Habit Stacking for Homemakers: How to Build Better Routines
Feeling stuck in your routines and struggling to build better habits? The secret might be simpler than you think—and it starts with what you’re already doing.
Some days it feels like you’re moving nonstop—but nothing actually gets done. You meant to clean the bathroom, fold the laundry, read your Bible, and prep dinner early… but somehow, it’s 4 p.m., and you’re just now thinking about what’s for dinner.
The truth is, managing a home takes more than a long to-do list—it takes rhythms and routines that work with your life, not against it. And while big changes can feel overwhelming, sometimes all you need is a small shift that builds momentum.
If you’ve ever wondered how to you can create better routines without having to overhaul your entire life, this post is for you. Let’s talk about one of the easiest ways you can build better habits as a homemaker—without adding more stress to your day.
How to Build Better Routines One Step at a Time
Have you ever tried to overhaul your entire routine in one day… only to burn out by Thursday?
You’re not alone.
One of the biggest challenges homemakers face is building consistent rhythms that actually stick. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, small steps lead to big results—and that’s where habit stacking comes in.
This is one of the techniques I talk about in my 30 day online class, The Disciplined Homemaker and is something I’ve done many times over the years to introduce new habits and routines into my day.
James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits says: “One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behavior on top.”
So let’s talk about Habit Stacking and how it can help you in manage your home and create better routines.
What Is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is a simple strategy that helps you build new habits by “stacking” them onto habits or routines you already do every day. Here’s the formula:
After I [current habit], I will [new habit].
By anchoring a new habit to something familiar, you’re more likely to remember it—and more likely to follow through.
Why Habit Stacking Works for Homemakers
Homemaking is full of repetitive tasks: cooking, laundry, tidying, dishes. Instead of viewing those routines as chores and endless drugery, what if we used them as anchors to build the kind of days we actually want?
When you pair a meaningful or helpful habit with something you already do without thinking, you create powerful rhythms that build over time. Let’s look at how this works in real life.
Morning Habits
You already: Start the coffee pot
Habits you can stack:
- Wipe down the counters
- Unload the dishwasher
- Read a Bible verse or devotional
You already: Brush your teeth
Habits you can stack:
- Drink a glass of water
- Say a short morning prayer
- Review your planner for the day
You already: Make the bed
Habits you can stack:
- Open the curtains
- Do 5 minutes of stretching
- Light a candle to set the tone for the day
Kitchen & Meal Prep Habits
You already: Start dinner around the same time each day
Habits you can stack:
- Clean out the fridge while ingredients cook
- Write tomorrow’s dinner on the planner
- Put away items left on the counters
You already: Clean up after meals
Habits you can stack:
- Sweep the kitchen floor
- Wipe down appliances
- Add one item to tomorrow’s grocery list
Laundry & Cleaning Habits
You already: Start a load of laundry every morning
Habits you can stack:
- Wipe down a bathroom counter
- Do a quick tidy of one room
You already: Fold laundry while watching a tv show or listening to a podcast
Habits you can stack:
- Pray for your family as you fold their clothes
- Plan outfits for the next day or Sabbath
- Set out clothes that need mending or decluttering
- Put the laundry away immediately
Evening Routines and Habits
You already: Tuck the kids into bed
Habits you can stack:
- Spend 5 minutes picking up toys or books
- Lay out breakfast dishes
- Take 5 deep breaths before your own bedtime routine
You already: Turn off the TV or put your phone away at night
Habits you can stack:
- Write in your prayer journal
- Set your top 3 tasks for tomorrow
- Read one chapter of a book that inspires you
Faith & Mindset Habits
You already: Sit down with coffee or tea each morning
Habits you can stack:
- Read the Bible
- Pray over your day
- Write down 3 things you’re grateful for
You already: Check your planner or calendar
Habits you can stack:
- Pray for wisdom and patience
- Add one homemaking goal for the week
- Review upcoming birthdays or write a note to someone
The key to habit stacking is starting small. You don’t need to stack five new habits tomorrow. Just choose one.
Pick one thing you already do every day, and attach one new habit to it. Do it consistently for a week or two, then stack another. Over time, these small actions turn into rhythms that make your days feel more peaceful, more intentional, and more productive.
You’re not aiming for perfection—you’re creating a home you love bit by bit. Habit stacking helps take the overwhelm out of routine-building and turns your daily life into something purposeful.
