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January 11, 2017 by Joy Kincaid 106 Comments

7 Habits of Highly Effective Homemakers

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Have you ever wondered what makes some homes (and homemakers) stand apart from the rest? So did I. After careful consideration and study, I realized that highly effective homemakers generally practice these seven essential homemaking habits every day.

But first, before we talk about the habits, I want to share a quick story with you. It’s a story about my real-life homemaking mentor, and how a visit to her house inspired me.

My Homemaking Mentor

The first thing I noticed when I entered the room was the delicious aroma of cinnamon and apples. A vanilla candle flickered cheerily on the entryway table, and the scene before me was one of warmth and welcome.

She ushered me into the kitchen and offered me a drink. After pouring a cup of tea for both of us, we sank into her cozy living room sofa to enjoy an afternoon chat.

Her children are grown now, but their ties to family are strong. Many are their memories of meals eaten around the table together, holidays and special occasions celebrated, parties hosted, and friends welcomed into their home.

What is it, I wondered, that makes some homes stand out from the rest? What is it that makes some homemakers highly effective at creating a home atmosphere that draws their family and friends to them like a bee is drawn to honey?

It isn’t money. It isn’t the size or appearance of the house itself.

As I thought back over the homemakers who have had a profound influence on me personally, I realized that these attributes of successful and effective homemakers could be distilled down to seven main things that they all have in common.

Seven essential homemaking habits that great homemakers regularly practice.

Here are the habits and skills that will help you flourish at home.

Watch the Video

Essential Homemaking Habits

essential homemaking habits

Habit #1: Live with Vision

A beautiful, vibrant home doesn’t just happen. It must be visualized first. If you haven’t envisioned where you’re going, how will you ever get there?

Effective homemakers have a vision.

It takes a lot of thought and prayer and planning to make a beautiful home a reality. Yes, it’s also going to take work!

But it all starts with the vision.

I think it helps here to do some backward planning. Imagine how you want your home and family to look twenty years from now. Then work back to the present and write down everything you need to do now to make those future dreams a reality.

Habit #2: Follow a Daily Schedule or Routine

Effective homemakers don’t just let life happen to them. They have a plan.

Of course, sometimes your plan won’t work out. It will be interrupted by sickness, or a broken toilet, or some other circumstance outside of your control.

Sometimes the plan will be interrupted long-term, like what happened to me during each of my five pregnancies, where I was stuck in bed for five months!

But still, you need a plan. Even if you have to revert to an “emergency plan,” it’s still better than nothing.

This schedule is going to be the tool that helps you make your dreams a reality.

Here’s what my schedule currently looks like, with some helpful ideas for creating your own schedule.

As you do the next thing on your schedule, you’ll be checking off your priorities and accomplishing your most important goals, little by little. It’s the key to making it happen!

Habit #3: Get Up Early

I know this one is hard for some of us. If you have babies or little ones, I know sometimes this isn’t even possible.

But as much as you can, as soon as you can, try to get up before your children. And if you don’t have children (or another circumstance preventing you from it), do whatever it takes to get up early.

I read an article recently that said the most successful people get up early. When you’re up before the sun (or at least before your children!) you’ll have the advantage of some quiet time to yourself to read, pray, exercise, or just get a head start on your day.

This is a hard one. But it’s an important key to effectiveness. If you need help in this area, try the Make Over Your Mornings Course.

Habit #4: Plan Meals

I’ll be honest, this is a weakness of mine. It’s not something I enjoy doing. But it’s another important key to running a successful home.

It just makes everything better when you’ve got all the meals planned ahead of time. Having a plan eliminates that decision anxiety when 5:00 rolls around (as it always does!).

If meal planning is a chore you’d rather delegate, you might try a meal planning service like $5 Meal Plan. They make meal planning a cinch—then you just have to do the cooking! 🙂

essential homemaking habits

Habit #5: Use a Cleaning Schedule

Come up with a cleaning plan that will work for you and your home.

We’ve used different methods through the years, but it always works best and our house stays cleaner when I have some kind of plan in place. What matters is that it works for you.

