Motherhood and homemaking can feel overwhelming, but small, intentional changes can create a more peaceful, manageable home. If you’re feeling stretched thin, start here—these five simple shifts will help you simplify your homemaking without adding more to your plate.
This post is all about how to simplify homemaking.
Why Simplifying Homemaking Matters
A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind. When we’re surrounded by too much stuff, constant to-dos, and unrealistic expectations, stress builds up. By making small, meaningful changes, we can create a home that feels more like a sanctuary rather than just another source of stress. Homemaking isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment where your family can thrive.
1. Declutter a Little Every Day
Instead of tackling your entire house at once, commit to 5-10 minutes a day of decluttering. Pick one small space—a drawer, a shelf, or a single countertop—and clear what you don’t need. Less stuff = less stress. The goal isn’t a picture-perfect home but a home that works for you.
How to Get Started:
- Set a Timer: Give yourself 5-10 minutes and tackle one small space.
- Keep a Donation Box Handy: Place a bin or basket in a closet for items you no longer need.
- Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule: When you bring something new into your home, let go of something else.
- Ask Yourself: Do I love this? Do I use this? If the answer is no, let it go.
Decluttering isn’t just about clearing physical space—it helps clear mental space, too. A simplified home means less time spent cleaning and organizing, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters.
2. Set Simple Daily Rhythms
Complicated cleaning schedules often don’t work for busy moms. Instead, build a simple rhythm into your day. These aren’t strict schedules but small habits that help keep your home in order without feeling like a burden.
A Simple Daily Homemaking Rhythm:
- Morning: Make your bed, start a load of laundry, and unload the dishwasher if needed.
- Afternoon: Wipe kitchen counters after lunch, do a quick toy pick-up, and check the dinner plan.
- Evening: Reset the main living area, finish laundry, and do a 5-minute tidy before bed.
A rhythm allows for flexibility while still maintaining consistency. Over time, these small tasks become second nature, reducing overwhelm.
3. Focus on Easy, Nourishing Meals
Dinner doesn’t need to be fancy to be nourishing. Many overwhelmed moms struggle with meal planning, feeling like they need to make elaborate meals every night. The reality? Simple meals are often the best.
Tips for Simplifying Meals:
- Stick to a Meal Rotation: Choose 5-7 easy meals that your family enjoys and rotate them.
- Batch Cook When Possible: Make extra and freeze portions for busy nights.
- Use a Theme Night System: Taco Tuesdays, Pasta Thursdays, and Sheet Pan Sundays can take the guesswork out of meal planning.
- Make Use of Shortcut Ingredients: Frozen veggies, rotisserie chicken, and pre-chopped produce can be lifesavers.
Some of My Go-To Quick Meals:
- Taco Salad – Brown some ground beef, toss it over lettuce with your favorite toppings, and dinner is done.
- Sheet Pan Dinners – Roast potatoes, a veggie, and a marinated protein all on one pan.
- Twisted Caesar Salad – Add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or nuts for extra flavor.
- Teriyaki Chicken & Rice – Use frozen chicken strips, bake, and serve over rice with steamed veggies.
Planning just 3-4 meals a week (instead of all 7) allows for flexibility, leftovers, and a less overwhelming approach to meal planning.
4. Keep Floors Clear
There’s something about cluttered floors that makes a home feel chaotic. Keeping floors clear is one of the quickest ways to make your home feel instantly tidier and calmer.
How to Keep Floors Clear:
- 5-Minute Floor Reset: Before bed, do a quick sweep of the main living areas.
- Shoe Basket by the Door: Encourage family members to put their shoes in a designated spot.
- Declutter Toys Regularly: Too many toys often lead to constant messes—rotate them to reduce the clutter.
- Teach Kids to Pick Up: Even young children can learn to put away their things at the end of the day.
When your floors are clear, your home feels more open and peaceful—without needing a deep clean.
5. Pray Over Your Home
Your home is more than just a space—it’s where you nurture and serve your family. When you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pray. Ask God for peace, strength, and wisdom in your homemaking. A heart at rest makes a home feel peaceful, no matter how much laundry is left to do.
The Power of Small Changes
Homemaking isn’t about having the perfect house—it’s about creating a space where your family feels loved, safe, and cared for. By focusing on small, meaningful shifts, you can simplify your home and reduce overwhelm without adding more to your plate.
What’s One Small Change You Can Make Today?
Don’t try to do it all at once. Start with one habit, and let it grow. Share below—which of these tips will you try first?
Don’t forget to get your Overwhelmed Mom’s survival kit!
This post was all about how to simplify homemaking.
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