Brits are avoiding nearly 100 'life admin' tasks annually, with decluttering, updating CVs, and making wills topping the list, according to a survey of 2,000 adults. The research, conducted by OnePoll, found that 79% of people procrastinate on mundane chores, spending an average of nearly five hours each week on their to-do lists.
Commonly postponed tasks include registering with a GP, booking a dentist appointment, and car maintenance such as checking oil or tyre pressures. More than a third (37%) rarely get around to house maintenance like cleaning gutters, while 24% have not yet made a will despite knowing they should.
Procrastination comes at a cost: 28% have faced financial penalties for delaying admin, such as forgetting to cancel a free trial (41%), paying bills late (38%), or being charged estimated energy bills after failing to submit meter readings (30%). One in five responsible for meter readings avoid the task due to effort and forgetfulness.
Professional organiser Dilly Carter, from BBC’s Sort Your Life Out, advises prioritising tasks with the biggest consequences and scheduling dedicated 'life admin' time each week. She suggests finding an 'adminfluencer' buddy for motivation. Technology helps 63% stay on top of tasks, with banking apps, phone reminders, and online calendars cited as most useful. A quarter of respondents use smart meters to automate energy readings.
Victoria Bacon from Smart Energy GB noted that smart meters eliminate the need for manual readings, helping households manage finances. The survey highlights that while Brits spend hours on admin, many could benefit from tech and better organisation to reduce stress and avoid penalties.
