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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

How much time to spend on ' chores' etc.

7 replies

Daygloboo · 16/06/2025 23:56

It's not just chores. It's really about how to organise the day and how much to do in a day. I'm in my late fifties and I really have no idea what my day is supposed to look like. I have a partner and look after my elderly mum. I realise that I now seem to have absolutely no idea how much people manage to get done in a day. I know that's a bit like saying how long is a piece of string. I find if I have a busy day then I am tired the next day. Years ago I had a family friend and his wife who st the time were in their 70s. They would have at least one date with friends a day...coffee, lunch, dinner date whatever. Plus they'd do all their weekly shopping, housework, volunteering. You name it. Every single day their diary was packed from morning to night. If I had even one day like they used to have I think I'd drop dead the next day. I suppose I'm just asking ....what is a typical day like for most people of my age. Are most people shopping, washing, cooking, out with friends, etc etc every day. I'd be very interested to hear some descriptions of what a typical day is like for other people in their forties and fifties. I know it will vary from.person ro person but I genuinely haven't got a clue how much or how little people do in a day.

OP posts:
Wagathamisty · 17/06/2025 00:12

Most people in their 40/50s work, do you? Life is very different when you have a job. Get a cleaner if that’s an option?

CarpetKnees · 17/06/2025 00:13

A 'typical day' for most people in their 50s would involve around 7.5 / 8 hours work.
Plus, for those not lucky enough to wfh, commute time.

Putting that aside, re the amount you do, much of that is habit.
When you are used to being busy 15 hours a day, then that is just your life, and what your body and mind are used to.
If you never do much, then that is what both your body and mind are used to.

It's why the advice when you retire is to put structure into your day and week, and make sure you go out each day.

Daygloboo · 17/06/2025 01:09

Yes that seems sensible. Use it or lose it.

OP posts:
LoudPlumDog · 17/06/2025 15:14

I’m mid fifties and at home. I’m dealing with grief that makes me exhausted.
I wake up anywhere from 7-10am. Washing on, empty dishwasher, feed pets and have breakfast. Take dogs to the park or drop to doggy daycare. Usually visit a friend for half an hour, then pop into shops. Visit cemetery. Cry all the way home. Nap. More chores, walk, garden, bake - whatever takes my fancy. Feed pets, dinner, shower and early to bed.

Greysilverbluehair · 17/06/2025 15:23

Watching with interest because we haven't got this worked out either!

I've been unwell and gave up my part-time work but I'm on the mend now, although with less energy. I'm in my mid 60s.

Organised Mum Method seems like a good idea but we never seem to get into a groove with it and there's always something that needs fixing, which DH is good at.

We do have a cleaner once a fortnight.

Greysilverbluehair · 17/06/2025 15:24

LoudPlumDog · 17/06/2025 15:14

I’m mid fifties and at home. I’m dealing with grief that makes me exhausted.
I wake up anywhere from 7-10am. Washing on, empty dishwasher, feed pets and have breakfast. Take dogs to the park or drop to doggy daycare. Usually visit a friend for half an hour, then pop into shops. Visit cemetery. Cry all the way home. Nap. More chores, walk, garden, bake - whatever takes my fancy. Feed pets, dinner, shower and early to bed.

So sorry for you loss 💐😔

Daygloboo · 17/06/2025 16:16

LoudPlumDog · 17/06/2025 15:14

I’m mid fifties and at home. I’m dealing with grief that makes me exhausted.
I wake up anywhere from 7-10am. Washing on, empty dishwasher, feed pets and have breakfast. Take dogs to the park or drop to doggy daycare. Usually visit a friend for half an hour, then pop into shops. Visit cemetery. Cry all the way home. Nap. More chores, walk, garden, bake - whatever takes my fancy. Feed pets, dinner, shower and early to bed.

See that sounds like you do a lot in a day. Sorry for your loss by the way.

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