Running a home baking business isn’t just about making cakes. It’s everything else that comes with it — quotes, messages, chasing payments, sorting out content for Instagram, planning orders… and all of that is before you’ve even touched the oven.
If you’re also getting kids out the door, managing the house, or working another job, it’s no wonder you feel pulled in all directions. Most of us don’t talk about how full-on it can be. But let’s say it straight: the only way to stay on top of things (and not burn out) is to get serious about how you plan your week.
Here’s what’s helped me and others make it work.
1. Batch Your Work So You’re Not Constantly Chopping and Changing
Switching between tasks all day long is exhausting. It wastes time and drains your head. If you can group similar jobs together, you’ll feel a bit less like you’re chasing your tail.
So: bake on the same day each week. Ice on a different day. If you’ve got freezer space, use it. Bake ahead where you can, and you’ll thank yourself later when everything feels less rushed.
This doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a quick scribble of what jobs belong to what day can give you more headspace.
2. Sort Your Social Media Out in One Go
Social media’s a big one. It’s important for your business, but it’s a time-eater if you’re winging it day by day.
Try setting aside an hour or two a week (or even once a month) to plan out your posts. Use a scheduler like Meta Business Suite — it’s free and does the job. Then you don’t need to think about it again every morning.
You can still post the odd story or reply to people when you feel like it, but the bulk of it is already done and off your plate.
3. Put Limits on How Often You’re Replying to People
Messages and emails will come in at all hours — but you don’t have to be on call 24/7. It’s okay to set boundaries, even if it feels awkward at first.
Decide when you’re going to reply to messages, and stick to it. That could be once in the morning and once in the evening. The world won’t fall apart if a reply waits a few hours. And if someone expects a full quote by midnight? They’re not your ideal customer.
You’re not being rude — you’re protecting your time so you can actually run your business (and live your life).
4. Give Admin Its Own Slot – and Then Leave It Alone
Invoices, orders, shopping lists, baking schedules… it all adds up. But if you’re dipping in and out all day long, it becomes a never-ending to-do list.
Pick a time each week to do your admin. Block it out, get it done, and then don’t think about it again for a bit. You’ll work quicker when you’re focused, and you won’t feel like it’s hanging over you all day.
Keeping a simple list through the week helps too — just jot things down as they come up, so you don’t forget
5. Remember, This Is a Business — Treat It Like One
Even if you’re working from your kitchen table, this is still your business. You’re earning money from something you’ve built yourself — and that’s not small.
So give it the respect it deserves. That means setting hours, saying no to things that don’t work for you, and putting systems in place that make your life easier. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just start with what will take some pressure off this week.
One Last Thing
You don’t need to do it all, all the time. The whole point of a home baking business is that it works around your life — not that it takes over it.
So batch where you can, plan ahead, and stop trying to answer every message the second it comes in. You’ll still get the cakes made, the bills paid, and the customers happy — but you’ll feel a lot less like you’re spinning in circles.
