7 chores to unload on Alexa

You already know you can ask Alexa to tell you the weather (and if it’s rainy, she’ll kindly suggest you bring an umbrella) but there are actually a ton more ways she can help you lead a more efficient, less stressful life. You just have to know what she can do. 

1. Make a grocery list

Did you finish up the last of the milk in this morning’s cereal? Ask Alexa to add some 2% to your shopping list. Make it a family thing and remind everyone who eats in your house to tell Alexa when they’ve finished something, too. When you’re ready to go to the market have her read off everything you’ve collected during the week.

2. Entertain your dog

Have to leave your best friend for a bit and don’t want him to fret? Just say “Alexa, play relaxing dog music in the kitchen.” Because yes, she has a playlist for that. Maybe your pup wants something more upbeat? Ask Alexa to “open Puppy Jams” and she’ll first ask how your pooch is feeling so she can tailor her musical choices to his mood. Not for nothing, Alexa is also a great initial resource when your pooch eats something he shouldn’t. “Alexa, open MyPetDoc. Are grapes bad for dogs?” (They are.) Of course, Alexa should never replace an in-person vet visit, but she can get you started and can even connect you with a vet if you need one.

3. Manage multiple cooking timers

The pasta and the garlic bread will be done at different times, and both are no beuno if they go too far. Ask Alexa to set a timer for 8 minutes to get the perfect al dente pasta and then ask her to set another timer (4 minutes?) for the bread. While you’re at it, ask her to how many calories are in a glass of Chianti.

4. Call everyone to dinner

We are tired of screaming through the house when it’s time for dinner. Ask Alexa to save your vocal cords by doing it for you. Saying, “Alexa, make an announcement – dinner time!” activates every Alexa in the house with a clanging dinner bell and your voice saying “dinner time!” No screaming required. How quickly the kids actually show up is another thing entirely.

5. Activate your Roomba

Alexa can pair with a bunch of robot vacuums, starting and stopping cleaning by voice command. Setting it up is as simple as going into the Alexa app and searching for your vacuum. Once you find and link the device you’re good to go.

6. Order household supplies

You’re never near your list when you run out of batteries, or paper towels, or moisturizing lotion. But it’s likely you’re near an Alexa. Ask her to send you some AAAs, and she’ll ship you the exact same type and brand you bought the last time, which means the task is completely off your mental list before it even went on it.

7. Make a chore chart

Build out a list of weekly chores for everyone in your house – bring the recycling down on Monday night, change the sheets on Sunday, even study for a Friday morning math test. Once you’ve listed the chores, assign them to their various owners. When someone completes a chore as intended, they let Alexa know. Here’s the best part: She keeps score. So at any moment during the week you can ask her for a “chore score.” At one point per completed chore, it turns things into a competition and may actually mean stuff gets done.