Have you ever wondered where the manual is on household management?
Creating an Inviting Household
I grew up in a Victorian style home in northern Michigan. My parents were masters at keeping our home in beautiful condition. Although they did not grow up in a home as I did, they intuitively knew household management. Learning household management working with my parents was ongoing. Back in that day, I don’t recall cleaning services available or any maintenance crews, we did maintenance ourselves. Although maintenance wasn’t a monthly chore, it was definitely done every year. I call it a deep cleaning. I love the energy I feel in my home once this work is done. In my experience, deep cleaning helps to ease regular cleaning. I feel much more at ease when friends do stop by because even if my home isn’t perfectly tidy, there is the feeling that it is clean and inviting.
The Business of the Household
It has always been helpful for me to have a space to keep my mail, bills, checkbooks, and receipts. I love the idea of a home office. However, if you do not have a home office there are other alternatives. What is important is opening mail, keeping it sorted, and knowing what can be discarded. With online banking, it is easy to set up bills in advance for the month all at one time. I highly recommend an accounting system such as Quicken, www.quicken.com, for household management. Planning the month out for your cost of living is essential in staying on track for your other goals. Learning household management flows easier when there is a pulse on the business of the household.
Purchase the Best Insurance
As a homeowner, you will be required to carry homeowner’s insurance. If you are just starting out and renting a place, renters insurance is recommended to cover your belongings in case of a loss. I recommend autos, homeowner’s, and umbrella policies priced out together for savings. Getting a couple of prices from different companies is helpful. Know what is important to you in your home. Ask questions about coverage for those items. Take photos of your home. In the event that you had to start over, having the best insurance coverage is a great household management tool.
Keeping What You Really Love
Keeping a clean, organized, and beautiful home is easier in my experience if I choose what I really love. I am a big cheerleader of clearing items out if I am done using them and donating to a charity. I truly believe the space that is created always opens up for something new and better. I find household management much easier when I am not overwhelmed with stuff. I love the quote “less is more”, it is so true.
Be a Great Shopper
When it comes down to the economics of a household, becoming a great purchasing agent is a great help. I love Costco, www.costco.com. During the time I was raising my family, the savings on purchasing bulk was tremendous. There are many ways to save on household items, groceries, clothing, etc. One of the most important lessons I have learned is knowing what my resources are before I shop. This helps to prevent overspending and purchasing items already in stock.
Looking for more ideas or coaching in household management? Is there a specific area you are looking for support in? Get in touch with The Household CEO today for a 30 minute complimentary consultation.