Here’s my cleaning and home management schedule as an example.

And make sure to get the kids to help. My children have always helped around the house. This is the chore system we currently use. If everyone in the family does their share, one person never ends up feeling overwhelmed.

With children at home, it’s not ever going to be spotless. But we do aim for a neat and orderly atmosphere as much as possible.

I try to at least keep the living room and front entryway clean. If we’ve been out of town or it’s been a rough week because of busyness or illness, I feel better if at least the view from the front door looks nice! During those “crisis moments,” if I have time, I’ll also focus on the essentials like dishes, laundry, and bathrooms. Then when things get back to normal I go back to focusing on deep cleaning and organizing.

If you need help in this area, I highly recommend looking into FlyLady’s book. She’s so inspiring!

Habit #6: Declutter and Organize

The atmosphere of your home will be so much more pleasant when it’s not overtaken by stuff.

It’s really true that you can’t organize clutter. So, getting rid of the clutter comes before organizing things.

I know, this is another challenging one, especially if you have a small house.

We have a relatively small house for our family of seven, and even though I have dreams of someday having lots of space and storage, for now I must actively work to keep clutter away and find a home for everything within the limits of our small space.

I’ve always used the method of having three boxes or bags labeled “put away,” “give away,” and “throw away.” It’s simple, but it works. And if you want to get really serious about decluttering, try this Decluttering Challenge.

Once you’ve decluttered everything, make sure each item has a place, and your home will be so much easier to keep clean!

essential homemaking habits

Habit #7: Cultivate a Cheerful, Thankful Spirit

I’ve saved the most important habit for last.

I’m sure we’ve all heard the old adage “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” And how true it is! If we’re constantly grumbling and complaining, it’s going to affect the whole household.

Please don’t think I’m saying that you can’t be a good homemaker if you struggle with depression or discouragement at times. We all go through periods of discouragement.  (And if your struggle is deeper, it’s okay and even needful to ask for help.)

What I’m talking about is shaking off the everyday temptation (common to all of us) to have a complaining spirit. In the midst of mundane, dreary, or discouraging days, this habit is most important—and yet it’s possibly the most difficult.

The homemaker who exudes love, warmth, and gratitude will be the most effective of all.

It doesn’t matter how big, how fancy, or how organized the house. What matters most is that the people who live there and those who come through the doors feel loved.

When that difficult situation arises (as it always will), try to focus on the things that will build up your family. As Philippians 4:8 says:

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

My gratitude journal is a great help to me in remembering to be thankful. If you need a gratitude journal, you can find one here.

A Great Starting Place

These 7 essential homemaking habits are a great place to start if you’re new to homemaking or you’re hoping to grow as a homemaker.

I’ve been a full-time homemaker for 18 years, and I’m still learning new things and growing. We never fully “arrive.” As our life circumstances change, we find that methods and systems need to be revamped from time to time.

I’m in a state of restructuring and reorganizing some things in our home this year, trying to cultivate greater faithfulness and streamlining all of our systems. I’m definitely focusing on these 7 habits as I work toward greater effectiveness as a homemaker.

What about you? What essential homemaking habits are you hoping to cultivate and grow this year?

Related Posts:

  • Why Homemaking Matters
  • My Daily Schedule and Routines
  • A Homemaker’s Daily Schedule
  • My Cleaning and Home Management Schedule
  • The Secret to Successful Mornings
  • How to Pick Your Perfect Planner

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essential homemaking habits

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links.  Read my full disclosure here. Sharing this post here.

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Comments

  1. Terri Marchant says

    June 2, 2021 at 10:06 pm

    Thank you for such wonderful demonstrations to projects.I’m really pleased I found you.
    Cheers and warmest regards
    Terri

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      June 7, 2021 at 8:21 pm

      So glad you’re here, Terri!

      Reply
  2. Tm Supportwave says

    April 6, 2021 at 1:42 am

    Joy Kincaid, What a beautiful name! I’m really inspired by the brightness of your genius thought. Thanks for this great post & brilliant ideas…

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      April 6, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      That’s very kind of you, thank you!

