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Life can feel overwhelming sometimes, can’t it? Between work, family, pets, and keeping up with everything at home, it’s easy to feel like there’s no clear way to manage it all. But having a solid homemaking routine can really help. It makes the everyday stuff easier and helps you find a little more balance in the chaos.
The Overwhelmed Homemaker: A Modern Reality
Being a homemaker these days can feel like running on a never-ending treadmill. I get it. I decided to leave corporate America in 2022 to homeschool my kids and do the homemaking thing full time. And I am very grateful for having the ability to do so, as I understand it’s not possible for everyone. I certainly don’t take any of it for granted.
If you’re working full or part-time, plus keeping up with the home, kids, family commitments, and the endless to-do lists, I know it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed. Please know you’re not alone if you’ve ever thought, “How am I supposed to juggle all of this?!” Truth is, so many of us are in the same boat, just trying to keep it afloat.
There IS light at the end of the tunnel though, and it doesn’t have to feel this way. That said, let’s talk about how we can make life smoother and a little more manageable, especially in our homes.
Starting a Homemaking Routine from Scratch
Starting a homemaking routine can feel like a huge task, especially if the house is already a bit cluttered or out of control, but trust me, a good declutter and deep clean is the perfect way to start your new routine.
I know it sounds daunting (because, let’s be honest, who wants to tackle all the mess at once?), but think of it as starting on a clean slate. When you start with a clean, fresh home, it’s so much easier to keep things running smoothly. Plus, there’s something so satisfying and calming about walking into a home that feels fresh and organized.
What’s even better is, you’re giving your mind a little breather too. So, pick a day out of the week that works best for you, grab your cleaning supplies, put on your favorite playlist or podcast, and tackle it one room at a time. You’ll feel so accomplished when it’s done, and setting up your routine from there will feel way less overwhelming. You’ve got this!
Creating a Homemaking Cleaning Schedule
Once you’ve deep cleaned your home, the key to keeping it that way without losing your mind is a solid homemaking routine cleaning schedule. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Grab a calendar or planner, and break things down into weekly, monthly, biannual, and yearly tasks. This way, you’ll always know what needs to get done and when. Plus, it feels so good to check things off the list and know you’ve got everything under control!
I laid out a sample schedule below that might help you out. It schedules out everyday tasks like washing dishes and wiping down counters, and weekly tasks like vacuuming and dusting. Also listed are monthly, biannual, and yearly tasks that we (or at least, I) tend to forget or overlook sometimes.
For me, knowing what needs to be done ahead of time – and being able to visualize it on a calendar – sort of eases the guesswork and mental overwhelm.
Here’s a sample schedule to help you get started with your own homemaking routine. Adjust it however you like. Add, swap, or remove tasks to fit your home, needs and lifestyle:
Daily Tasks:
- Make beds
- Place all dirty clothes/rags in hamper
- Wash dishes (or load/unload the dishwasher)
- Wipe down kitchen sink and counters
- Do a quick pick-up of clutter in common areas
- Take out trash as needed
Weekly Tasks:
- Wipe down appliances
- Dust shelves, furniture, and decorative items
- Vacuum/mop floors
- Clean bathrooms
- Laundry (clothes, towels/rags, bedding)
- Tidy up areas that tend to collect clutter, like counters and entryway
Monthly Tasks:
- Clear out, clean, and organize the fridge and freezer
- Deep clean the oven, hood vent, and microwave
- Dust and wipe down light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents
- Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers
- Clean windows inside and out
- Tidy up outdoor spaces: sweep porches, clear debris
Quarterly Tasks:
- Replace or clean HVAC filters
- Flip mattresses (if they are designed to be flipped)
- Clean baseboards, door frames, and under furniture
- Wash curtains and wipe blinds to remove dust and grime
- Clean/scrub outdoor chairs, tables, and grills
- Clear debris from gutters to prevent blockages
Biannual Tasks:
- Declutter all closets and drawers (go through clothes, accessories, and household items to donate or throw out what’s no longer needed)
- Deep clean upholstery, carpets and rugs (steam or shampoo)
- Clean behind and under appliances
- Clean walls and touch up paint as needed
- Declutter and reorganize the garage, attic, or basement
Yearly Tasks:
- Deep clean the entire house, including fireplaces and chimneys
- Clean and reseal grout/caulk as needed in kitchens and bathrooms
- Polish and condition wood furniture and/or floors
- Inspect and repair home exterior (paint, siding, or roof)
- Refresh emergency kits and safety supplies
Homemaking Routine Tips and Hacks
Decluttering
Tackling clutter doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, all-day project. By incorporating small, intentional habits into your homemaking routine, you can create a tidier and more organized space over time. Here are some things that help me:
Starting small: I try to focus on one area at a time, like a single drawer, shelf, or the kitchen countertop.
