7 ways your setup makes chores harder than they should be

Some chores take longer than they need to—not because the job’s tough, but because your setup is. The layout of your home, where you store things, and how you organize your supplies all play a big part in how smoothly chores go.

If you feel like cleaning, laundry, or yard work always turn into a bigger production than they should, your setup might be to blame. Here are a few common habits that make daily upkeep harder than necessary.

Cleaning supplies are scattered everywhere

If your cleaning products live in five different spots, you’ll waste time tracking them down every time something needs wiping. Keeping a small caddy under the sink or a basket for each floor saves a ton of steps. When supplies are within reach, you’re more likely to clean small messes before they turn into full projects.

Laundry stations are too far apart

If your laundry area is in one end of the house and your hampers are at the other, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Every extra trip adds time—and energy—you could save. Putting a hamper in every bedroom or hallway and sorting as you go keeps laundry manageable and less of a chore day mountain.

Tools don’t have a home

When tools, tape measures, or batteries live wherever you last set them down, even small tasks feel drawn out. A pegboard, labeled bins, or drawer dividers can make a big difference. You’ll spend less time searching for things and more time actually getting stuff done.

Overcrowded surfaces

If every counter and tabletop is full, you’ll have to move things before you can even start cleaning. Clutter slows everything down and makes every task feel bigger than it is. Keeping surfaces mostly clear makes wiping, dusting, and straightening up faster and easier—and looks better too.

No system for incoming items

Mail, shoes, and random items without a landing spot tend to pile up fast. When you have to shuffle them around before sweeping or vacuuming, chores take twice as long. A small basket by the door, a mail tray, or labeled bins for each family member keeps the chaos contained and cleaning quick.

Poor lighting where you work most

Dim light in the laundry room, pantry, or kitchen can make it harder to see what you’re doing—and easier to miss dirt or spills. Good lighting isn’t about decor here; it’s about function. Swapping to brighter bulbs or adding a small task light makes chores faster and more efficient.

Storing things out of reach

Keeping the vacuum behind boxes or the mop in a cramped closet means you’ll put off using it. When cleaning tools are easy to grab, quick cleanups become part of your routine instead of a whole event. Hooks, wall mounts, or an open utility rack can keep your most-used tools ready without adding clutter.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.