      Reply
  3. Maleah Clark says

    September 24, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    My goal is to try to get some sort of a system going with an ever-growing list of chronic illnesses.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 24, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      I know it’s so hard when you’re dealing with chronic illness.

      Reply
      • Maleah Clark says

        September 24, 2019 at 7:28 pm

        I’m to the point where I figure if I can do a little every day, at least it won’t be any worse!

        Reply
  4. Angela Johnson says

    August 16, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    Great post and great ideas! I pinned it so that I could read it again later.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      August 16, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you, Angela! So glad it was helpful.

      Reply
  5. Ashley Carter says

    June 19, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    Are these habits for homemaking based on Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      June 19, 2019 at 10:14 pm

      No, they’re not based on that book. This is just a list of homemaking habits that I’ve found to be helpful. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Ali Devereaux says

    May 15, 2019 at 3:22 am

    This is such a wonderful post! Can’t wait to get some of these in action! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      May 17, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      Thank you, Ali! So glad it was helpful!

      Reply
  7. Devon says

    September 14, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    Great tips! I love meal planning but struggle to actually do it. I definitely agree with having a daily routine. I’m pretty obsessed with my daily routine, if things don’t go according to my routine it throws my whole day off. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 15, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      Thanks Devon! I’m the same with meal planning—It’s one of my greatest struggles. Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Amy says

    September 12, 2018 at 12:44 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this! Excellent read!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 13, 2018 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you for stopping by, Amy!

      Reply
  9. Vanessa says

    May 2, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    This was a good read. It can be challenging to stick to the cleaning schedule, but everyone functions better when the house is clean!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      May 2, 2018 at 7:20 pm

      Yes, I agree about the cleaning schedule! I try to keep it simple by focusing on these 7 everyday cleaning tasks, and that makes it a bit more manageable.

      Reply
  10. Shelley says

    April 12, 2018 at 4:25 am

    Flylady is the best

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      April 12, 2018 at 6:05 pm

      I agree!

      Reply
  11. Susan says

    February 2, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    Love how you’ve broken these down into habits. Homemaking involves many habits that need to be practiced. Congrats, you’re featured this week at the This Is How We Roll Link Party.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2018 at 4:23 pm

      Thanks so much for the feature, Susan!

      Reply
  12. liz says

    February 1, 2018 at 9:43 pm

    Excellent goals to strive for (I know I struggle with the getting up early one lol!) Thanks for sharing on Homestead Blog Hop!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2018 at 4:22 pm

      Yes, getting up early is the one I struggle with the most! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Cathy S. says

    February 1, 2018 at 7:31 am

    This was a very helpful list. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2018 at 4:21 pm

      So glad it was helpful, Cathy!

      Reply
  14. Katherine says

    February 1, 2018 at 5:57 am

    Love this! Thanks for sharing at #BestoftheWeekend

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2018 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you, Katherine!

      Reply
  15. Huntress says

    January 28, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    I love this! I do all of these things, I just haven’t mastered them as “habits” yet. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to be consistent so things don’t pile up or get behind. Thank you for the inspiration to keep going!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 30, 2018 at 7:54 pm

      It really does take a tremendous amount of effort to be consistent. It’s still a work-in-progress here also. 🙂 Thanks for visiting today!

      Reply
  16. Donna @ Modern on Monticello says

    January 28, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    Thanks for sharing some great tips. I need to work on getting a cleaning schedule in place. These are all great tips. #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 30, 2018 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks for stopping by, Donna!

