Photo Credit: (Edited) ionascloset
Singleness and homemaking. At first glance do they even seem to go together? Can a single woman be a keeper of her home just like her married friends? Yes, in fact she can.
When you think of a homemaker, I’m sure one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is a married gal with a baby on her hip and another at her feet while she tries to get dinner on the table by the time her hubby walks in the door.
That is what it looks like for many women. That’s the goal right?
The truth is not all women that are married have (or can have) children. They may work full or part-time outside of the home.
There maybe that mom with kids that has to work as well, even if she might want to be home.
They are all still homemakers. They still have a family and house that needs cared for.
Then there is the single woman. Maybe you want to be single. Maybe you don’t, you are still the (or one of the) keeper(s) of your home. It might look different but you still have a very important role.
This may apply more to gals that live on their own but if you are still living with your parent’s or a roommate there are still things you can do.
The Single Gal’s Guide to Homemaking
1. Make your house a home
Fill your home with beauty, whatever that may mean to you. I find that simple mason jars filled with flowers add a touch of beauty where ever they are.
Simple touches like bee’s wax candles, a few picture frames, and a few special knickknacks add a special touch.
What is it for you? A few framed pieces of art on the wall? Beautiful pottery? Maybe a soft blanket draped over the sofa?
2. Have a routine and stick to it
The easiest way to have a helter skelter life is to ditch all routines. Now I am not always a 100% schedule your time the minute kind of gal but I do find peace in routines. I try my best to start my morning the same way each day and end my evening the same as well. When I drop those routines nothing else falls into place right the rest of the day.
3. Make a menu plan
When you are a single gal it’s tempting to just grab a quick premade meal from the store or get food out many days a week. It’s just one person right so why not?
Those one person meals add up fast! Menu plans save you time and money. They get you in the kitchen cooking real food.
4. Have a Budget
Just because you are single there is no reason to be “free” with your spending. I remember having a friend tell me one time, “You don’t have to worry as much since you are single. You can afford to do XYZ.”
Um, thank you but you have no idea what my income is and if that purchase is just as hard for me as it is for you.
I might take some flack for this but it’s even more important for a single gal to have a budget.
It’s taken me a long time to acknowledge that as I enter my 30s I may not marry. It’s easy for a lot of gals, especially those that grew up in a more conservative background to just assume they will marry young and have a husband to provide for them.
The fact is you might not get married. You need to be able to provide for yourself and manage every aspect of your finances. Even if you live at home, mom and dad aren’t going to be there forever.
You are the keeper of your home regardless if you are married or not.
5. Practice hospitality
Hospitality is not just for married couples. It may look different, but it is still a way to be a blessing to others.
Maybe you have a single mom and her kids over after church. Maybe you watch the neighbor’s kids so they can have a date night.
I used to host a Bible study at my house. A friend lead while I provided the place and food.
There is little I love more than having a friend over for a cup of tea. Many dear friends joined me for mid-morning or late night cups of tea when I was in Mexico. It’s a practice that I am trying to make a habit once again. Such meaningful and deep conversations were had of steaming cups of tea (hot cocoa, coffee or whatever you like) over the years with soothing music in the background.
Embrace the life Gods has given you. Embrace the singleness. Make your house a home to enjoy and bless others.
How are you doing with homemaking as a single?
Some of my homemaking mentors and friends. Who are also authors in the Bundle!
OMG!! These are such great points! I love that you shared homemaking from a single’s perspective. The hospitality part was my favorite.
You’re welcome. 🙂
I like your ideas here, Katie Mae! I went right from full-time college to full-time at home mom overnight, but I always have admired young ladies that have spent their single days wisely and intentionally. There really are such unique opportunities for service, learning, and investing in others. Great post!
Thanks Kristen! It is not the life I imagined it to be but it’s the life God has given me. Though I long for a husband and children to raise I wouldn’t trade my single years and how God used them. <3