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Hunting for a Simpler, More Sustainable Homestead Life: Embracing Self-Sufficiency

Hey! Hey! 

Welcome back friend to another episode of Claiming Simplicity. I’m your host, Monica H Baker and your fellow homesteader here in the heart of Minnesota.

Before we even start, I should say that you do not need your own land to hunt on.  There are many places you can hunt for free such as state land, but also remember that there are many farmers that don’t hunt and are happy to have someone that can use the meat to stop the deer from eating their crops, so if you want to hunt even living in town, there are many many options.

As we embrace the values of slow living and intentional living, hunting becomes more than just a source of sustenance. It's a journey, a connection with the land, and a celebration of nature's bounty. And through it, we'll uncover the many facets of self-sufficiency that enrich our lives.

Why is hunting so important for us as homesteaders? It really aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and self-reliance 

I did not grow up hunting, but all 5 of our kids know how to hunt and have experienced it on many different levels from hunting different animals, different techniches such as bow, rifle, and black power to how to processing them.  

By harvesting our own wild game, we're not only ensuring a steady, organic source of protein but also reducing our dependency on commercial sources. This self-sufficiency empowers us to take control of our food sources and lead a simpler, more intentional life.

One of the most beautiful aspects of hunting is the connection it fosters with the natural world. As homesteaders, this deep bond with the land and its seasons is what we cherish.

When you're out in the wilderness, tracking game, and observing the beauty of nature, you're truly living the homesteading dream. This connection with nature is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency, as it reminds us of the importance of understanding and respecting the world around us.

Hunting is a family affair for us, a chance to pass down traditional skills to our children and create lasting memories. I have only hunted once with a bow and it was the perfect hunting story I am able to share and I have a hard time sitting still or being cold, so I get to enjoy kids,  grandkids, cook meals and have fun as we anticipate all of our hunters coming back with deer!  Evenings are full of game nights and stories and quality time together because it gets dark early here now and you can’t hunt past dark of course!

Teaching our kids the art of hunting is a way to ensure that these skills and values are carried forward. It's an incredible gift we can give to the next generation, ensuring that they have the knowledge and self-sufficiency to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Hunting can also be a vital tool for maintaining a balanced ecosystem on our homesteads. It helps manage local wildlife populations, which is crucial for protecting our gardens and crops.

By taking a responsible approach to hunting, we contribute to a healthier environment for all living creatures on our land, further emphasizing the importance of creating a harmonious and sustainable life.

Beyond hunting, let's take a moment to reflect on the broader benefits of self-sufficiency which means being less reliant on external systems. It allows us to save money, reduce waste, and create a more resilient and empowered life. It's about taking control of your own destiny and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.

I hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of hunting on our homesteads and the multiple dimensions of self-sufficiency that enrich our lives.

 

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Happy Hunting!

Monica

5 Benefits to Simplifying your Life so You Can go From being Overwhelmed to Peaceful with Less Stress

Hey there!

We are going to talk about 5 benefits of simplifying!

Let's kick things off by talking about one of the most profound benefits of simplifying your life: mental clarity. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the constant noise and distractions. Simplifying your life allows you to declutter your mind, reduce stress, and make room for what truly matters

 

Simplicity isn't just about decluttering our physical spaces; it's also about simplifying our relationships. When we focus on meaningful connections, we can deepen our bonds with loved ones and create more fulfilling, authentic relationships.

Time is our most precious resource, and simplifying your life can help you                        reclaim it. Simplicity allows you to have more time for the things you love and the activities that bring you joy and time you never get back with loved ones. Time Freedom is the most amazing benefit to me.  I don’t ever want to have regrets that I missed out on things.

Simplicity and intentional living can have a significant impact on your finances. There is so much freedom in not having debt.  

Simplifying your life can lead to more mindful parenting as a busy mom.. Discover the joy of being present with your children and creating beautiful memories together."

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. Your feedback means the world to me. And if you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out. Until then, stay cozy and live intentionally.

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God Bless and see you in the next episode!

Monica

Save Money on Groceries with Breakfast Food Swaps so You Can Feed Your Family Nutritious Food While Spending Less Money

Wow, I’m so glad you are enjoying this podcast-if there is anything you want me to talk about, just send me an email.  I always love to hear from you! Since you loved the last episode on saving money on snacks so much, I thought I would do a quick episode on saving money on breakfast foods.  