      Reply
  17. Florence says

    January 27, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    I agree these are all good tips. I especially love the first one. There’s nothing like all the little special touches that make a house a home, like the candles and flowers sitting out. How refreshing when a house is clean too. Wish it stayed that way a little longer!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 30, 2018 at 7:48 pm

      Florence, I agree! It would be so nice if it would stay clean longer! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Lynda Hardy says

    January 26, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    I am definitely not highly effective – but I do meal plan! 😀 Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 27, 2018 at 4:21 pm

      Haha, Lynda, I totally understand! I’m a work in progress too! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Katelynn|hampersandhiccups.com says

    January 26, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    According to this, I’m nearly highly effective! 🙂 which I would probably agree with. There’s always room for improvement! The only point on your list that I don’t practice (like, at all), is getting up early. The baby wakes up around 7am. That’s when I get up. I do take the time after his feed and before his sister gets up to do a few things. One of my goals is to start getting up at 6 to stretch + strengthen. I’ve been threatening to start ever day this year – haha.
    Thanks for sharing
    #sweetinspiration
    Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 7, 2018 at 11:51 pm

      Oh, I know it’s so hard when you have little ones! My youngest is 8, and I still have difficulty getting up early. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, Katelynn!

      Reply
  20. Sue Donaldson says

    January 24, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    These are great. I think I have some! Not the org/decluttering part but I started on the garage yesterday. I will be there til Easter at least! Great post! will share.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 24, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      Oh, the garage…that’s always a huge job. Easter sounds about right! I’m currently going through our whole house, and I’m saving the garage for last! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Carrie @ Carrie's Home Cooking says

    November 8, 2017 at 9:44 am

    I love this! Perfect tips!! We just started the Whisk It Wednesday link party and I thought you might be interested in sharing there too! Thanks, Carrie

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      November 9, 2017 at 6:48 pm

      Thank you, Carrie!

      Reply
  22. Richella Parham says

    October 26, 2017 at 8:19 am

    These are great! Homemaking can be so challenging, yet it’s so very rewarding. Thank you especially for encouraging young moms! What a blessing.

    Thanks for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      October 30, 2017 at 6:15 pm

      Thank you, Richella! And thank you for the feature!

      Reply
  23. Jennifer says

    October 25, 2017 at 9:39 am

    I love this post!
    If I didn’t get up early, plan our meals and stick to a schedule, I’d be lost! I have to keep a schedule and plan ahead or everything gets thrown out of whack! I am one of your neighbors today at A Wise Woman link up! God bless you!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      October 30, 2017 at 6:13 pm

      So glad you stopped by today Jennifer! Blessings to you!

      Reply
  24. liz says

    October 20, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Great tips! I hate the planning part of homemaking (for chores or meals) but that is always what makes things run smoothly. Thanks for sharing on Homestead Blog Hop!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      October 24, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      I agree with you, I find the planning part to be a chore. Thanks so much for hosting!

      Reply
  25. Jaime says

    October 19, 2017 at 4:06 am

    I really needed this this morning! I have a few of those habits, like waking up early and meal planning. Most of the other things I try to do, like having a cleaning schedule; but I get so overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done that I just don’t make a list! Or stick to it. Thankfully we all have grace and know that tomorrow is always a new day!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      October 20, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      I agree, so thankful for grace and each new day! It’s so encouraging to know we can keep learning and improving.

      Reply
  26. Valerie Murray says

    October 13, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Pinning this! Thank you for these great tips to have an effective home. I pray I can cultivate a cheerful and thankful spirit in my household.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      October 13, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      So glad it was helpful! Thanks for sharing, Valerie!

      Reply
  27. sue says

    September 29, 2017 at 10:52 am

    All great. I start well, rarely finish well. My morning begins w/ coffee, God and then whatever comes next. Today I plan to declutter our bedroom, make calzones, and write on hiding in Christ. A good day all around! Thank you for your inspiration.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 29, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      I can relate to having difficulty with the finishing well part. That’s the hardest part! Your plan for the day sounds very fulfilling—thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  28. Elizabeth Bigley says

    August 1, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Great list! I struggle so much with number 6. We’re also fa family of 7…living in a 1000 sq ft house. I feel like it just isn’t possible to declutter enough. There just isn’t enough room for even the essentials! Of course, I must also admit to a small homeschool curriculum hoarding problem. I guess there’s always room for improvement!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      August 1, 2017 at 5:50 pm

      Thanks, Elizabeth! Oh, I know, I struggle with number 6 also. It’s hard when you have lots of people in a smaller house. There just isn’t room for everything! I’m constantly rearranging things and hoping for greater organization, but it’s hard. And, yes, I can relate to the homeschool curriculum hoarding! 🙂 Totally guilty!

