or twice a week.)
Daily household chores:
Every home has a few random things that need to be done each day so that common spaces feel more manageable and welcoming. In our home, we include a few tasks each morning.
These are typically household tasks that could be done at any time of day but I choose to get them done in the morning so that I don’t have to fit them in later. No matter what the rest of the day holds, we have started on the right foot. Sometimes we skip morning chores to get out the door quickly, and that is okay too.
What this looks like:
Morning Chores – our daily household tasks:
- change the bathroom hand towels & kitchen towels
- feed the cats / scoop out cat boxes
- feed and water dogs
- take out the trash and recycling
- get the mail
- get out the kid vitamins
- farm chores – animals watered, fresh hay, feed, and collect eggs.
- quick wipe down of bathroom sink
- unload dishwasher
- sweep kitchen floor
- fill up our metal water bottles for wherever we are going
- wash out kitchen sink
- load laundry
Each person has a list of what they are in charge of. By the time we eat breakfast, the house looks cleaner and the animals are fed. These simple routines have made things around our house more manageable and peaceful.
Why this works for me – The common spaces are reset and the pets are cared for each morning.
This way no matter what the day holds at least we got a few basic things done. It also makes weekend chores less overwhelming.
See this article for more: Morning Routines for My Kids
Where can you apply the concept of batching to areas that are frustrating in your home?
What daily or weekly household tasks are often forgotten?
You all know how much I love picking words apart and getting to a solid definition!
(non-word nerds feel free to scroll on😉)
Websters 1828 – BATCH, noun [from bake.]
1. The quantity of bread baked at one time; a baking of bread.
2. Any quantity of a thing made at once, or so united as to have like qualities.
————
Cambridge Dictionary – BATCH, noun
1. a group of things that are dealt with or produced at the same time
2. to make a group out of a number of things so they can all be dealt with together.
“The way out is through. Defining what we could do and what you are doing right now instead.”
(managing expectations with ourselves and others)
“You can only be clear about what you’re not doing when you know what you’re not doing.”
– David Allen, GTD founder and expert
Batching simplifies the time spent thinking and decision-making.
I know what needs to be done and when. I do not have to decide at 7pm on a Wednesday what I am going to do about laundry. (Unless something unusual is happening.)
Batching household tasks brings sanity and gives you and the house a reset for what comes next.
We are not cleaning for some standard placed on us by a Pinterest picture or someone else’s ideas. We are clearing space for our people to live life well and be comfortable in our homes. We are showing love with our actions and with our servant’s hearts.
The more activity and people in my home, the more cleaning and upkeep my house requires. Homeschooling is messy, hosting gatherings with other families creates more housework, and letting the kids do creative projects creates spills and sticky floors.
But do I really want to live a life that is sterile and always clean?
That would be a life without all my people, without those vibrant relationships,and without creativity. Someday all my kids will grow up and move out. Someday I will have fewer messes and less chores.
But for now, I will continue to batch my tasks, make progress, and focus on being with the people in my home. They are what truly matter to me.
🧹🧽Happy Task Batching – April
Photos by Annie Spratt and others on Unsplash