Nothing is more overwhelming than waking up in the morning, walking out to the bathroom, and seeing your house in complete disarray. For me, it’s that lump-in-your-throat feeling—the one that makes it hard to breathe and short-circuits your brain. Suddenly, you can’t decide what the next course of action is. A home that isn’t well-managed is like that awful relative showing up unannounced at Thanksgiving dinner. What’s supposed to be a nice, enjoyable time turns into chaos.
Managing our homes takes work, but it shouldn’t require stress or cause worry. Your home should be a place you look forward to coming back to. But how do you manage your home when you have children, undoing all your efforts?
Let’s talk about it. In this post, I’ll give you practical tips and tricks to help you with home management. I’ll also encourage you along the way because this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
If you’re looking for an even deeper dive into creating systems and schedules, be sure to check out my detailed post here.
Start with Priorities: What Really Matters?
Before we jump into routines and schedules, let’s talk about priorities. For me, figuring this out took some time. I first heard about the concept of a dump list from a YouTube video, and it changed everything.
What Is a Dump List?
A dump list is exactly what it sounds like—a place to dump everything swirling around in your brain. Write down every task, no matter how small. Yes, even things like “do the dishes” or “switch the laundry” belong on this list.
Once everything is written out, you can organize the tasks visually and prioritize them based on what really matters. Get them out of your head and onto paper, where they’re less overwhelming and more manageable.
Define Your Priorities
When looking at your dump list, think about what actually matters most. I’m not just talking about chores. I mean your faith, your family, and your personal well-being. What needs to take precedence?
I know someone who used to live in a marriage where the house always had to look perfect. It caused constant stress. In her new marriage, she and her husband decided that as long as the house was clean enough and the kids were happy, the clutter could wait. That’s what I mean by priorities.
For me, the priority is raising my kids, being a good wife, and building my relationship with God. Everything else falls in line after that.
Create Daily and Weekly Routines
Start Simple
When I first became a homemaker, managing the whole house felt foreign. Both my parents worked, so I struggled with the idea that staying home meant the house was entirely my responsibility. I had to change my mindset.
One video that stuck with me was a Navy SEAL commander’s speech about making your bed. It sounds small, but it changed my perspective. Making my bed every morning became my one priority—something I could always accomplish no matter how chaotic the day got.
Find your one thing. What’s something simple you can do every day that sets the tone? Maybe it’s starting the dishwasher before bed or folding laundry first thing in the morning.
Establish a Weekly Routine
A weekly routine brings structure to your schedule without making it rigid. Here’s a look at my weekly routine:
- Monday – Reset Day: Clean, vacuum, mop, wash sheets and towels.
- Tuesday – Town Day: Grocery shopping, errands, appointments.
- Wednesday – Sabbath or Rest Day: No big tasks, just time for hobbies, prayer, and relaxation.
- Thursday – Kitchen Day: Meal prep, baking, and deep-cleaning the kitchen.
- Friday – Catch-Up Day: Finish any unfinished tasks and prep for the weekend.
This schedule leaves room for flexibility, especially if life happens—like sickness or unexpected plans. The key is to have structure without being so rigid that it stresses you out.
Use Tools to Stay on Track
Visual Planning
I’ve tried using digital calendars, but they just don’t work for me. I need something visible, like a list on the fridge or a planner on the counter.
Task Pairing
Pairing tasks also helps. For example, when I make the bed, I immediately fold laundry if it’s ready. Partnering small tasks creates habits that feel automatic over time.
Timer Usage
Timers are another lifesaver. Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and tackle one area of your home. It’s easier to clean in small, focused bursts than to try and conquer everything at once. Timers also work great for kids—they keep everyone on task and motivated.
Get the Kids Involved
Teaching your children to help with chores is one of the best things you can do for your home and their future. My kids handle tasks like laundry, feeding animals, and even shoveling snow in the winter. Yes, there are complaints sometimes, but it’s worth it.
It’s important to balance expectations with grace. My oldest is a perfectionist, so we’re constantly working on the difference between “perfect” and “good enough.” For example, dishes don’t have to be loaded into the dishwasher perfectly to still get clean. Clothes don’t need to be folded neatly if they’re put away in drawers.
Focus on teaching them to be responsible without demanding perfection. If you’re looking for ideas on age-appropriate chores, check out my detailed post here.
Take a Weekly Sabbath
One of the most important parts of my week is my Sabbath day, and for me, that’s Wednesday—not Sunday. After a busy Tuesday of errands and appointments, Wednesday is my chance to recharge. I avoid social media, put down my phone, and focus on hobbies, prayer, and rest.
Even if you can’t take a full day, carve out a few hours to reflect, rest, and spend time with God. Without this pause, burnout creeps in quickly. Trust me—I’ve learned this the hard way.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Managing your home shouldn’t be overwhelming or stressful. Prioritize your family and your well-being. Set realistic routines and be flexible when life happens. And don’t forget to take breaks.
Remember, a “done something” is better than a “perfect nothing.” Start small, build habits, and give yourself grace along the way.
If you want even more tips and tools, check out my detailed post here. Let’s make home management a little easier—one step at a time.
Other Resources
Check out these YouTube channels and other blogs for even more great ideas!
