Task Ideas & Points
Suggested tasks for different living situations and how to use Fibonacci-based point values for fair weighting.
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The Fibonacci Point System
We recommend using Fibonacci numbers for points: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21.
This approach comes from software development, where teams estimate task complexity the same way. It works brilliantly for chores because:
- Natural scaling — The gaps grow as values increase, reflecting how we perceive effort
- Forces decisions — Choose between 5 or 8, not 7 or 8. Faster debates.
- Prevents false precision — There's no real difference between 17 and 18 points
Recommended Scale
Assigning points is a collaborative process—every household is different, so you'll want to decide together what each task is worth. Like in a software team, you'll quickly find your rhythm as you discuss and estimate, sometimes even having spirited debates about whether something is a 5-pointer or an 8-pointer! Over time, you'll get in a groove and reach consensus more easily, adjusting as you go. Here are just some example values, but the real fun (and fairness) comes from figuring it out together.
| Points | Effort | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tiny | Empty dishwasher, dishes away, empty hoover |
| 2 | Quick | Clean kitchen floor, Food shop, Hoover, Take bins out |
| 3 | Small | Cleaning windows, Defrost freezer, Change bed sheets |
| 5 | Medium | Kitchen cleean, bathroom clean |
| 8 | Larger | Deep clean kitchen, mowing lawn, clean oven |
| 13 | Big | The christmas food shop |
| 21 | Major | Deep clean whole house |
Tip: Pick a reference task (e.g. washing up = 5) and compare everything to it.
Task Ideas by Living Situation
Flatmates / Housemates
Focus on shared spaces and rotation.
| Task | Points |
|---|---|
| Washing up | 2 |
| Emptying dishwasher | 1 |
| Wiping surfaces | 1 |
| Taking bins out | 2 |
| Hoovering living room | 2 |
| Bathroom clean | 5 |
| Mopping floors | 2 |
| Deep cleaning fridge | 8 |
Couples
Balance is key when it's just the two of you.
| Task | Points |
|---|---|
| Cooking dinner | 5 |
| Washing up after | 2 |
| Food shopping | 2 |
| Putting a wash on | 1 |
| Folding & putting away | 2 |
| Changing bed sheets | 3 |
| Bathroom clean | 5 |
| Hoovering | 2 |
Families with Children
Get everyone involved — kids love the gamification!
Parent tasks
| Task | Points |
|---|---|
| School run | 3 |
| Cooking dinner | 5 |
| Batch cooking | 13 |
| Bedtime routine | 2 |
| Food shopping | 2 |
Kid-friendly tasks (lower points, builds habits)
| Task | Points |
|---|---|
| Making their bed | 1 |
| Tidying their room | 2 |
| Setting the table | 1 |
| Feeding pets | 2 |
| Putting toys away | 1 |
Student House
Keep it simple — focus on the essentials.
| Task | Points |
|---|---|
| Washing your dishes | 2 |
| Deep cleaning kitchen | 8 |
| Emptying bins | 2 |
| Cleaning bathroom | 5 |
| Hoovering shared areas | 2 |
| Buying essentials | 2 |
Tips
- Start small — Begin with 5–10 tasks, add more later
- Be specific — "Wipe worktops" beats "clean kitchen"
- Review regularly — Adjust points after a few weeks if needed
- Make it a conversation — Everyone should feel the points are fair