Breakfast food is so simple to make and cheap compared to most other foods!  When I want to stretch our budget even further, we will add breakfast meals as dinner meals.  In the season we are in right now with limited time, in order for my family to eat nutritious food every morning without spending alot of time, I have to have meals prepared usually ahead of time.  I like my kids to start out their day with a healthy protein.  We butchered a couple pigs this Fall, so we have plenty of breakfast sausage,ham and bacon, and we usually have eggs with all of our chickens now, so I like to make up a bunch of breakfast sandwiches and have some in the fridge and some in the freezer.  I also like to make up breakfast burritos with eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese.  I make big batches and it will last for several weeks.  I try to make a bunch of sourdough bagels, english muffins, and croissants for different sandwiches because that is much cheaper and healthier than buying bread, bagels and muffins at the store, but even if you have to buy those from the store and make the sandwiches up yourself, you are going to save a bunch of money rather than buying made up sandwiches.  Another thing we like to have is breakfast bowls and those are similar to the sandwiches, just without the bread.  Eggs are some of the cheapest and healthiest meals you can make and they are so versatile.

Many times I will just fry up sausage patties and bacon and just have it in the fridge and we use as we need it.  It is so easy to just make everything at once so you only have to clean up once and you feel productive.  I also like to make large batches of sweet breads and muffins and freeze into different portions because they are just so handy to have around.

Homemade granola is super simple to make and I talked about making your own yogurt on the last podcast and with those we like to make yogurt cups with layered yogurt, granola and fruit.  Anything we can grab and go in the morning is nice to have on hand.

Instead of buying packaged waffles or pancakes, make your own and freeze them.  Seriously, it is simple and they taste so much better.  

When I have an abundance of eggs, I will also make up some egg bakes and freeze them.  I love to put them in the refrigerator the night before and bake in the morning, but we will also have these for dinners as well. I do have my favorite eggbake recipe on the blog at claimingsimplicity.com if you want to try it yourself!  It is great as leftovers too!

Another quick healthy breakfast idea would be overnight oats.  We rarely eat oatmeal in our home, but that is another simple low cost nutritious option.

Take a morning once a month and make some of these items.  I promise you that if you are buying expensive packaged items and you switch to making some of your own simple breakfast, you will see your grocery budget shrink significantly.  Even if you implement making 1 new item per month, that will help to lessen your grocery budget!

Let me know if you try the eggbake on the blog and how your family likes it!  I have been making this eggbake for 25 years and even the pickiest eaters love it!

 

If you are enjoying this podcast, you would also enjoy my short and sweet emails with tips to simplify, save money, and all things homesteading~just go to claimingsimplicity.com and join our newsletter list or check out the blog with recipes!

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Be Blessed Friend!

Monica

Simple Tips to Save Money on Snacks from the Grocery Store to Reduce Your Grocery Bill

Happy Fall!!!

I have rarely ever bought packaged snacks simply because 25 years ago when my oldest kids were young, our grocery budget was very small and I had to stretch it with foods that filled my family up and lasted the longest. 

In order for me to stay at home with our kids, I had to make sure I wasn’t overspending on any area because when the money was gone, it was gone because we didn’t have any credit cards. I got really good at spending very little by making everything homemade with ingredients that were cheap and filling.  This often meant searching for recipes that used beans or pasta, but also delicious snacks. 

 

I hear so many people spending several hundreds of dollars every week on snacks, so I just want to give you these super simple tips to make your dollar stretch further at the grocery store.

 

First, evaluate what snack you buy.  Are they individually packed?  Are you buying unnecessary items such as fancy waters or drinks?  Could you make some of what you are buying very easily at home?  The key to stretching your dollar further is knowing exactly what you are buying and what you can change.

 

So lets talk about individult packaged ANYTHING!  I’m talking yogurts, chips, cookies, crackers……absolutely anything packaged this way is going to cost you so much extra money!  So instead of buying individual bags of cheese its for example, buy a large box and separate into baggies yourself.  This isn’t hard and it will save you a ton of money.  If it is individual yogurts, just buy a large container and separate out into smaller containers. Instead

of buying individual packaged cheese, buy a big block and cut it yourself.  I never did understand why someone would pay extra money for cheddar cheese in individual sticks-taste the same, but costs a ton more!!!!!   These things do take a few minutes, but you will be happy when you see the savings you can make. 

