Holistic Homemaking Tips for a Balanced, Natural Home

We moved into our new home in November 2023, and since then I’ve gathered a set of reliable holistic homemaking tips that have shaped how we live here. Building our forever home was a labor of love—every choice was intentional and meaningful. I wanted a space that felt beautiful, warm, cozy, and a bit magical. Looking back, I realize how much the home I grew up in felt special because of the time and care my mom invested. I hope to bring that same sense of home to my family.

When we first moved in, I felt overwhelmed. Our previous house was much smaller and easier to maintain, and I don’t fit the stereotype of a stay-at-home homemaker. I work full time, manage a Pittsburgh-based meal prep company, and run a food blog from home. That reality made it essential for me to be efficient with household management. As I settled into routines and adjusted to the demands of a larger home, I discovered real joy in the everyday tasks. Laundry and small chores stopped feeling like burdens and began to feel like ways to care for our home. The difference came from being intentional—setting priorities, planning, and building rhythms that felt manageable. Intentional homemaking helped me feel less scattered and more accomplished. I also created a Relaxed Homemaker Guide that outlines a seasonal monthly checklist, which I share with readers who want structured ideas for running their homes.

Seven practical, simple tips that helped me as a new homemaker

Tip #1: Create a meal plan

• Meal planning saves time, reduces stress, and cuts down unnecessary trips to the store. Each Friday I plan the week ahead and make a grocery list so I can shop before the weekend rush. I use a system I developed that includes a simple weekly meal plan, grocery list, and rotating recipes. Some family favorites at our house include Instant Pot turkey soup, easy frozen salmon in the air fryer, and keto-style stuffed cabbage. A consistent meal plan keeps dinners predictable and mealtime less frantic.

Tip #2: Make a list of important tasks

• Early on I felt like I was always reacting to problems around the house. To regain control, I created a comprehensive checklist for our home with seasonal categories (fall, spring) and breakdowns of monthly, weekly, and daily tasks. I keep this checklist in an online spreadsheet and in a home management binder so it’s always accessible. Having a clear list reduces anxiety and helps you prioritize maintenance before small issues become big ones.

Tip #3: Establish a morning routine that works for you

• Because I work from home, it’s tempting to stay in pajamas, but I stick to a routine: breakfast, workout clothing, emails, exercise, shower, then daily chores and work. I make a short to-do list each morning so my day has structure. Building consistent habits keeps me focused and prevents days from feeling scattered. Find a routine that fits your energy and family schedule—consistency matters more than perfection.

Tip #4: Set a realistic cleaning schedule

• Decide what needs daily attention and what can be done weekly. Whether you do the cleaning yourself or share tasks with others, a chore chart or schedule helps distribute responsibilities and prevents small jobs from piling up. Commit to brief daily tasks so weekly cleaning remains manageable rather than overwhelming.

Tip #5: Create a laundry plan

• I prefer doing smaller loads frequently—about every three days—so laundry never becomes a major project. Frequency depends on household size, but spreading loads out prevents a mountain of folding. Designing a laundry space I enjoy using has been transformative. Thoughtful touches like wallpaper, a pretty light, well-designed laundry carts, and a cheerful plant make the chore feel easier and more pleasant.

Tip #6: Design a space you love

• It’s crucial to feel good in the rooms where you spend most of your time. While our previous home had a lot of color, I chose a lighter, more neutral palette for this house to create calm and cohesion. Small pops of color where needed and quality, comforting details help the home feel welcoming without overwhelming the senses.

Tip #7: Build a community of fellow homemakers

• Surround yourself with friends who take joy in making a house feel like a home. Sharing ideas, troubleshooting challenges, and celebrating small homemaking wins with others who care about the same things makes the work more rewarding and sustainable.

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