The Best Audiobooks to Listen to While Cleaning
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but the secret to enjoying chores isn’t a better vacuum, it’s a better audiobook.
As a bookstore owner, busy mom, and someone who is constantly trying to squeeze more reading into everyday life, I’ve discovered that the right audiobook can completely change how I feel about dishes, laundry, and tidying up. Suddenly, cleaning isn’t something standing between me and my next chapter—it becomes part of the reading experience.
If you’ve been looking for audiobooks that make chores fly by, these are some of my favorites.
For When You Want to Laugh While Folding Laundry
This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
If you love podcasts, Julia Whelan, dual POV and a mashup of suspense, mystery and love across a moving timeline, this is YOUR BOOK. I loved it!!! Trigger warning for domestic violence.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Warm, funny, and surprisingly moving. This one feels like chatting with a friend while you tackle a mountain of laundry.
For Deep Cleaning Days
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
An audiobook that makes you mad, sad, and a little crazy?? This ones a TRIP! Perfect for long days and listens so you have the time to sit in your disbelief and confusion.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
A gripping historical novel that’s hard to pause. You’ll be looking for extra chores just to keep listening.
For Cozy Evening Resets
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
A charming novel centered around letters, connection, and community. Perfect for a slow evening tidy-up with a cup of tea nearby.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A love letter to books, bookstores, and second chances. Cozy, heartwarming, and easy to sink into.
For Escaping Somewhere Beautiful
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Emily Henry always feels like a mini vacation, and this one is perfect for making everyday chores feel a little brighter.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Amazing romance/friends to lovers that has THE BEST setting, holy cow. You need this one.
For When You Need Thrills
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
If you’re tackling closets, organizing cabinets, or cleaning out the garage, a good mystery makes the time disappear.
My Husbands Wife by Alice Feeney
Fast-paced and addictive. Hope your cleaning journey doesnt have as many twists and turns as this one has!!
Why Audiobooks Work So Well for Chores
Most of us don’t need more time to read, we need better ways to use the time we already have.
Audiobooks turn ordinary moments into reading moments. The dishes still get done. The laundry still gets folded. The floors still get swept. But instead of feeling like time lost, those tasks become time spent inside a great story.
That’s why you’ll often find me listening while I clean the kitchen, fold clothes, or tackle the never-ending toy pickup that comes with having young kids.
And honestly? Some days the audiobook is the only reason the chores get done at all.
Why I Switched to Libro.fm App
A few years ago, I listened to nearly all of my audiobooks through Audible. It was convenient, but I didn’t realize there was another option that supports independent bookstores.
That’s why I made the switch to Libro.fm.
Libro.fm works much like other audiobook platforms, but instead of your membership supporting a large corporation, every purchase helps an independent bookstore of your choice. For me, that’s a win-win: I still get the audiobooks I love, and the money stays within the independent book community.
If you’re thinking about making the switch too, Libro.fm is currently offering new members two free audiobooks when you use code SWITCH.
And if you’re signing up, I’d be honored if you’d consider selecting Paper & Vine Book Bar as your supporting bookstore. Your membership and audiobook purchases directly support our little independent bookstore and help us continue creating a space for readers, book clubs, events, and community here in West Texas.
Whether you choose Paper & Vine or another local indie bookstore, every audiobook purchased through Libro.fm helps keep independent bookstores thriving.
Happy listening, and happy cleaning.
Paper & Vine