You may want to consider buying in bulk the things you use often. They may cost a little more up front, but last you much longer for a longer period of time.

Another way to save on groceries is to look at what you buy and see if you can easily make it.  You know me…..i keep everything simple and I want you to also.  You have no idea how simple some of your snacks can be to make.  If it seems overwhelming to make your own snack, just start with one item a month and master that and add another the next month.  Trail mix is a great snack that you can easily buy the ingredients in bulk and just dump together and it will a ton of save money.  Another thing that is super simple to make is yogurt-not only is it simple to make, but it also is so much more nutritious. 

I’m working on a course right now to teach you how to make these simple everyday products at home, so get on my email list if you want to be the first to learn about it when it is done!!!!!!  The link to my website is in the description and you are not going to want to miss it!  I had a granddaughter that liked uncrustables and I saw this tool for a couple bucks at the store the pinches edges together and they are another thing that is simple to make-you don’t have to have this tool to make them though!  You can just cut the crust off of your peanut butter and jelly sandwich and place in a bag!

I absolutely love teaching you these simple systems to save money and make your life easier that I have learned over the years!

And next…..if you are buying muffins, cookies or snacks you can bake at home, find a recipe and if your kids are old enough, they can make them or you could make them together.  When you price out ingredients to make several dozens of products, you will notice, you can only get a small portion of that for the same price.  Sometimes it takes getting creative.  If you think you don’t have time, then keep spending the extra money at the store! If you truely want to cut your grocery budget, this is something you can make time for and doesn’t take that long.  Most recipes take less than 15 minutes to mix up!

I could go on and on and on about all the things you can make yourself, but I want to keep this episode short as always because I know you are a busy mom!

I would love for you to send me any of your favorite tips or tricks on saving money on snacks too because I always enjoy learning!!!!!!!

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Have a wonderful day friend! 

Monica

 

Where is Your Money Going? Creating a Budget and Being Frugel Will Help You Save Money on Your Farm Whether You are a Beginning Homesteader or Seasoned Homesteader

Hey Hey Friend

if you are not budgeting and spending large amounts of money and don’t know where every penny is going, it won’t seem like you are making anything and you need to be conscious of that.  It is like a job, I’m sure you know people that get a pay increase, but because their spending goes up with it, they don’t even notice the additional income.  I’m not saying that you won’t ever have a loss because there are season’s where you are doing alot of investing to grow and that is ok.  I just want to give you some tips and encouragement if you feel like you can’t get ahead but you are dreaming of homesteading and simple living.

 

First, lets talk about mindset.  You can do anything you put your mind to when you are partnering with God.  You know that you get what you think about, so if you think you can’t make money, you probably won’t!  If you think you can’t save money, you probably won't. Also, if you are in the scarcity mindset, that will keep you from achieving your goals as well.  When you have control of where each penny goes, it will get you out of that mindset.  Now, I’m not a mindset expert, so this is just from my experience and the experiences of people around me.   When I gave a bigger % of my income away, I received more and that meant trusting God.  Pay attention to what the Bible says……everything we have is His and when we steward well with little, he will give us much. Luke 16:10 from the Psssion Translation says the one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities.  But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more.  Sometimes we dont even realize we are not being faithful in the little things because it is something we have always done or it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but to God, those little things are big things.  Pray for God to convict you of those little things that you are not even aware of.

Next, if you feel like everything is expensive, think about where you are looking for things.  You don’t need a fancy looking chicken coop or buildings that costs you a fortune. You can also cut bottom of barrels off for waterers or feeding pails people give away, there are so many options when you think outside the box!

 

Now remember, I recommend starting small and growing as you learn because you don’t want to get in over your head financially or overwhelmed with too much to learn.  

 

Buy used whenever possible.  I was thinking about this as I have been putting off getting a new blender until I find one for a good price.  I see kitchen aid mixers and big items like that on craigslist or swap and shops because sometimes people have good intentions to use something, but then don’t end up doing something they bought the item for.  I get my kombucha jars free from restaurants and there are so many ways you can save money on your homestead!

 

I am always trying to find frugal ways to do things without being tacky or looking junky.  So my handy husband goes to the dump and almost every time he brings something in, he finds something we can use on our farm.  He has gotten wood we made animal pens with and raised gardens with.  He got a rake to pull behind the 4 wheeler for our driveway and many many other item.  He scores some pretty sweet deals so we don’t have to buy much new!  Something else you can do is if you notice someone has something in their yard or field and they don’t use it, ask them if they want to sell.  We have gotten pig huts and many other items that way as well. He gets free wood shavings from a lumber place and is always on the lookout for things we can use  He is always picking up good pallets to build gates, shelters and other things too! 

