Are you feeling less than productive? Homemaking can be overwhelming but there are some easy ways you can be a productive homemaker.
How to be a Productive Homemaker
Homemaking can be overwhelming at time. We have so much on our plates, it can be hard to do it all well. For me it’s taking care of the home, making healthy meals, volunteering, running this site, running Green Oklahoma, and the list seems to go on and on.
The last couple of years as I’ve become busier I’ve had to learn to be more productive with my time. I found a lot of great resources to help and learned a lot along the way that I want to share.
Organizing is Key
I did a pretty good job decluttering and organizing when we moved a couple of years ago. There are some places that need work though. First I need to do a bit more decluttering.
There is no point in organizing things you don’t use and all the bins in the world won’t make your home seemed organized if there is too much stuff.
Our home is 1350 square feet and while we are a family of two, we do both work-at-home. It’s so important that we stay on top of clutter or we will quickly overfill this house!
There are some really great resources out there to help you simplify, organize, and declutter.
- Clutterfree: Declutter Your Home to Create Space for Joy by Christina Tiplea
Another thing that has helped me with decluttering is to donate everything I can. I get emotionally attached to items but when I remember I’m helping others makes it easier. Also, remember people don’t want the things they give you to cause you stress.
Time Management Isn’t Easy
We have so many distractions these days. How often do you say “I’m just going to check Facebook really quickly” only to be on there for an hour or more? The internet is quite the rabbit hole. Plus there are the many other things pulling us in all directions.
I often feel like I’m doing a lot but getting nothing done. Time management is one of my biggest struggles. I’m finding things that can help though. There are really some great resources for helping in this area.
- Say Goodbye to Survival Mode ecourse by Crystal Paine
- The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica N. Turner
Right now all of Crystal Paine’s courses, including Say Goodbye to Survival Mode are 50% off with coupon code 50OFF4U. She has other great intentional living courses as well that can also be purchased with the coupon code. I have taken all of them and love them all. Coupon code ends Monday, May 28th at midnight.
A method I’ve used a lot to help me stay on track is using a timer. I set a timer for say 30 minutes and clean as much as I can, then I give myself 10 minutes to take a break and do something fun. It’s easier to think “I just have to clean for 30 minutes” instead of thinking about your long to-do list. Also, consider doing a power hour.
Planning is Required
Planning ahead is a good way to stay organized and productive. I use a Happy Planner and a homemaking binder to help me plan. Having a plan in place and being able to look ahead can be really helpful. It’s stressful to remember things you need to do last minute.
Planning has also been key for me when it comes to healthy cooking. When I have meals planned out grocery shopping is easier, dinner time doesn’t leave me feeling panicked, and eating out becomes rare. It also helps save money!
These are some of the resources I’m enjoying for help with planning.
- Brainbook: Bullet Journaling Your Way to a More Organized Life by Kalyn Brooke
- The Best Planners for Homemakers
If you don’t have time to meal plan and want to take that off of your plate, check out Eat at Home. They make meal planning and grocery shopping easier.
Getting Started as a Productive Homemaker
This may seem like an overwhelming amount of info and things to do. I recommend focusing on one area at a time. Think about what you struggle with the most and knock that off the list first.
What are you struggling with the most? Let me know your tips as well!
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Lindsey
I love your comments about decluttering. D finitely the best way to get (and stay) organized!
Wendy Tomlinson
i think getting a good routine that fits your life is essential. Great tips.
Autumn
Time management is my weakness! I can get so caught up with other things that my priorities get neglected. It’s defintely something I want to work on. Thanks for the resources!
Alison
I totally agree about decluttering before organizing – I’m trying to do that at the moment myself. My husband is a hoarder which makes it harder though! I’m going to try the timer tip – you can get so much done in 30 minutes if you’re not trying to multitask.
Latonya
Great tips! I am guilty of falling down the rabbit hole although I am getting better each day. I know I usually do this when I am tired or want to quit or not do a specific task.
Kim Seghers
Love your tips! I am a big procrastinator. My house use to be immaculate, people use to tease me about my cleanliness. But, after my husband got injured and can’t work I stopped being tidy.