Learn how you keep up with the demands of your home with these home management tips for working moms.
As a busy working mom of 2 toddlers, I know first hand how hard it is to manage a household.
Even with a supportive partner, you can still feel like a circus performer juggling your different roles and responsibilities, trying to prevent any from falling.
Whether you work in the home or outside the home, the challenges are real. You have to balance the demands of work with the countless demands of the home, also making sure that you’re present for your kids and your partner.
It doesn’t leave much space in your mind or in your schedule for much else (eg. yourself, fun and working towards your big goals and dreams). But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Home management is all about developing systems and routines in your home that fit everyone’s needs.
With a few simple home management strategies you can keep your home in order, your kids happy and still maintain your sanity.
Keep reading if you:
- Have been feeling overwhelmed with trying to get everything done
- Struggle with mom guilt and feeling like you’re letting you family down
- Lack the mental load to do anything fun with your family
- Are short on patience and snap easily at those closest to you
In this blog post, you’ll get some practical tips on how to manage a house as a working mom. Whether you’re a first time mom of infants or you have teenagers in the house, these home management tips will help you build systems and routines in your home that make day-to-day life a little bit easier.
What Is Home Management?
Home management refers to the process of organizing, planning, and taking care of all the tasks and responsibilities associated with running a household.
Even in a modern context, most moms take on the role of household manager in their homes.
Although responsibilities can be shared amongst members of the family, your role as the manager involves making sure that your family lives in a clean, comfortable, and well-maintained environment.
Household management involves everything from cleaning and organizing to budgeting and meal planning.
Why Is home Management Important?
Successful home management is essential for many reasons.
I don’t know about you, but things run smoothly in my household when things are more organized.
While I’ll never be able to maintain a home that’s perfect, I’ve been able to come up with a baseline that works for my family and I.
When we maintain this baseline or stay as close to it as possible, we reduce stress and create a sense of calm for everyone in the household. This allows us to spend more quality time focused on what matters most.
Simple Home Management Tips for Working Moms
1. Identify your priorities
If I were to ask you what needs to be done around your house, i’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult to come up with a mile long list of tasks and responsibilities.
You’re not alone.
Most moms I know are overwhelmed because they’re trying hard to do everything for everybody.
The key to a successful home management system is striking the right balance between maintaining order and maintaining your sanity.
This all comes down to knowing whats important to you.
You need to identify your priorities so that you don’t wear yourself out trying to fulfill someone else’s dream of what they want their home to look like.
Take a moment and reflect on what truly matters to you and your family. Is it quality time with your children, a clean and organized living space, or ensuring that everyone’s needs are met?
You also need to consider what tasks are important in your home. This will look different for everyone.
In my home, I know that laundry, groceries, meal prep and weekly planning MUST get done.
There are other things that are lower on my priority list. For instance reviewing our budget. ALL of our bills our automated, so although we like to sit and review our spending on a weekly basis, this often gets overlooked on weeks where we don’t have the capacity for it.
By pinpointing your priorities, you can streamline your tasks, create effective routines, and make well-informed decisions that align with your values.
Identifying your priorities will serve as a compass, guiding you through the daily challenges and empowering you to achieve a sense of fulfillment in both your professional and personal roles. Remember, it’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most to you and your loved ones.
2. Create A Cleaning Routine
Keeping a clean and organized home can be a challenge, especially when you have a busy schedule as a mom. However, with a well-planned cleaning routine, you can tackle household chores effectively and efficiently.
Your cleaning routine should be realistic and fit with the overall goal that you have for your home.
Here’s an example of a realistic cleaning routine that you can adapt to your needs.
3. Delegate Responsibilities
It’s important to involve other members of your family in household chores. Even young children can get in on the action by learning to put away their toys when they’re done playing with them.
This not only lightens your workload as a busy mom, you also teach you are also teaching your children valuable lessons and life skills.
4. Budgeting and Financial Planning
Managing your household finances is a crucial aspect of home management as it affects how many other areas of your household run.
Here are some tips for effective budgeting:
- Track Your Expenses: Keep a record of all your expenses to understand where your money is going. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back and save.
- Create a Budget: Set a monthly budget for different categories such as groceries, utilities, and entertainment. Allocate specific amounts to each category and stick to them.
- Save for Emergencies: Set aside a portion of your income each month for unexpected expenses or emergencies. Having an emergency fund provides financial security and peace of mind.
- Comparison Shopping: Before making any significant purchases, research and compare prices to ensure you get the best deals. Look for discounts, sales, or alternative options to save money.
The better you take care of your finances, the easier it will be to manage your home.