 

Our chicken coop just has tree branches across for the chickens to roost on and that has been amazing along with the free wood shavings he gets that we place on the floor that are easy to scoop up.  A neighbor was putting new tin on their roof and he asked if he could take it and has made several buildings with that and they were happy they didn’t have to get rid of it.  There are so many ways you can make your homestead nice without spending much money.  We found used solar fencing this summer and that has been amazing to just put up and move the pigs easily in the woods.  They sure enjoyed eating all those acorns!

 

Gas and groceries seem to be a large portion of our budget, so something you can do with gas is make your trips very intentional.  Try to combine things together to make less trips if you can and the next episode I am going to talk about how to save money on snacks.  I keep hearing people say that the snacks at the store have significantly increased in price, so I want to do an episode on how to save money on snack food from the grocery store.

 

I hope that you will consider trying out a few of these ways to save money and simplify so you can stop feeling stressed and overwhelmed and become profitable on your farm or homestead.  

Website:

Claimingsimplicity.com

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Love ya friend!

Monica

 

Simple Ways to Make Money Homesteading So You Can Earn Money While Enjoying Living a Simpler Life

Hey Friend!

Homesteading can be a fulfilling lifestyle, but it can also be challenging to make a living solely through homesteading activities. However, there are several ways to generate income while homesteading:

1. Sell your produce: Homesteaders can grow a variety of crops, fruits, and vegetables to sell at farmer's markets, local stores, or online marketplaces. You can also consider starting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, where customers can purchase a share of your harvest at the beginning of the season and receive a weekly box of fresh produce.  You can sell eggs and sourdough, but those are things you would have to sell alot of to make a living, but a great way to bring in extra income!
2. Raise livestock: You can raise animals such as chickens, cows, pigs, goats or sheep to sell their meat, milk, eggs, or fiber. You can also breed and sell livestock, or offer services like pet boarding, training, or shearing.
3. You can create value-added products such as cheese, butter, jam, honey, soap, or candles using your harvest or livestock. These products have a higher profit margin and can be sold online or at craft fairs.
4. You can host workshops, tours, or retreats on your homestead to teach people about homesteading skills, farming practices, or sustainable living. You can also offer lodging, camping, or glamping options for visitors.
5.  You can offer your skills and expertise as a freelance writer, photographer, web designer, or consultant to other homesteaders or businesses in your niche.
6.  If your homestead doesn't generate enough income, you can work with a company until you are making enough on your own or you can sell products from a company you use and align with your values.  This is how I was able to transition from nursing. Growing a business while working full time  lets you transition out of a job as you replace that income

    

   It's essential to assess your skills, resources, and market demand before starting a homesteading business. You may need to obtain licenses, permits, or certifications depending on your business type and location. You should also develop a marketing plan, set realistic goals, and manage your finances carefully.

   Love you friend!
   

    

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   Claimingsimplicity.com

    

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Complete Pantry Staples. What I Keep Stocked and How I Organize My Pantry So We Don’t Ever Run Out of Common Food Items

Hello!

I'll discuss the essential supplies you need to keep your pantry well-stocked and becoming somewhat self-sufficient. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting your journey, you're bound to find some valuable insights in today's episode.

Let's talk about why having a well-stocked pantry is essential for homesteaders. In the last few years, the importance of self-sufficiency, food security, and being prepared had caused me to grow my pantry must haves to an even bigger list.  Anything I don’t have to buy at the store is a bonus and I am continually learning!  It is so amazing to me how simple it is to make many items and how  you can save money on food making items yourself!

When deciding the amount of basic staple items to keep on hand, think about the amount of that item you use and how long you can store the item for. For instance, can goods last years, but items like flour only last 6 months in the pantry and you can put it in the fridge or freezer to last longer, but I don’t like to use up my room in those areas for flour, so I only buy enough for 6 months!  Now I do go through alot of flour making sourdough, so I do buy it in bulk, but if you don’t use much of it, you can just buy a bag or 2 at a time.

One of the joys of homesteading is growing your food and preserving it!  It sure grows your pantry quickly.

