21 DIY Chore Charts That Actually Work

I love keeping my kids on task. The more I can get them to do for themselves, the less I have to hound them or clean up behind their never-ending messes. With a toddler and an elementary school kid in the house, I know one system might not work for them both. So I’ve been on the hunt for some inventive ways to keep both girls engaged and motivated to keep our house clean.

Hopefully, I’m teaching them some responsibility and accountability all while lessening my housework load. So far, the girls only get money for birthdays and an occasional Tooth Fairy visit, but it’s also important for me to help them realize that the amount they earn is directly correlated to how hard they work. Chore charts are definitely the answer in our household. If you’re unfamiliar with chore charts, they’re basically a visual method to help kids (or less responsible adults, as it may be…) understand tasks or chores that are assigned to them, as well as tie some sort of reward to fulfilling those tasks.

I’ve rounded up twenty-one chore charts that really do work. For some all you need is a printer, and others are a bit fancier and involve some creativity and craft supplies. If your kids are highly motivated by rewards, the simpler ones will do the job, but if they’re particularly visual, trying a fancier chore chart is probably in order. Check them out in the slideshow.

More Ways to Keep Your Kids on Track at Home:

21 Chore Charts That Actually Work

Magnetic Family Photo

This family photo based chore chart not only sparks up nostalgia, it also helps all family members know their duties. Let's face it, keeping a house clean takes a village. Swing by Delia Creates to make your own family photo chart.
Cork Board

Colorful, printable icons make chores a little more tolerable for little ones learning to clean up behind themselves. With a cork board base and some vibrant paint, this is one inexpensive DIY. Check out this cork board chore chart on Momtastic.
Magnetic Command Center

Chore charts can get complicated once you throw multiple kids into the mix. This magnetic board command center keeps everyone's to-dos neat and organized. Swing by Is This Really My Life for the tutorial.
Spinning Wheel

A chore chart that relies on strong visuals is always more likely to draw in the kiddos. This spinner version by All Things Thrifty is a perfect example. I dare your kid not to be intrigued.
Magnetic Money Chips

These wooden badges are durable enough to stand up to several kids through the years. Check out these magnetic chips to add to your fridge or any other metal surface at More Than a Memory.
Monster Mouth

Come on! Who can resist a big, purple chore eater? No one, that's who. This felt funny guy has a belly full of to-dos. See all of the yummy tasks the Chore Monster is nibbling on at Urban Threads.
Responsibility Sticker Binder

Swing by Modern Parents, Messy Kids for the binder basics.
Cilpboards

This clipboard chore chart system is infinitely customizable. Attach responsibilities, extra worksheets, scripture of the day, and anything else you can think of for your kiddos. A ticket reward system helps keep the kids enthusiastic and engaged. Get the free printable at Dawn Nicole Designs.
Printable Charts

These printable responsibility charts allow you to customize what tasks should be done each day of the week, and kids can see their progress as they check off each one. There's even a spot for weekly, less frequent chores. Swing by Thirty Handmade Days for the printable.
Hide-n-Seek Reveal

This hide-n-seek, reveal style chore chart from My Name Is Snickerdoodle is giving off some serious Guess Who? vibes. This simple tutorial will have your kids asking, "Guess what?" as they wait to see which chore to do next.
Door Hanger Clothespins

Mom: Knock knock!

Kid: Who's there?

Mom: Chores!

This clothespin door hanger chore chart can greet your kids coming or going to remind them of what needs to be done on the way to school or once they get home. Visit Eclectic Recipes for the how-to.
Wooden Blocks

Chores become a gamble when kiddos can roll the dice to see what their task will be. Set the table? Vacuum? Who knows? Check out Delia Creates for the tutorial on this wooden block chore chart.
Command Center for Two Kids

Start with a clipboard, work a little magic, and abracadabra! You have a colorful dry erase chore chart. Since they're so compact, each kid can have their own without to-do lists taking over all of your wall space. Check out The 36th Avenue for the how-to.
Mason Jar Allowance

Got a used pallet or some distressed boards? Great! This individualized chore chart is for you. Each kid gets a weekly list, and a mason jar suspended below holds their earnings. Visit The Winthrop Chronicles to see this inventive chart.
Framed Hooks

If you think your kid would benefit from a lot of structure and specificity in their to-do list, check out this shabby-chic one from Little Big House on the Prairie. Framed rules, point tally, and rewards make each task (and its payout) a no-brainer.
Magnetic Cookie Sheet

My cabinet is like a cookie-sheet wasteland. Turn old baking dishes into colorful chore charts with a few inexpensive craft supplies. Who knew ribbon, paint, and washi tape could camouflage years of burnt on food so well? See the tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous.
Cash Allowance

Sometimes, kids just need to earn their keep. Kidding! But this allowance-driven chore chart does link earning money with work and tasks completed. Hopefully, your child begins to associate work and responsibility with rewards. Check out The Chic Site for more on the work-for-hire chore system.
Popsicle Sticks

Popsicle sticks are a quintessential part of childhood. Why not use all those sticks for a project that will help you out around the house? See how Clean Mama turned these everyday items and a mason jar into a chore-chart alternative.
Key Ring

A simple key ring and thin wood chips come together to create a colorful, creative chore-chart alternative. Decorate each piece and list a task, then kids can just flip to find a to-do. Visit Meaningful Mama for the tutorial.
Spinner Wheels for Multiple Kids

Wheel of Chores! Okay, so that doesn't quite have the same ring as Pat Sajack's game show, but it sure does seem more entertaining than the standard list of household duties. Visit How Does She? to make your own spinner.