Homemaking Skills in the New Year

Polish up your homemaking skills in the new year. I’m sharing my list of 12 homemaking/homesteading skills I want to try this year.

I LOVE a new year! There’s just something about starting fresh with a clean slate. Over the past few weeks I’ve really spent some time thinking about what’s important to me and where I want to give more of my time and energy. A few things made the list, one of them being making a home.

Why is homemaking important?

When you think about homemaking you may get some 1950’s June Cleaver vibes. Maybe your idea of homemaking is tirelessly working away at home day in and day out in an exhausting effort to reach perfection in your household. The actual definition of homemaking is management of the home. Boring. While it’s true that there’s definite management of cleaning, laundry, and making meals, there’s also so much more.

For me, homemaking is a deliberate way of making your family feel loved and well cared for. This can be achieved whether you’re at home all day with your children or you work outside of the home.

I recently read a post by Jill Winger over at Old Fashioned On Purpose that listed over 120 skills for the modern homestead and I was inspired to create my own list. I’ve compiled a list of 12 skills I’d like to try in the new year. One new skill each month sounds doable. I have so many interests and want to learn so many new skills that it can sometimes be overwhelming for my brain. Hopefully this list will keep me focused along the way.

12 Homemaker skills for the new year

1. Make elderberry syrup. There are many health related benefits of elderberries. Has there ever been a better time to focus on the health of our families?
2. Start seeds indoors. We’ve had a small garden for a few years and each spring we add a little more and I kick myself when we go to buy plants for not starting from seed. It’s so much more cost effective and I have total control of how they’re grown.
3. Dip candles. This is something my girls have asked to do so I think we will give it a try soon.
4. Make sourdough bagles. Bagels are so intimidating for me. I think it’s the whole boiling bread thing that just seems difficult.
5. Try composting again. I did this once years ago and there’s a very yucky and expensive story that came of it. It involves a dog and new flooring but that’s all I’ll say for now.
6. Make my own laundry detergent. As a family of 7 we do a ton of laundry and buy a ton of detergent. There are so many recipes out there for cleaner, safer laundry detergents that cost next to nothing to make.
7. Dry herbs from the garden. This is just something I’ve wanted to try. If I’m being honest, I’m not the best herb gardener so this could be a challenge.
8. Make my own jams and jellies. Homemade jam is better. Period.
9. Keep my sourdough alive and active for an entire year. I was late to the sourdough party but better late than never because I am loving it! I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to sourdough, most of which I have tried and love.
10. Buy a cow. As much as I’d like a real live cow, I think I’ll start with one in the freezer. I’m looking into purchasing beef from a local farm where I know what the cow’s being fed and how it’s processed. Plus, you get a much better price when buying bulk.
11. Don’t replace our microwave. A little over a month ago our over the range microwave died. We decided not to replace it for now. It’s been a challenge learning to do life without it but I’m actually really enjoying not having one as silly as that sounds.
12. Learn how to use a pressure canner. I saved this one for last because it is the scariest. Seriously, the thought of something bursting near my face is terrifying but can I really call myself a homemaker/future homesteader if I can’t can my own green beans?

I hope you’ll join me and help keep me accountable. I’ll be sharing my success and failures over on instagram and I’d love for you to follow along.

Also, if you’re interested in learning a new skill or 12 I’ve created a printable for you! Just fill in your info below and I’ll drop a free printable in you inbox.

I’d love to know what’s on your list! Leave a comment so we can share ideas.