Crystal Gilbert

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A Beginner's Guide to Homemaking: Practical Tips for the Overwhelmed Mom

Are you a mom who feels overwhelmed when it comes to homemaking? Do you feel like you can't seem to get ahead, and that your house is always a mess and everything seems frazzled? If so, this beginner's guide is for you! In this post, we will discuss some simple and practical tips that will help you get organized and keep your home a haven. We will also talk about ways to stay motivated and encouraged in your homemaking journey. So let's get started!


We're going to cover the following:

  • Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere

  • Taking care of your family's needs

  • Making your home a comfortable place to live in

  • Cleaning and organizing your home

  • Budgeting and money management

  • Cooking and baking from scratch


Getting Started

First, don't feel overwhelmed! Just take it one step at a time. If you don't know where to start, there are plenty of resources out there to help you break it down to your specific needs (decluttering, organization, cleaning hacks, etc.). You can find lots of helpful information online, in books, or even from friends and family members.

One of the best things you can do is create a house-keeping routine and stick to it. That way, everything will become more manageable. You can also break down tasks into smaller goals that are more easily achievable. You can take those smaller tasks and delegate them among your family members according to what they can realistically do.

There is no right or wrong way to do things when it comes to homemaking. What works for one family might not work for another because each family is unique. So don't be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you and your loved ones. Create your routine, budget, decorations, etc. revolving around the family that actually lives in and enjoys the home; yours!


Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is one of the most important things you can do for your family. When your home is a place of comfort and relaxation, it will bring you closer together and make life a little bit easier. There are many simple ways to make your home more welcoming, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Some of my favorite tips are to keep your house clean and organized, decorate with personal touches, and cook homemade meals. These small things can make a big difference in the overall feel of your home. So take some time to relax and enjoy your family in your own cozy space.

Making your home a comfortable place to live in

Making your home a comfortable place to live in doesn't have to be daunting or expensive. By creating a cozy and welcoming environment, you and your family will be able to enjoy spending time at home together. There are many ways to make your home more comfortable, and it is important to find what works best for you. You can start by making small changes, like adding some colorful throw pillows to your couch or bringing some plants into the living room. Some simple ideas include adding soft furnishings such as rugs, pillows, and curtains, as well as adding some personal touches like photos or artwork. Lighting is also key in creating a comfortable atmosphere; try using lamps instead of harsh overhead lights whenever possible.

Finally, don't forget the importance of creating a functional space that meets your needs. Make sure there is enough storage for all your belongings, and try to create designated areas for different activities (like eating, working, or relaxing). If you have kids, try setting up a play area in one corner of the living room so they have a space to call their own. By following these tips, you can create a warm and inviting home that you'll love spending time in.


Cleaning and organizing your home

One of the most impacting things you can do as a homemaker is to keep your home clean and organized. This may seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down into smaller steps, it can be done gradually over time. Start by designating one day each week to devote to cleaning and organize your home. This will help you stay on track and make progress.

You can also create a cleaning schedule that works for you. This may include specific tasks that need to be done each day or each week. Make sure to rotate different tasks so that you're not always doing the same thing. And don't forget to take breaks! Cleaning your home can be tiring, so make sure to take some time for yourself each day.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start by decluttering your home. Get rid of anything you don't need or use. This will make it easier to keep your home clean and organized. (Bonus if you can make a few extra bucks selling any of it!)

2. Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay on top of things and avoid getting overwhelmed. (I love breaking them up into 15 minute segments and it works well for the whole family!)

3. Use storage solutions to organize your belongings. This will help you find what you need when you need it. (Just keep it simple and for the love of Pete, don't just buy storage items, but take inventory of what you actually NEED, then go searching for those specific storage items.)

4. Make cleaning a family affair. Get everyone in the house involved in keeping things clean. It will be less work for everyone and it will help teach your children how to take care of their home. (This is a CORE value in our home - we work TOGETHER as a family, especially in the upkeep of the home and cleaning up after ourselves to contribute to a happy home environment for us all!)


Budgeting and money management

When it comes to budgeting and money management, it is important to be proactive. Start by creating a budget that outlines your income and expenses. Be honest with yourself when creating your budget, and be realistic about what you can and cannot afford. There are many online tools and resources available to help you create a budget, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

Once you have created a budget, be sure to stick to it! Make a plan for how you will spend your money each month, and be disciplined in following that plan. If you find yourself struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help from family or friends. It is also important to have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

Sticking to a budget can be difficult, but it is worth it in the end. When you are able to stay within your budget, you will have more money for things that are important to you, such as savings or investments. If you would like help with this, I am a Green Gap Financial Coach specializing in helping families get their financial foundations in place. Click here to learn more about the steps to take on your path to Financial Wellness (insert link to Financial Wellness steps page)


Cooking and baking from scratch

Cooking and baking from scratch can be a fun way to spend time with your family. It can also be a great way to show them how much you love them. By cooking and baking from scratch, you are creating memories that will last a lifetime. When you cook or bake something from scratch, you know exactly what is in it and you can customize it to your own liking. This is particularly helpful if you have family members that all like different things (like mine!). It is also budget friendly as it's usually much cheaper and healthier than buying pre-packaged foods, as well as more nourishing and satisfying. Start small with simple recipes and work your way up to more complex ones. You'll be a pro in no time! Overall, one of the greatest things about cooking and baking from scratch is how it adds so much warmth and life to the environment as well as having the potential to create lasting memories with your family. Making meals together is by far one of the most endearing things we share as a family; it's where conversations happen, teamwork occurs, and amazing memories are made as we enjoy our creations together.



Let's face it, there will be those days and times where it can just seem overwhelming or hopeless and it'd be easy to give up and give in to a binge-watch of your current favorite streaming show. I get it, but let's make that the reward for AFTER. One of the best ways to stay motivated and encouraged in your homemaking journey is to find a supportive community of women who are also passionate about creating a warm and welcoming home. Lean on these women for advice, support, and friendship as you work to make your home a haven for your family. You can swap ideas, resources, or even help each other out by having work-swap weekends on each other's home projects! Additionally, find creative outlets that inspire you to keep your home looking beautiful and organized. Whether it's painting, baking, gardening, or crafting, find something that brings you joy and do it regularly. When you take the time to care for yourself and your home in this way, you'll find that the rewards are endless and so much better than any show you could binge-watch.


I hope this was helpful for you! Drop a Comment with your favorite tip.



Until next time,

~ Crystal