You will want your pantry to be fairly well-organized, and items should be rotated regularly. So that I use up the oldest item first, I always add what I buy the the back of the shelf so I am constantly using up the oldest items first to keep things from getting outdated.

Building a well-stocked pantry can be cost-effective if you know where to look. Buying in bulk on things you use alot of and also buying things when they are on sale can save money on your grocery bill.

Remember, your pantry is the heart of your homestead, providing you with security, sustenance, and the means to share with others. Whether you're a homesteading veteran or just starting out, building and maintaining a well-stocked pantry is a rewarding journey.

 

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Claimingsimplicity.com

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See ya next week!

Monica

 

7 Proven Strategies to Save Big on Groceries Each Month and Why You Want to Start Your Homestead Journey Now

Hello Friend!

Here are some ways to reduce your trips to the grocery store by producing and preserving your own food

First up, we have homestead meal planning. One of the keys to reducing your grocery store visits is planning your meals around what you produce on your homestead. Whether it's fresh vegetables, fruits, or even homemade dairy products, creating a monthly meal calendar based on what's in season and available can significantly cut down those trips to town and then plan weekly using up what you have. Find locally sourced raw milk, meat, eggs, and seasonly produce if possible!  Collaborate with neighboring homesteaders to exchange surplus produce or goods. Bartering can be an excellent way to acquire items you don't produce yourself, further decreasing your reliance on outside sources

 Next, let's talk about growing your own food. Consider cultivating crops like grains, beans, and root vegetables that can be stored for an extended period, but also growing what you use whether it be in pots or a small yard, you can grow all kinds of your own food even if you live in an apartment. By doing this, you'll reduce the need for frequent trips to stock up on staples. And if you can’t grow it, azure standard is a great place to order bulk or you may have a mennonite or amish store in your area that sells these items like we do!

Preservation is the name of the game on the homestead. You are going to want to learn various food preservation techniques like canning, dehydrating, fermenting, and root cellaring. These methods will help you extend the shelf life of your produce, reducing your reliance on store-bought goods.

Storing essentials in bulk is a tried-and-true method for minimizing grocery runs. Flour, sugar, grains—these are the items you can purchase in larger quantities to reduce the frequency of your shopping trips. I will add a quick bonus episode later this week with my pantry must haves that I always have on hand!

For those lucky enough to have farm animals, they can provide a consistent source of fresh eggs, milk, and meat. This reduces your reliance on store-bought protein sources and adds a unique dimension to your homesteading journey.

Another essential strategy is creating a cold storage solution. Whether it's a root cellar or a deep freezer, having a place to store vegetables, fruits, and meats for an extended period is invaluable.

Why not produce homemade items like bread, cheese, and yogurt using ingredients from your own homestead? This not only adds a personal touch to your meals but also reduces the need to buy these items from the store.

Continuously build your skills in food production and preservation. The more you know, the more self-sufficient you can become over time, reducing your dependence on external sources.

Lastly, don't forget the importance of community involvement. Join local homesteading or agricultural communities to share knowledge, resources, and experiences with like-minded individuals. Together, we can all strive for a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of life.  I started a monthly homesteading women’s event last month and we had an amazing turnout and really looking forward to next month!  It is such a blessing to be surrounded by like minded women!  If your in Central MN and would like to join us, just reach out to me!!!

 

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Claimingsimplicity.com

 

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xoxo,

Monica

 

Are You Living on Purpose? Breaking Away from the “Norm” and Simplifying Could Change Your Life

Hey friend! 

I hope you are having a fabulous day!    

I just want to talk to you about living life on purpose, so today you may want to grab a pen and paper or if you are driving, you can always listen to this again. If you are just going through the motions to get by each and every day, but not doing what God has called you to do, you may be unhappy.  I can’t believe the amount of people that go to college, get a job, but feel stuck and very unhappy in their every day to day life and look forward to the weekend instead of enjoying every single day, but feel that have to stay there.  If that is you, I want you to know you can change that!

Something that will set you apart is personal development.  Start reading some sort of personal development daily.  I started this many many years ago and it has changed my life in so many ways!

Jesus tells us that whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, so start right where you are at….go to the library and rent a book-there are so many! Jim Rohn, John maxwell, napoleon hill, robert kiasayki just to name a few and that is a fabulous start to changing your life.