      Reply
  29. Julie says

    July 26, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    This post was helpful! I enjoyed it and your list will be helpful in my household!
    Visiting from #SittingAmongFriends

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      July 27, 2017 at 10:31 pm

      Thank you, Julie! So glad it was helpful!

      Reply
  30. Ashley says

    July 25, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    Number 1 and 7 are my favorites. It’s so true- good homemakers make it look effortless but a whole lot of planning sure goes in to a happy, comfortable home!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      July 25, 2017 at 6:21 pm

      I’m continually amazed by how much planning goes into it!

      Reply
  31. Hannah says

    July 25, 2017 at 9:50 am

    I love this post! The verse from Philippians is the theme for my blog lovelylittlelives.com. I’m scheduling this post to share on my blog page 🙂

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      July 25, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      Thank you, Hannah! That’s such a great theme for your blog. And thank you for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  32. Megan says

    June 26, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    This is a smart list! I’m in the process of going from working mom to stay at home mom. This list helps me visualize the kind of SAM I want to be. Thank you

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      June 27, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Thank you, Megan! I’m glad it was helpful. Best wishes as you make the transition to stay-at-home mom!

      Reply
  33. Julie says

    March 3, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    This is a great list! I wrote down your tips too!
    #FMF

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      March 3, 2017 at 6:25 pm

      Thank you, Julie!

      Reply
  34. Crystal says

    February 27, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    Love Love Love this! Getting up early has always been an important part of the equation for me to not only stay ahead of everything but also to feel confident and in control fo the day.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 27, 2017 at 8:02 pm

      Thank you, Crystal! Yes, getting up early (or at least earlier than other family members) is a great help!

      Reply
  35. Carmen | MarriedbyHisGrace says

    February 24, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    You are a beautiful writer and your blog is beautiful! So glad I found you on a link up party. Definitely now a follower of yours!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 24, 2017 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you so much for the kind words, Carmen! So glad to meet you!

      Reply
  36. Brooke Grangard says

    February 24, 2017 at 6:23 am

    These are great tips. Thanks for sharing. My mother was a professional homemaker! And I think the reason that we loved being home (and others loved coming over) was mostly due to the fact that she cared about people and made them the most important focus. 🙂

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 24, 2017 at 4:46 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing about your mother, Brooke! She sounds like a very special lady!

      Reply
  37. Sue says

    February 20, 2017 at 10:23 am

    We have a rule here, if something new comes into the house, then something old must go. It helps with the clutter.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 20, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      That’s an excellent rule, Sue! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  38. Mommyof5! says

    February 17, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    As a homemaker, I can definitely appreciate everything you listed! I belive we have the same outline of homemaking habits! Meal plans definitely help with our family of 5, we love to declutter, and though I do not like getting up early (who does?!) … it definitely makes a difference in your day!

    I laughed when you quoted the saying “if mama ain’t happy…”, soooo true! And you can definitely tell by the atmosphere if I am upset, the family seems off balanced too. I have to remember to just smile and give hugs, definitely if one has “grumpy pants.” We like to tell our children “smile often and hug more…the world could use more hugs.” And that we stand by.

    Lastly, I want to point out the bible verse you wrote. Loved it! I know everyone has their own beliefs that work for them and that’s fantastic…just as we, my family hold strong Christian values. For us, I strongly feel that our Christian values is what guides us in being a close family, guides us to understand the ups and downs and in guiding us to improve.

    Thank you so much for this post. I really enjoyed reading it!

