What I Learned After Timing My Own Housework

Like many people, I sometimes catch myself thinking certain chores will take forever.
What I Learned After Timing My Own Housework
After dinner I set the timer and started clearing the counters, rinsing a few dishes, and wiping down the surfaces. I expected it to take at least 15 minutes. It took four. Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
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One afternoon not long ago, I decided to conduct a little experiment. Nothing scientific. No clipboard required. Just a kitchen timer and a bit of curiosity. I wanted to know how long everyday housework actually takes.

Like many people, I sometimes catch myself thinking certain chores will take forever. Wiping the kitchen counters. Emptying the dishwasher. Putting away laundry. Cleaning the bathroom sink. Somehow these small jobs gather in the mind and grow into something that feels like an entire afternoon of drudgery.

Mary Hunt
Mary Hunt
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