 

Next, I want you to think about your life and visualize what you want it to look and feel like.  Write down all the details from the house you want to live in to the area you want to be to how it all makes you feel.  What is stopping you from being there and doing what you love?  Do you need to redirect what you are doing?  What can you change? What is keeping you in the unfulfilled daily job?  Really think deep about these questions.

 

Another thing I want you to think about Is an area in your life you could simplify so you don’t have to be stuck in the 9-5 rut and can start enjoying what you value most?  I know so many people that say they can’t quit their job because they cant afford to.

It is amazing to me that people value material items more than their everyday life-think about that.  Just in case you didn’t know this - you can’t take your possesions to heaven with you, so why are you doing something you arent enjoying just to gather stuff and try to look good for the people around you! 

Look around, do you have things you spent money on that you didn’t really need?  You can always downsize vehicles and your home to live the life you dream of.  I applaud all the people moving from larger cities to rural towns to raise their families and live a slower life.  It is so worth it!  

I look back now and can see how God interveved and helped up to skip that speedbump to get to where we are now!  I still do not know why we are where we are, but when God speaks loud and clear, we listen!  

We really are living the dream right now and it is so incredibly enjoyable, but we had to go through many obstacles to get here.  We had to say no to many things that would take us away from our dreams and it all takes time.  

 

And my last advice would be to get out of debt as fast as you can.  Make sacrifices, walk with Jesus daily, give abundantly and do with less for a short while and God will Bless you.  The first step towards living this life is to do something out of the norm that most people won't do.  

 

Send me a message and let me know what you are doing to take your first step to break away from what most people call the norm!!

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I

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Love you friend! Chat with ya next week!

Monica

5 Simple Ways to Keep a Tidy and Clean Home Even as a Busy Mom with Kids

Hello!

With having animals, moving and getting everything here ready for winter to make it convenient to feed and water all the animals, 

we rarely spend time inside, so even being so busy, I wanted to give you 5 simple ways to keep your home clean when you have little time to do it.  Once you get into a simple routine, you are more likely to keep it tidy!  

 

First, you may have to just make a list of the things you want to get done in the morning, you might have to get up a little earlier than normal, but if you prepare the night before, you will be able to establish a very easy cleaning routine in less time to keep your house clean. I like to have lunches ready, clothes out, quick tidy, counters cleaned off and dishes put away in the evening.  Then when morning comes, I can make coffe, toss a load of clothes in while I make coffee, read my Bible and pray.  I then do chores outside, make bed, shower, put dirty clothes in laundry basket, make breakfast, clean up, put clothes in the dryer and we head out the door or I sit down to work. It is very simple and doesn’t need to take alot of time.  The house is then clean when I leave or start working.

 

Next, this is key to keeping a tidy house - declutter so you have less stuff to manage! You know I am a huge fan of keeping it simple!   If you have less stuff to put in its place, you will have less time you need to clean.  The mess can add up much quicker if you have more items in your home. Since we just moved a few months ago, I’m still getting rid of things I don’t need or won’t use in this home.  If it doesn’t have a place, you don’t need to keep it!  It will be treasured by someone who can actually use the item, so freely donate items!

Third, is to have some sort of storage containers, hook or baskets for loose items.  Look around and see what is causing the mess and if you could implement something to combat the items being piled up.  This could be mail, clothes, or something you could catorgorize together.  For instance, my husband loves to try different spices when he cooks, so we had a whole cupboard full of different meat rubs and spices and we could never fine anything, so I got some baskets and I put the spices I bake with in one basket life pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon and things like that in one basket, his spices for meat in another one and salt and pepper separate from that.  It is so much easier to find now since we just pull the correct basket out and don’t have to dig throught the whole cupboard.  Simple solution, but it saves so much time and I rarely have to spend time reorganizing it!

 

Fourth, take 15 minutes a day to do a quick tidy…..set your phone alarm and you will be amazed at what you can get done in that short amount of time.  It is really refreshing when you have a clean house and you will be much more productive as well!

 

And Lastly, make sure the whole family is involved.  I always say to my kids, if you see a need, fill it.  So if they see that something needs to be done, don’t just walk by and ignore, just do it quickly.  Teach them young and it will be the norm for them!  It doesn’t mean they can’t make a mess…..when my girls are baking, making pasta or anything in the kitchen, it always looks like a bomb went off, but they know that when they get done, it needs to all be cleaned up and that is what they do!  Very rarely do I even need to remind them anymore, but it does take time to make it a habit!

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God Bless!

Monica