Every home needs to be cleaned. When people share housing the question arises about how the common areas that everyone uses are cleaned. Here are three methods that work.
Hire a Pro
If you can afford it, the easiest, best way to get the house cleaned is to have someone else do it. Seriously – once every two weeks by a professional will avoid quite a lot of conflict about the quantity and quality of housecleaning. Since you are saving money by sharing housing, you might be able to afford this option.
Rotate Chores Weekly
Figure out how many chores you have and divide them equally among the housemates. Decide if these chores are done weekly or every other week. Put chores in a set order and housemates in a set order and every week the chore shifts to the next person.
Areas of Responsibility
Create equitable areas of responsibility (vacuuming common rooms, taking out trash and recycling, washing kitchen floor, etc. ) divide them among housemates by preference. Each person is responsible for their area for a month. They can ask for a change at the end of the month. If no one wants a change each person keeps their area of responsibility.
Follow Your System
Once you decide your system for maintaining a clean home, you just have to follow through! It may seem tough to come to an agreement, but one of the benefits of sharing housing is that you can divide tasks or even afford professional help! The most important thing is that you come to an agreement about how to maintain your home.
For more about cleanliness in a shared home, check out these articles! The Five Commandments of Keeping a Tidy Household; Home Sharing Means Never Having to Scoop the Litter Box
Last Updated on January 10, 2011 by Bob Sherwood
Leave a Reply