Actionable Tips for Homemakers

Looking for tips for homemakers that actually make a difference? You’re in the right place. There’s a time and a place for strategy, routines, and deep thoughts about housekeeping. But today, we’re focusing on quick wins that you can start now. And remember that homemaking isn’t just about keeping the house tidy; it’s about creating a space where you and your family love to be.

I’ve rounded up some simple, actionable advice that I hope will help you. Not a lot of talking, just things you can really do โค๏ธ.

Streamlining Laundry

Laundry doesn’t have to eat up your entire day. Here’s how to keep it under control:

A warm, sunlit windowsill in a watercolor painting, adorned with a variety of woven baskets, fresh laundry, and glass bottles,
  • Do One Load a Day: Tackle one load from start to finish daily to prevent laundry from piling up.
  • Pre-Sort Laundry with Designated Bins: Save time on laundry day by having bins for colors, whites, and delicates.
  • Throw a Dry Towel in the Dryer: Cut down drying time by tossing a dry towel in with your wet clothes.

Cooking Hacks for Busy Weeknights

Cooking is a huge job. Huge! Above all, understand that it takes multiple hours per day to feed a family from scratch. Anything that saves you time is a big win.

  • Plan Your Meals Weekly: Take a few minutes each week to decide what you’ll cook to avoid last-minute stress. Be detailed and, above all, realistic!
  • Embrace Batch Cooking: Doesn’t mean you have to spend a day making freezer meals. Just double something an freeze half for a future meal, saving you time and effort.
  • Line Baking Trays for Easy Cleanup: Use parchment paper to make cleaning up a snap.

Cleaning Shortcuts

Make cleaning less of a chore with these shortcuts:

A watercolor depiction of a sunny kitchen corner, with light streaming through a window onto a rustic stone floor. A basket with two milk bottles and a pot of blooming yellow flowers
  • Set a Timer for a 15-Minute Cleanup: Daily quick cleans can significantly reduce clutter and dirt build-up.
  • Listen to Something You Love While Cleaning: Turn cleaning into “me time” by listening to a podcast or audiobook.
  • Keep a Magic Eraser Handy: For quick wall touch-ups and removing stubborn stains, a magic eraser works wonders.
  • Store Cleaning Supplies Where You Use Them. Every bathroom, floor of your house, and under your kitchen sink should have cleaning supplies so can get things done a bit at a time.

Decluttering for a Serene Space

Decluttering can transform your space and your mindset.

a tranquil living room scene with a crackling fireplace, shelves filled with books, comfortable seating, and a central coffee table adorned with a vase of fresh roses, creating a perfect nook for relaxation
  • Spend Five Minutes Before Bed Decluttering: Ending the day with a small decluttering task can lead to big changes over time.
  • Follow the One In, One Out Rule: Keep clutter at bay by replacing items instead of adding to them.
  • Declutter Your Digital Life Weekly: Keeping digital photos and emails organized can also declutter your mind.

Organizing Tips

Organization is key to a smooth-running home:

  • Label Everything: Knowing where things belong can save you time and frustration.
  • Utilize Vertical Space for Storage: Shelves and hooks can be lifesavers in small spaces.
  • Group Items in Containers: Keep drawers and closets neat by grouping similar items together.

Gardening for the Soul

Even a small garden can bring big joy:

A picturesque country garden watercolor scene featuring a wooden bench, blooming flower beds, and a cobblestone path,
  • Start with Easy-to-Grow Plants: Don’t overwhelm yourself; start small and enjoy the process.
  • Try Container Gardening: No yard? No problem. Containers can house herbs, flowers, and more.
  • Begin Composting: Reduce waste and enrich your garden by starting a simple compost bin.

Self-Care for the Homemaker’s Heart

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as everyone else. No one likes a cranky, overstressed person. Really. No one.

  • Make Time for Yourself: Schedule regular “me time” to recharge and refresh.
  • Pursue a Hobby: Creative activities can provide a much-needed break from daily routines.
  • Stay Socially Connected: Maintaining friendships and social connections can boost your mood and well-being.
  • Seasonal self-care is important: You can get more ideas from this guide.

Embracing Technology to Simplify Tasks

Let technology make your life easier. Modern homemaking combines the best of both worlds, and digital things can be your friend.

A home office space illustrated in watercolor, showcasing a wooden desk with a laptop, a vase of colorful wildflowers, and a bookshelf against a backdrop of bright, curtained windows.
  • Explore Apps That Help: There’s likely an app out there that can streamline almost any task.
  • Try Online Grocery Shopping: Save time by having your groceries delivered or ready for pickup.
  • Keep Digital Records: Storing manuals, warranties, and schedules digitally can make information easy to find.

Financial Wisdom for Homemakers

Smart financial moves can lead to big savings. Remember that the best way to save money as a homemaker is to be busy and stay home, but we’re talking quick wins here!

  • Track Your Spending: Knowing where your money goes can help you cut unnecessary expenses.
  • Use Coupons and Cashback Apps: Save on groceries and essentials by taking advantage of deals.
  • Switch to LED Bulbs: Reduce your energy bill by swapping out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs.

I’m already overwhelmed. How can I use these tips without adding more to my plate?

The key here is to start small. Pick one tip that speaks to you or seems like it would make a big difference in your daily life. Maybe it’s doing a load of laundry every day to avoid the mountain, or maybe it’s spending 15 minutes each night decluttering a small area. Once that becomes part of your routine and doesn’t feel like a big deal anymore, consider adding another tip into the mix.

A country kitchen pantry painted in watercolor, with wooden shelves stocked with labeled jars of pantry staples and a woven basket, evoking a sense of order and rustic charm

I’ve tried organizing and decluttering before, but it never sticks. How can I make these changes last?

It’s so common to go through cycles of organizing and then slowly watching things slide back into chaos. Making changes stick is all about creating habits and systems that work for you and your lifestyle. For example, if decluttering is overwhelming, focus on maintaining what you’ve already achieved by implementing a “one in, one out” rule or dedicating just 5 minutes a day to keeping your spaces tidy

More resources

  • Trello for organizing things digitally, like manuals, important documents, favorite recipes. It’s easily searchable and simple to organize.
  • You Need A Budget (YNAB) for budget tracking: An app focused on giving every dollar a job, helping you to manage your finances more effectively.
  • DIY Natural Cleaning Products by Wellness Mama: A collection of simple recipes for creating your own natural cleaning products at home.
  • Printable Meal Planners and Budget Sheets for you paper lovers, I have tons of free printables for my email subscribers.
  • Reddit – /r/homemaking: A subreddit where users share tips, ask for advice, and discuss all aspects of homemaking. Reddit Homemaking

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Homemaking is an art and a science, and it’s deeply personal. What works for one may not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. The beauty lies in the discovery of what brings efficiency and joy to your unique home.

As we wrap up, take a moment to reflect on the areas where you feel most challenged and consider how these tips might offer a new perspective or solution. And always remember, the heart of homemaking isn’t in the perfection of the tasks but in the love and care put into them. Your efforts make your house a home, and that’s something truly special.

I hope your days are filled with small victories.

A cozy, country-style living room painted in watercolor, bathed in the soft light of a sunny day. The room features a stone fireplace, plush sofas with floral patterns, and a homey atmosphere accentuated by decorative lamps and a patterned area rug.
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By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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