Chaos ensues if we don't care about what goes on in our homes.It's up to someone to take charge and get things done.Most stay-at- home parents say it is both.If you want to run a home like a business, you have to get everyone involved.
Step 1: Run your household like a business.
It may seem strange to think of your home as a business location, but we are not talking about it being an impersonal corporate machine.The idea is to apply business management practices to your household.You can see your role as home manager with a little more formality by looking at business management structures.In a traditional hierarchy management style, there is one boss who manages a few subordinates, who in turn manages those below them.It is possible to look at models offlat organizations that do not allow one person to be on top, but rather share the top with others and have open communication with most subordinates.
Step 2: Who will manage the house is up to you.
Once you have determined that a home management system is needed, you need to designate a family manager.The person will be keeping a close eye on the operations of the house since they will likely be the parent who is home more often.As long as the position gets taken, it doesn't matter which parent takes it.In many homes the mother is the likely candidate, but fathers are just as capable of taking on this role.If both parents work and one stays at home to care for the children, it's the same.Whoever is home more often will be the best home manager.If one or both parents work from home, the parent with the most time on their hands is the one who counts as home more often.
Step 3: The tasks should be broken into categories.
There are six categories of home tasks: family and friends, food, special events, time and scheduling, finances, and self-management.Break household chores down into tangible categories makes it easier to run a home.It is possible to organize and prioritize the household by making a separate to-do list for each category.There are a number of ways to organize tasks in each category.Each day you can pick one category and accomplish all the tasks in that category.If you want to spend time on specific tasks until the hour is up, you can assign a category to each hour in a day.
Step 4: Decide on your style of management.
Do you like to do everything yourself, or do you prefer to delegate?If you look at the six areas of household management, you can see which style you prefer and where it isn't working for the family.Under your current style of task management, seek help for areas that aren't flourishing.There is no one style of leadership that works all the time.A good manager is flexible.Different people in your family respond to different management styles.
Step 5: Do you know your strengths?
You can see where the family manager is strong and where he or she is weak by looking at the six categories.Identifying strengths gives clues to what motivates you.Look at the state of the house to determine the family manager's strengths.Are they good at completing everyday chores, like laundry and dishes, or are they better at making great meals?This knowledge should be used by the family manager to perfect what they are good at.This way there is balance in all the household chores.
Step 6: You should figure out solutions for your weak areas.
You will notice where you need to improve once you see what you are good at.Your household will be in good order if you have others balance your weaknesses.Is there a lot of stuff in family areas that makes it hard to relax?If you want someone to work for you, find someone who is good at getting things in order.You can ask for help from your family members, but you can also read books and internet posts about how to be more flexible.You can learn from friends who are good at the things you don't.
Step 7: There is a location for the family calendar.
The family calendar should be in the kitchen.It is important to know what everyone is doing in a visual so that things don't get forgotten.This calendar can be made into a white board so that you can quickly jot down everyone's schedule.A flexible calendar will allow you to be flexible.Family members can simply read the weekly menu if it's included.Allow them to make changes to the menu if they are willing to pay for the different ingredients.If family members see a supply running out or want a particular item, they can add to the list themselves.There is a space for phone numbers near the calendar.
Step 8: It's a good idea to set up a grocery shopping routine.
Determine when and how much money will be spent on groceries each month.Everyone will be less stressed if they know which day this shopping trip occurs.
Step 9: Mail should be stored in a place.
If there isn't a designated home for mail, it can get piled up.The home manager can go through the mail once a week if it's set that way.When a child needs a permission slip signed or a bill needs to be filed, nothing gets lost if you add a space for important papers.The manager of the family should check the bin every evening to make sure it's empty.
Step 10: There is a chore chart.
It's one of the best ways to manage a home.Set up a weekly chore chart so that every member of the family has a job and the household weight doesn't rest on one person.The boss delegate tasks is part of the business management structure.Getting help to manage the house is one of the reasons that chore charts are good.You can find a template online or make your own.
Step 11: Design areas that are easy to navigate.
Even though the goal is to have an organized home, it is going to happen.Good intentions are interfered with by busy schedules.It is possible to keep from getting out of control by combing through it once a month.
Step 12: It's a good idea to schedule big cleaning days.
It is a good time to clean out areas of the house that don't get much attention.A home looking and feeling clean is a result of regular maintenance.It makes sense to dig a little deeper since you are probably putting away warm or cool clothes twice a year.
Step 13: You can call a family meeting.
Explaining the official situation to the entire family is what you need to do once you have decided who will be the family manager.They will get on board once they see how much more efficient the house is.The home manager has a vision to run the home like a business.Lay out the six parts of a home so everyone knows what areas of housekeeping they are strong in.If the family manager is weak, recruit someone who can help the home manger.Explain if you are bringing in outside help to help the family manager.
Step 14: The new organizational changes need to be explained.
Things that may take some getting used to are the family calendar, chore chart, and paperwork filing system.Explain how these things work.If your family has never been exposed to this level of organization, consider this family meeting a training session for new employees.
Step 15: Agree on the rules of the house.
A true set of rules needs to be defined for a house to go without a rule system.Understanding what is expected of each family member is provided by this.Disappointment can lead to anger and resentment.A clear set of rules will prevent anger.A happier home is a result of less anger.Everyone should have a say in the setting up of the rules.This will make sure that resentment and rebellion don't happen.If you agree with the rules, you can post them near the family calendar.
Step 16: A family mission statement is needed.
A mission statement is a last step in unifying the family under this new style of management.The things your family values most are described in this statement.Your mission statement could be like the Three Musketeers, "All for one and one for all."