How do you manage your time on a homestead? It's not easy. In this post I’ll share with you the time management strategies that happy homestead families use to actually get everything done, from homeschooling, raising animals, gardening, baking, family chores and so much more.
By the end of this post you’ll have a good idea of some strategies to try implementing with the rooster crows to help you get your ducks in a row and really start enjoying the success and joy that comes from homesteading without the chaos. Let’s get to it!
People often ask, how do you manage to get everything done? Or at least look at me like I'm crazy when I say how much is on my plate.
Maybe that explains why my hair is always in a bun, whatever. Here's how I've figured out how to manage my time better to get more done. My hope is that these tips help you achieve more on your homestead. If you're looking for hair tips, I can't help you.
TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR HOMESTEADERS
Time management is tricky for homesteaders especially when you work full time already and/or have kids at home.
If you feel like you don’t have enough time to really work on homesteading skills then consider these stats.
The average person spends 2.14 hours per week brainwashing themselves via social media. They then spend at least another 4 hours watching TV/Netflix/Amazon Prime. If this is you, then try and use this extra time.
But homesteaders aren’t your average person. We are the rebels of the future, raising our children like our grandparents were raised. So with that being said, if you’re stuck between the current world and wanting to live simpler as a beginner homesteader something will have to give.
Here’s my tips to help you find that extra time! It's helped me!
CREATE GOAL AND A PLAN TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
Homesteading is full of new skills and endless opportunities. Find what brings you joy and just focus on a few things as you learn and grow. Once you have a goal and a plan to start putting it in place, use these strategies below to find the extra time to put it all together.
GRAB OUR FREE PRINTABLE GOAL PLANNER FOR HOMESTEADERS
TIME BLOCKING
My friend Donna, introduced me to time blocking. Time blocking is what you do when you're already busy and have lots to do but can't seem to get it done.
Donna has a great ebook, Time Blocking 101, which basically teaches you have to clear your mind, then chunk your day and week based on what tasks you need to accomplished. Time blocking is a perfect way to stop feeling like your spinning your wheels.
WAKE UP EARLIER
Wake up an hour or two earlier than you usually do to get more done. Use the rooster as your alarm clock. This is a great time to work effectively. Set a goal for your morning and stick with the task. Eliminate distractions, don't check your phone or email until that task is complete.
MORE TIPS FOR WAKING UP EARLIER
SCHEDULE CHORES
Find the time frames in the day or week that you can fit in your work hours for homestead chores. What jobs need to be done to run your homestead? Why not have a schedule posted on the fridge so your family is aware of what needs to be done and how they can help?
Download our Chore Chart here.
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USE YOUR EVENINGS
Using your free evenings is key for finding extra work time. Evenings are often the hardest time of to be productive. Consider choosing a task that you can look forward too.
NAPS/BREAKS
If you have scheduled breaks at your day job, then use this time to multitask and get stuff done. Maybe you schedule social media posts on your facebook or Instagram page or answer emails from customers. Or maybe you just read this ebook or other expert resources to keep you focused on your goal.
RELATED: HOW TO GET STUFF DONE WITH A BABY AND TODDLER
MEAL PLAN
Honestly, once I started meal planning I felt like I had way more time to get stuff done. I’d wake up in the morning and know what we are having for dinner. Done and Done.
My tips for meal planning, use what you have in your cupboards and freezer, find cheap quick recipes, participate in a meal swap, do a months worth of freezer meals in a weekend. The ideas are endless. Save your time and energy for something else every day, and don’t go wasting your money on take out.
RELATED: HOW TO MEAL PLAN ON A TINY BUDGET
BOOK A BUSINESS TRIP AWAY
Why not stay in a hotel room with a contential breakfast using your loyalty points and pick up some take out and get to work? Book time away from home to really hammer out a big project.
Having a few hours here and there are great during the week or weekends to get stuff done. But imagine what you could do if you had a business trip planned. You’d be organized, prepared and ready to take on the world.
TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR HOMESTEADERS
What I’ve found most important for managing our time is using a planner that’s made for homesteaders by a homesteader! That way you can plan your projects, chores, daily tasks and big projects according to the seasons.
Spring looks completely different than end of summer with different things that need to be done for raising animals, preserving and growing food and everything else.
That’s why you need our happy homestead planner. Learn more here.
There you have it, my 7 tips for managing your time better while running a family homestead. What works best for you? How do you find more time to get more done every day?
Learn Time Management from the pro's!
I'm not the only one who has had to figure out time management hacks to get more done. Life is busy, there's so much to do and so much to accomplish. If you're looking for more, I highly suggest you check out The Ultimate Productivity Bundle available for a short time ( Jan.3-8th 2020.
For More Productivity Tips Check out these posts below:
THE FIRST STEP TO A DREAM COME TRUE STARTS WITH A PLAN
The Gardening and Sustainable Living Ultimate Bundle – An Honest Review and Product List 2021
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How to Meal Plan on a Tiny Budget
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Homesteading Blogs to Read in 2021 – Happy Homestead Interview Series
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How to Plan Your Homestead From Scratch in 2021
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The Secrets for a Happier Homestead- REVEALED!
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Make Money Homesteading Step by Step Guide
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Beginners Guide to Preserving Food
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Julie says
These are great tips for anyone! Time management is one of my greatest challenges.
Beth says
These are great time management tips for everyone!
Jasmine says
Time blocking is so helpful to manage the o do lists!