How to rotate chores without forgetting whose turn it is

Choose whether the rota follows dates or completed turns

There are two reasonable rules. Under a dated rota, Sam and Lee alternate scheduled Tuesdays from a named start date whether collections happen or not. Under a completed-turn rota, Lee takes the next actual collection after Sam puts out the bins. Choose one rule and write down what counts as a turn. Empty bins returned to their usual place might be part of the job, especially if they obstruct the entrance.

Work through the holiday before it arrives

For a holiday closure, decide whether the rota follows the scheduled week or the actual collection. Both can work. If you do not choose, one person may put the bins out twice and the other may believe they already covered their week.

Show the next two names after any swap

If Lee covers Sam’s Tuesday because Sam is away, decide whether Lee takes Sam’s next duty in exchange or simply gives extra help this week. Write the next two assignments explicitly. “Lee this Tuesday, Sam the following Tuesday” removes the need to reconstruct the history of the exchange. If the regular schedule changes permanently, start a new rota on a named date and remove the old future entries.