5. Establish a Meal Plan
Meal planning is an essential skill for busy moms. By creating a well-thought-out meal plan, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure that your family eats well balanced meals every day.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to managing meals as a mom. Take some time each week to sit down and plan your family’s meals. Consider your schedule, dietary preferences, and any upcoming events or commitments. By having a clear plan in place, you can avoid last-minute meal decisions and minimize the chances of resorting to unhealthy takeout options.
To help you get started, there are several meal planning apps and websites available that offer pre-designed meal plans and recipes. These resources can save you time and provide inspiration for your own meal ideas.
Prep Meals in Advance
Once you have your meal plan ready, consider prepping meals in advance. This strategy can be a real time-saver, especially on busy weekdays. Dedicate a day each week to prepare and portion out ingredients or even entire meals ahead of time.
For example, you can chop vegetables, marinate meats, or cook large batches of rice or pasta. Store these prepped ingredients in airtight containers or freezer bags so they are ready to use when you need them. This way, you can simply assemble and cook your meals quickly, cutting down on cooking time and minimizing kitchen clean-up.
Involve the Family
Involving your family in meal planning and preparation not only lightens your load but also promotes togetherness and teaches valuable life skills to your children. Encourage your kids to help you with simple tasks such as setting the table, washing vegetables, or stirring ingredients.
Additionally, consider giving each family member a specific night to plan and prepare a meal. This not only takes some pressure off you but also empowers your children to make their own food choices and learn basic cooking skills. It can be a fun and educational experience for everyone involved.
By establishing a meal plan, you can simplify your life as a busy mom. Plan ahead, prep meals in advance, and involve your family in the process. These strategies will not only save you time and reduce stress but also contribute to healthier eating habits for your entire family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized meal plan.
Stay tuned for the next section of our article, where we will discuss another valuable tip for managing a house as a mom.
6. Declutter your home Regularly
Keeping your home organized is crucial for managing a household efficiently. When you have a clutter-free and tidy space, it becomes much easier to navigate through your daily tasks.
Decluttering is the first step towards achieving a well-organized home.
Regularly going through your belongings and getting rid of items you no longer need or use can significantly reduce clutter.
Start by focusing on one area at a time, such as a closet or a drawer, and sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
To make the process less overwhelming, break it down into manageable tasks and set aside dedicated time for decluttering.
By decluttering regularly, you can maintain a streamlined and organized home, making it easier to find what you need and creating a more peaceful environment.
7. Use Storage Solutions
When it comes to managing the ‘stuff’ in my home, I always say that everything needs to have a home. If it doesn’t have a home, it’s got to go (see previous step).
So Finding the right storage solutions is essential for keeping the home organized and running smoothly.
Invest in storage containers, bins, and baskets to help categorize and store items efficiently. Labeling these containers will make it easier to locate specific items later on.
Consider utilizing furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments.
Also use vertical space by installing shelving units or hanging organizers. Having designated spaces for different items will not only reduce clutter but also make it easier to maintain a tidy home.
8. Manage Your Time Effectively
As a working mom managing a household, it can sometimes feel like there are never enough hours in the day.
Between taking care of your children, running errands, and keeping the house in order, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
However, with some effective time management strategies, you can regain control of your schedule and find more time for yourself.
These strategies help you make the most of your time and accomplish tasks more efficiently. One effective technique is batching similar tasks together.
Find out some more time saving strategies for working moms.
9. Create Routines And Habits
Creating the right habits and routines can be a game-changer for any working mom striving to maintain order and balance.
The power of habits lies in their ability to streamline tasks and decision-making, freeing up valuable mental space and reducing stress.
For instance establishing a morning routine can transform chaotic mornings into a more peaceful start to the day. And a good evening routine can help you unwind after a long day.
What you include in your routine should align with the goals you have for your home.
Consistency is the key when it comes to building habits and routines. As you practice a routine day after day, it will eventually turn into a habit. At that point, you can enjoy the predictability that comes from having things run the way you want it with minimal effort on your part.
10. CArve out Time For Self Care
Having a home management system will only take you so far. You also need to have the energy to perform your role as household manager to the best of your ability.
That’s why it’s so important to prioritize self care.
Take a few minutes every day to do something for yourself.
Self care can lookg like
- Going for a 15-minute walk alone around the block
- Listening to some uplifting music while you make dinner
- Writing down your thoughts in a self-care journal
- Reading a few pages of a book- just for fun
While none of these tasks will feel particularly life changing, the accumulation of these very small self care moments can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
Managing a household is far from easy- especially for working moms. The strategies shared in this post will make it easier for you to balance the responsibilities of your career and home so that you can manage your home with greater ease.
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