5 Habits of Efficient Home Economists

Running an efficient home takes more than luck. Having these 5 habits make it fool-proof. Taking care of a home is like running a business… you have to have methods in place to take care of things. You are the CEO of your home. Cultivate these 5 habits of efficient home economists to ensure it will be a success.

Follow a Daily Schedule

You need a clear plan for your day, and to create efficient habits for each day. Doing specific tasks each day keeps your mind focused on the bigger issues that arise. Not each day goes perfect. There will always be something that needs done that you weren’t expecting. But by having good habits, the little things will not pile up.

For example, I set my coffeepot the night before so that I do not have to do that as soon as I wake up. While it brews, I typically empty the dishwasher. One chore down!!

Efficient home economists create habits in otherwise wasted time blocks to help get more done in less time. And it alleviates the stress of knowing you have to do it later.

Having a routine also helps those who like to procrastinate. If you make it second-nature to just do it, putting it off just won’t even cross your mind. Any time you do something automatically, it doesn’t even need to be on your To-Do list. It’ll just get done.

Habit of Efficient Home Economists #2: Get Up Early

Imagine how much you could do with an extra hour each day. No, I can’t create another hour in the day, but I can adjust my schedule to give myself a little bit more time. A habit of efficient home economists is to find time even when you cannot create more in a day.

I love getting up just a little earlier than I need to. Whether it’s to get my day started earlier because I want to work on a project, or just to have a little more alone time. I wake before everyone in my house to journal and have ME time.

By journaling and enjoying my coffee alone, I can plan what I want to accomplish for the day. Even if what I want to do is FOR my family, making sure that I create healthy habits in myself makes me a better person for them.

Even if you aren’t a “morning person”, having a little more time to focus your energy is worth it. Try setting the alarm just a half an hour early at first. Work up to that full hour. Trust me, you will thank me.

Habit of Efficient Home Economists #3: Meal Plan

This is a biggie for me. A huge pet peeve of mine is having to waste time wondering what we are going to eat for dinner. By meal planning, I know automatically. It’s already in my planner.

As soon as I start my day, I glance at my planner. That way I can remind myself what appointments we have, what is on the agenda, and what we are having for dinner that night. If it’s something that needs to go into the crockpot, I set the crockpot out right then to remind myself to fill it.

Meal planning is a lifesaver for our household. We never have to worry about last minute arguing about who wants what. Meal time is done without a fuss.

If you need help creating a meal plan, or just want to learn to do it the way I do, check out Becoming a Meal Planning Maven here.

Have a Cleaning Schedule

There is no right way to schedule cleaning. Some take all day one day of the week and do it all. Other people do little tasks each day to alleviate the bulk of their household chores over time. (I like Clean Mama’s daily tasks.) And other people hire someone else to clean their homes (I wish). A habit of efficient home economists is to find the best way for their home.

I’m more of a “hybrid” between the first two. I have cleaning tasks that I do each day, but then on the weekends I do a larger cleaning day to cover everything that I don’t have time to do during the week.

For example, I spot clean the bathroom on Wednesday. But I deep clean it on Saturday. By spot cleaning, I mean I wipe down the shower (usually while I’m in it) and clean the toilet and the mirror. I don’t bother with the floors until the weekend.

By spot cleaning, it’s quicker for me on Saturday, but I still know that the house is getting clean in less time. That way I can get these chores out of the way and plan something fun with my family.

Habit of Efficient Home Economists #5: Be Optimistic

Another habit of efficient home economists is to stay optimistic. Keeping a positive attitude in the midst of chaos can make or break your household. Being cheerful and keeping the attitude that “it’ll all come out in the wash” can help maintain your household.

By being sure of the storm passing, you can live through the rainy season. Whether it’s the car breaking down or the loss of income, seeing that you will get through it keeps everyone on track.

If you are grumpy and unhappy, you make everyone around you the same. Your attitude is contagious. Stay optimistic. Your positive attitude will keep your family running smoothly.

By cultivating these habits, you will become more efficient in caring for your home.