    God bless.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 17, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing, and for the encouragement! 🙂

      Reply
  39. Sherry says

    February 13, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    The getting up early, even if 15 minutes before everyone else, so I can read my devotion and pray is a must!! Otherwise I don’t put my faith on for the day! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 13, 2017 at 11:37 pm

      Oh, yes, I know what you mean Sherry! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  40. April J Harris says

    February 6, 2017 at 10:52 am

    I’ve been a homemade for 28 years now and you’ve really shared some great tips here. I do find getting up early makes a huge difference (even though I’m not a morning person)! Meal planning is very important too – and I totally agree with number 7! Thank you for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2017 at 11:32 am

      Thank you so much for stopping by today, April! And thanks for hosting!

      Reply
  41. Marva | SunSparkleShine says

    February 5, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Joy, I read this and felt inspired to be my best at homemaking. Sure, there are areas that I don’t keep up with very well but you make it sound ‘do-able’. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
    Blessings to you!

    Visiting today from #MommyMoments Linkup.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2017 at 11:29 am

      Marva, I’m so glad it was encouraging! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Blessings!

      Reply
  42. Elizabeth @ Guilty Chocoholic Mama says

    February 5, 2017 at 5:51 am

    What a lovely post, full of love for home and the people who live there. I deeply value and cherish my role as homemaker, because I believe, in the words of the TV Laura Ingalls, “Home is one of the nicest words there is”! Thanks for sharing…stopping by from Mommy Moments!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      February 6, 2017 at 11:27 am

      Love that Laura Ingalls quote, Elizabeth! So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  43. Gabi says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:10 am

    I saw a link to your blog on Pinterest. Thanks so much for writing this! I know it sounds like a no-brainer to some (and I envy them!), but it has all really opened my eyes. It is so easy to slip into routines that are not effective when you get too busy with school, work, sports, etc. schedules. I have even half convinced myself that flying by the seat of my pants is a coping talent. It really only drains the joy out of life to be in survival/crisis mode all the time and it doesn’t teach my kids good habits either. I want them to learn good habits and skills now. What you wrote under habit #7 really struck a chord: “What matters most is that the people who live there and those who come through the doors feel loved.” When mama is stressed and in chaos, the whole family is too. We really do set the tone for the home. Thanks so much for sharing your insight and experience. I really appreciate it.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 26, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      I’m so glad you stopped by, Gabi! We’ve got lots of experience with being in survival/crisis mode, too, and you’re so right about it draining the joy out of life. I’m working on being faithful with these 7 habits too! 🙂

      Reply
  44. K. Lee Banks says

    January 25, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    I discovered you in the Women with Intention linkup and the title of your blog post attracted my attention! I no longer have little ones at home (I have 4 grown kids, and now 3 granddaughters), but I still definitely need to work on #5 and #6! Clutter is certainly the bane of my existence, as the saying goes, and I’m determined that this will be the year of breakthroughs – one of them being to finally conquer clutter! Thank you for this great post.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 25, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      So glad you came by! I’m journeying right alongside you as I work on my own decluttering projects this year!

      Reply
  45. Mrs U says

    January 25, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    This as beautiful!!! You shared the same things that I feel are needed for keeping a home full of love.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 25, 2017 at 2:30 pm

      Thank you, Mrs. U!! 🙂

      Reply
  46. Patty says

    January 25, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    I love this post. The items on this list that I do well definitely allow me to be a more efficient, purposeful homemaker! Thanks for this!

    God bless,
    Patty

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 25, 2017 at 2:25 pm

      Thank you, Patty! So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  47. Karen Del Tatto says

    January 23, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Great insights for how to be a highly effective homemaker.

    It’s funny, as an empty nester all of the other 6 of your 7 tips are in place, but the one that has fallen by the wayside, a “set cleaning schedule”. To walk into my house, it is not cluttered and it is always picked up, but it hasn’t been “cleaned”. When my kids were younger, Thursday was housecleaning day. Now I only seem to clean when guests are coming. :-/

    You’ve inspired me to get back on track with a regular cleaning schedule. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 23, 2017 at 7:25 pm

      Thank you, Karen! I’m so glad it was inspiring! 🙂

      Reply
  48. Bethany says

    January 20, 2017 at 11:38 pm

    Joy, I just came across your blog via Pinterest, and I feel like I just met a dear friend! What an encouraging woman you are, and I’m looking forward to following along! Blessings.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 21, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      Oh, that’s sweet, Bethany! So nice to meet you, and I’m glad you found me here!

