Have you tried to implement a chore chart in your apartment, only to find that no one sticks to it? You’re not alone. With students leading different lifestyles, attending extracurricular activities, and having clashing class schedules, coordinating a weekly chore list can feel like an insurmountable task. You deserve the chance for everyone to do their part—rather than take on the cleaning responsibilities on yourself.
At Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, we’re here to guide you through the steps of creating a comprehensive chore chart that sticks. Our Gainesville property management company provides college-aged residents and young professionals with contemporary and elevated off-campus student apartments. With a wide range of available floor plan layouts and complimentary roommate matching services in select communities, we make it simple and convenient for students to find compatible living arrangements. Contact our leasing team today for more information on our available apartment rental properties!
The foundation for any functional chore chart is cooperation and fairness. All participating roommates must agree on what exact chores should take place on a day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month basis. This means leaving little room for error. When drafting your chart, identify each individual task that needs to be completed. For instance, rather than leaving a roommate in charge of cleaning the living room, split the living room into separate, manageable actions. What should deep cleaning the living room consist of? For some, this might look like dusting the coffee table, vacuuming the floors, wiping down windows, and disposing of any leftover trash or debris. By clearly delineating each chore, you can minimize the chance of miscommunication or tension later down the road.
Each set of roommates functions differently. In order to ensure that your chore chart will stick, it may require some trial-and-error until you find a method that works for your group.
For best results, make sure that each roommate has an easily accessible copy of the chart. The mobile app store offers an assortment of virtual chore chart planners—making it easy to keep track of tasks while on the go! An app can also make it easy to randomly rotate chores. Simply click a button, and receive a newly generated list of chores split evenly between you and your roommates.
Another solution is the classic whiteboard set-up. Use magnetic strips to attach a dry-erase board to your refrigerator, or rely on renter-friendly attachments to hang the board in a central location. This way, roommates can be reminded of their tasks when they enter the apartment and before they leave for classes.
The most crucial step in any roommate-related agreement is to have fun! If possible, create incentives between you and your roommates to maximize productivity and encourage positive habits. For example, every time you complete your chore chart for the week, gather your friends together for a themed dinner, or celebrate with popcorn and a casual movie night in your pajamas! These small plans will help further cement the bond you have with your roommates, while also giving you something exciting to look forward to at the end of each week.
Ready to put these concepts into action? Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, offers a wide range of properties that offer personalized roommate matching, including The Courtyards and Spyglass. Explore our latest Gainesville apartments for rent today!