Adopting “one in, one out”: For every new item brought into the home, I try letting go of an old one by either repurposing it, donating it, or throwing it out.
Decluttering before cleaning: Before cleaning a room, I take a few minutes to declutter. After all, it’s easier to clean a space that isn’t crowded with unnecessary items.
Designated Zones
Creating intentional zones in your home can transform it into a space that works with you. Here are a few ways I’ve organized my home to make cooking and cleaning flow better:
The kitchen:
- I cook almost every day (I love to cook), so I keep my most used pots, pans, spatulas, and stirring spoons right near the stove.
- My baking tools – like measuring cups, mixing bowls, rolling pins, and stand mixer are all stored together where I normally prepare my baked goods and sourdough breads. In this same area I store ingredients like flour, salt, and sugar.
- For prep work, I like to keep knives, cutting boards, peelers, and mixing tools together where I normally prep our meals.
- The sink area is where I keep sponges, dish soap, scrubbers, and towels – both under the sink and in a caddy on the counter.
- Bonus: If you have hard-to-reach corner cabinets, you can get a spinning/rotating organizer, which can help you access items easier. You can even DIY this by using two round trays or cake pans, and a pack of marbles. Just spread the marbles evenly along the bottom tray, then place the second tray on top!
- I use two hampers – one for whites and another for colors. Throughout the week, everyone sorts their dirty clothes into the appropriate hamper as they go. This simple system eliminates the need to sort (most) laundry on laundry day, which makes the process a bit quicker.
- The laundry soap is placed on a shelf right above the washer for quick access.
- A small trash bin is kept in the corner for lint and random little disposable items.
Adding Meal Planning to Your Homemaking Routine
I used to not take this one seriously. Like, at all. However, it wasn’t until I actually started meal planning (and prepping) that I realized how much of a game-changer it was in keeping my daily to-do’s running smoothly.
It not only saves time, but also helps cut down on food waste and keeps the grocery budget in check. By dedicating a little time each week to plan and prep meals, you’ll find it easier to prepare balanced, delicious dishes for your family:
Set aside time each week: Pick a day to plan your meals. Saturdays or Sundays work best for me.
Check your pantry, fridge and freezer: Take note of what you already have to avoid buying duplicates, and to use up perishable items.
Choose recipes with simple ingredients: Opt for recipes with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to prepare. Choose balanced meals that include proteins, healthy fats and/or carbs, and vegetables.
Write it down: Use a meal planning app, a printable template, or a simple notepad to list your meals for the week.
Prep in advance: This one is a biggie for me. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, or pre-cook grains to save time during the week.
Bonus: Create larger, freezer-friendly meals in advance so you always have a backup in case life happens or you simply don’t feel like cooking that day 🙂
Evening Wind Down and Self Care
Evenings are the perfect time to set yourself up for a smoother tomorrow. A little preparation can go a long way in making your mornings less hectic.
This is also a great time to prioritize some much needed self care. Here’s how you can create a simple evening routine to plan ahead:
Reflect on Your Day
Take a few minutes to review what you accomplished and what might need to roll over into tomorrow. This helps you start with a clear picture of your priorities instead of scrambling in the morning.
Prep for Morning Routines
Do as much as you can the night before, like laying out clothes, packing lunches, or prepping breakfast ingredients. These small steps add up, and can make a big difference.
Tidy Up
Spend 5-10 minutes tidying your living spaces before bed. A clutter-free environment in the morning can help you feel more organized and ready to take on the day.
Set a Wind-Down Time
Decide when you’ll stop working or doing all the things, and transition to relaxation. A well rested mind and body is key to feeling balanced, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your family and home. It’s not selfish, it’s essential, and something that deserves a spot on your daily to-do list.
The beauty of self care is that it doesn’t always have to be elaborate or time consuming. Maybe it’s setting aside 15-30 minutes to read, stretch or meditate during the day, or giving yourself a mini spa moment at night with a hot bath, face mask, or foot soak.
Find what brings you peace and makes you feel refreshed, and add it to your homemaking routine. It’s those little rituals that can make all the difference in your mood, energy levels, and overall well being.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Homemaking Routine
Creating the ultimate homemaking routine isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding what works best for you and your family. By creating a cleaning schedule, incorporating strategies like meal planning and decluttering, and prioritizing self-care, you can transform your home into a space that supports your daily flow.
Homemaking is a journey, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Start small and adjust as needed. And remember to celebrate the little victories along the way. Your home is a reflection of you, so let your routine be as unique and intentional as the life you’re building within it.
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