      Reply
  49. Laren says

    January 18, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    Thank you for this post. I read a lot of blogs about homemaking and I just love the way you word things. Thank k you for taking the time to write. I do not subscribe to many blogs (4 to be exact) but I am subscribing to yours. Thanks for all the great information.ation you have put up.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 19, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks for the encouragement, Laren. So happy to have you here!

      Reply
  50. Moriah says

    January 17, 2017 at 6:58 pm

    This was beyond helpful for me. I am a mom of 4 young children, and this week we have been struggling with a stomach bug. It has been a day of testing every boundary, whining, and loads of laundry. As I type this, there is a mountain of clean clothes on the couch, and I ended up having to just leave it there so I could go to work for the evening. Nothing makes a mom feel like a bad mom, when you leave cranky kids with daddy, and unfinished chores in literally everyone room of the tiny apartment we call home. I printed this off, and will put it up for me to see on a regular basis.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 18, 2017 at 11:48 am

      I’m so glad it was helpful, Moriah! Oh, the stomach bug, laundry, and unfinished chores—that’s a combination to discourage any mom. I can relate. And I can tell that you’re a mom who loves her family and works hard. Hope the stomach bug goes away soon and things start looking up!

      Reply
  51. Sherry Rials says

    January 17, 2017 at 11:53 am

    Oh…. How I need encouragement..
    I just feel like I’m never going to be a good house keeper. I can clean and organize anywhere else in the whole world… But… My house. It is a total disaster. And that’s speaking kindly. I’ve tried lists. I bought the book Martha house when you are a Mary. I do not understand why here at my home I fail. I fail miserably every single day. I’ve tried writing scripture on index cards to help me or motivate me.. And oh my goodness if you could see the mess here. You would shame me.. You would say ehew I can’t believe she’s that bad.. She should be ashamed.. and I am. I want my house to be Clean.. Smell Good.. Feel Good.. Look Good.. but I just clutter every thing. If my husband cleans.. And he is amazing in my books how he cleans.. Somehow I mess it up. Make it worse. If I try to clean that’s what happens..I make an even bigger mess.. and I just don’t know why it even how I do it.
    Pray for me please. I’ve been praying for 3 years now. I just want to be able to clean my house, myself. I don’t want to hire someone, I want to do it. I know God hears my little plea.
    Thank you for this post. I just happened to stumble upon it as I was headed to the great room that looks like a great big mess.. And I read your post.. thank you for encouraging me.. I really could cry because my house defeats me every single day of my life. I know I am capable. I have on my full armor. I know my prayer is going to be answered.
    I just can’t wait for Heaven.. It’s going to be so clean!! 🙂
    Sherry

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 17, 2017 at 2:13 pm

      Oh, Sherry, don’t feel bad! Our house isn’t perfectly clean, either. 🙂 And it’s more about having a pleasant, loving atmosphere than having everything clean all the time. Of course I’ll pray for you, that you’ll be encouraged and gain victory in this area.

      Have you tried FlyLady? I just love her advice, and she’s very encouraging because she helps you get started with baby steps. You don’t have to take it all on at once. She very gently leads you through small steps to getting control of your house. If you get on her email list she’ll also send you email reminders to go through the house and declutter a certain amount of things, or to clean a certain area of the house. You can set a timer and work on decluttering one area for just 15 minutes a day. It’s really doable! And once all the clutter is gone, it’s so much easier to keep things clean.

      I highly recommend looking for FlyLady’s book (“Sink Reflections,” by Marla Cilley) at the library or visiting her website. She’s helped so many people! 🙂

      Reply
  52. Franca says

    January 12, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Thank you , Joy ! This post gives me much to ponder on , with the pleasure to be an homemaker .
    Greetings,
    Franca

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      January 12, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      So glad it was encouraging, Franca!

      Reply

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