Home Management Tips for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed by home management is common, especially with busy schedules and endless responsibilities. It’s easy to let things pile up until they feel unmanageable. But don’t worry! With a few practical home management tips, you can find your way to a home space that feels calmer, easier to maintain and and more peaceful.

WHY I STRUGGLED WITH HOME MANAGEMENT

One of the reasons I became a minimalist is because I used to feel overwhelmed – by my schedule, my work and my home. It’s something that I don’t mind admitting now, but I certainly didn’t like admitting it at the time. In hindsight, this is probably why I buried my head in the sand for so long, which made pulling it out again MUCH more difficult!

But, if you’re someone who’s used to being competent, independent, in control and organised, facing up to the truth that your home, time and life might be getting OUT of control can be tough. I didn’t want to admit defeat or that I couldn’t manage, but really… I couldn’t.

My problem stemmed from a very poor work-life balance, too many early mornings and late nights on top of young kids, and feeling like I had to do everything 100%. I burnt out and that’s why I found it difficult to manage my home (and the rest of my life).

Plus, many of us just aren’t taught about home management. We pick it up through trial and error, and I didn’t really have any established systems and routines in place to keep my home ticking over whilst I was busy focusing on everything else in my life.

WHY HOME MANAGEMENT ISN’T EASY

But there are other reasons why we find it difficult to manage the home.

Maybe you struggle with physical or mental health problems, are caring for a loved one, find it difficult to get rid of things, you’re depleted of energy and/or motivation, you work long hours, you’re juggling too much, you’re neurodivergent, you’re generally stressed out, worn down and life and home has gotten away with you.

No matter the reason why managing your home is difficult for you, I get it… and probably so do many others reading this too.

Managing the home may not be rocket science, but I have found one thing to be true. It requires constancy – of motivation, of organisation, of decision-making, of energy.

There is always something to do, think about and remember when it comes to home management and sometimes we struggle to keep up.

HOW TO MAKE HOME MANAGEMENT EASIER

If this feels a familiar struggle, I hope the home management tips in this article may help.

You don’t need to do them all, or start them all today. Choose one or two for this week and give them a go. Give yourself time to settle into them, don’t give up on them just because they don’t instantly make your home easier to manage. Tweak them to suit you.

Above all, there is no judgement here, no right or wrong way to ‘keep home.’ Home management is about finding a strategy that works for you, for your home, and sticking with it as often as you can.

If things slide today or this week, pick them up tomorrow, or next week.

And remember, how you manage your home and adapt the following ideas to suit you is entirely up to you. Instead of feeling like managing your home is yet another chore to tick off, or a measure of how well you’ve got your life together, have fun with it, explore your relationship with your home and how you use it!

12 HOME MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR WHEN YOU’RE FEELING OVERWHELMED

Here are some gentle, practical home management tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.

1. Start Small And Prioritise

One of the main reasons home management feels overwhelming is because it seems like there’s so much to do. The key is to start small. Choose one task or one room to focus on first. Make a list of priorities. Ask yourself, “What needs to be done first?” and “What can wait?” By tackling one thing at a time, you’ll make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Create A Daily Routine

Establishing a daily routine can make a world of difference. Simple routines like making your bed every morning, doing a quick tidy-up before bed, or setting specific times for household chores can give you a framework to work from. Routines turn small tasks into habits, making them easier to manage over time.

3. Declutter Regularly

Clutter can quickly make your home feel chaotic and overwhelming. Set aside time each week to declutter. This doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything; just focus on removing items that you no longer need or use. You can start with one drawer, one closet, or one room. Decluttering not only makes your home look more manageable and calmer but also makes it easier to clean and organise.

4. Use Checklists And Schedules

Not everyone likes a checklist but many people find checklists are a great way to stay on track. Write down the tasks you need to complete and check them off as you go. You can make daily, weekly, or monthly checklists, depending on your needs. Schedules help you allocate specific times for tasks, ensuring that nothing gets forgotten. You can find more schedules and planning sheets in the Simple Productivity Workbook and Planner.

5. Set Realistic Goals

It’s important to set realistic goals for your home management. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for progress. Understand that it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect all the time. I long ago gave up on perfection in my home. Not only do I have kids and a dog that make a show home near impossible, it’s also exhausting micromanaging a home space. Good  enough is exactly that – good enough. Set achievable goals that match your lifestyle and time constraints.

6. Involve The Whole Family

Home management shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders so try to involve everyone in the household. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member. Children can help with simple chores like picking up toys, making their beds, or setting the table. Sharing responsibilities not only lightens your load but also teaches kids valuable life skills. This includes teenagers, however frustrating this might feel. (I wonder if my teenagers will read this!)

7. Create Storage Solutions

Effective storage solutions can make a big difference. Use bins, baskets, and shelves to organise items neatly. Label containers so that everyone knows where things go and you can more quickly put stuff away. Utilise vertical space by adding hooks or shelves to walls. Keeping things in their designated places reduces clutter and makes it easier to find what you need. Whilst decluttering is the best way to make your home easier to manage, every home has stuff so finding ways to store that stuff becomes vital too.

8. Simplify Your Cleaning Routine

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge, boring or time-consuming task. Break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Focus on one area at a time and set a timer for short bursts of cleaning, like 15 or 20 minutes. Daily maintenance, like wiping down surfaces and doing a quick vacuum, can prevent dirt and clutter from building up. A nightly reset really helps here.

9. Meal Planning And Prep

Meal planning can save you time and reduce stress. Spend a little time each week planning your meals. Make a grocery list and stick to it to avoid unnecessary trips to the store. Prepare ingredients in advance, like chopping vegetables or marinating meat, so that cooking is quicker and easier during the week. I’m not very good at meal planning because I don’t like choosing my meals in advance. I prefer to plan my meal for the day around what I fancy eating. So, I’ve found that simplifying my meals, using better but less ingredients and rotating round 10-15 different meals is a better option for us.

10. Seek Help When Needed

There’s no shame in asking for help. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, consider hiring professional help for tasks like deep cleaning, gardening or organising. Sometimes, a little extra assistance can make a big difference and give you the breathing room you need.

11. Take Breaks And Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your home is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Make sure to take breaks and practice self-care. Rest, relax, and recharge. When you’re feeling good, you’ll be more motivated and effective in managing your home.

12. Embrace Imperfection

Finally, remember that it’s okay if your home isn’t perfect. Life is busy and messy, and that’s okay. Do the best you can and be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small victories and understand that home management is an ongoing process. The dust and stuff won’t stop coming in, you just need to manage your home in a way that’s as easy and sustainable for you!

CONCLUSION

Feeling overwhelmed by home management is natural, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Embrace more intentional homemaking by starting small, creating routines, decluttering regularly, and involving the whole family, you can take control of your home.

Remember to set realistic goals, seek help when needed, and take care of yourself along the way. Embrace imperfection and enjoy the progress you make. I hope these tips help you enjoy your home and managing it on a regular basis.

This way your home can become a more organised and peaceful space, reducing stress and letting you enjoy your home instead of being stressed out by it!

Do you have any other tips to share? Do you find it difficult to manage your home? I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment below!

GET YOUR FREE WORKBOOK

To help you create some simple routines for your home, I’ve created a free workbook. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send your copy…