Illustrated AZ of Household Chores

Household chores are ideal for listing and drawing - because it puts off the time when they need to be tackled.

Having said that, unless you want to live in a ramshackle pigsty of a place, there is something to be said for tackling small jobs.

Here are some reasons for doing them.
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  • They stop you being bored
  • A better environment improves your state of mind
  • Some gentle physical activity is good for you

Here in A to Z order are chores that I have successfully done or avoided over the years.  The idea of the illustrations is to put a little fun and color into them.

Flat Pack Self-Assembly

A box of self-assembly parts with clear instructions should be easy to put together.  When the most complicated tool is a screwdriver how hard can it be?

The first time flat pack purchaser eagerly rushes home to start the task, opens the box and begins to realise what they have started.  There is no turning back.  The cupboard is required immediately and surely any practical guy  could have the job done in thirty minutes.

One of my frequent self-assembly mistakes is installing a key component upside down.  The mistake only becoming apparent later and requiring disassembly to start again.

Say goodbye to any plans for the rest of the day as you screw, hammer and glue together a wonky structure that might last for six months if lucky.

​Flat pack - the right to self-assembly.
Flat Pack Self-Assembly cartoon drawing shows a puzzled stickman rechecking the instructions, while sitting on a partially assembled item. A humorous nod to the DIY heroes who put this stuff together at home. Other terms are self build and ready to assemble.

Flat Pack Self-Assembly Gifts >>

Garage Sale

Not really a hobby, a Garage or Yard Sale is a chance to offload stuff you no longer need and make some money.  You could call it recycling too just to be extra green.

​Get all that old stuff out on display.  Clean it and price it.  Advertise.  Maybe make a little money.

​Along with Car Washing and any other money making ideas this probably needs its own page sometime.
Garage Sale sign shows the words

Garage Sale Signs >>

Ironing

School and work clothes require ironing.

An unironed shirt can create a poor impression in formal situations.  For a work interview an ironed shirt is probably still essential, along with a tie and a haircut.

Ironing is not one of the worst chores.  Put the TV or radio on and spend a while creating order in your life.

A pile of ironed clothes later and Brownie points should have been earned.
Ironing Laundry Chore design features a laundry enthusiast demonstrating the hold and steam iron technique. For people who iron clothes!

Ironing Gifts >>

Some people claim to love ironing.  Whether meant ironically or as appreciation for their hard effort here is an expression of that love.
I Love Ironing design features a happy person using an iron on clothes with I Love motif in the background. For anyone tasked with the ironing chore or who genuinely likes doing it!

I Love Ironing Gifts >>

Painting and Decorating

Some people like decorating.

In theory a pot of paint and a couple of hours light painting and the job should be done.

In practice there is stripping, peeling, filling, sanding - a host of preparation tasks meaning you are worn out before even lifting a paintbrush.
Painter and Decorator design shows a painter dressed in overalls with a bucket of paint in one hand and a loaded paintbrush in the other. For people who enjoy painting and decorating!

Painting and Decorating Gifts >>

Plumbing

It is not the plumber's fault that bills for small maintenance tasks are high.  You are paying for his time to get to and from your house.  His van, tools, insurance and business expenses, plus the ten cent washer.

Alternatively you can research minor plumbing jobs on YouTube and source spare parts and tools from a hundred different online outlets.

An hour or so of effort and a ten cent washer later fixes the problem and gives a sense of achievement.
Humorous plumbing design shows a plumber fixing a leaky pipe. Plumbing is a key building trade and one of the essential emergency services. Fortunately our plumber knows exactly what to do.

Plumber Gifts >>

Take Out the Trash

In this time of equality there are some jobs that still automatically fall to the poor down trodden man of the house.

Trash disposal is one of those.

Given that it takes virtually no effort or time and is relatively easy and clean - it is a job that most men should be happy to take on.

​And it gets you out of the house.
Taking out the trash to the green recyle wheelie bin carrying heavy sack of rubbish

Take Out The Trash Gifts >>

Vacuuming

Vacuuming is a relatively simple job that men can be mostly trusted to do.


Initially precious objects will get broken or knocked over. With near constant instruction and threats the man can be trained to be more careful and considerate.


Then it is a matter of buying enough extension cable to reach all round the living space and thinking thoughts to yourself as you try to avoid small children and cats.


These days you can buy a robot vacuum cleaner fairly inexpensively. But where's the fun in that?

Household vacuuming - pulling traditional red suction vacuum cleaner

Vacuuming Gifts >>

We sold our old vacuum.  It was just sat there gathering dust.
I Love Vacuuming is a humorous design for anyone tasked with the vacuum cleaning chore. Make the vacuuming fly by with this fun image!

I Love Vacuuming Gifts >>

Washing the Car

Cars don't really need washing.  They are designed to operate under all weather conditions and do not require garaging due to modern rust treatments.

However - headlights, number plates, windows and wing mirrors do need regular cleaning for safety reasons.

And by the time you have done that lot you might as well do the wheels and the bodywork too.

A traditional job to give medium sized children to do in an attempt to teach them the value of hard work and money.
Car Washing design shows car cleaning by two expert car washers. One uses a pressure hose to clean away grime and the other uses old-fashioned sponge, soapy water and hard work.

Car Wash Gifts >>

Window Cleaning

It is theoretically possible to clean your own windows, rather than using a window-cleaner. At least if you live in a single storey building. Or are good on ladders.


The squeegee thing is brilliant. Wash window and rinse it thoroughly. Then use magic squeegee to remove any water, without leaving streaks. It takes a little practice.


Then it's time to come to your senses and use a window-cleaning service.

Window Cleaning design shows a hand drawn stickman window cleaner making those windows look perfect. A fun mage for a regular task.

Window Cleaning Gifts >>

Time For a Break

If you managed to get one or more of those jobs done then it's definitely time for a well-earned break.


My personal favourite is trash-management. A simple inexpensive task that requires moving slowly from one place to another, and back again.


Don't talk to me about flat pack.


Created by Mark Ewbie. Last Update: November 27, 2025.