Being a mom is a full-time job in itself, and keeping everything organized can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. From managing your household to juggling work and family commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not—these 10 quick and easy organization hacks are designed to streamline your daily routines, so you can focus more on what really matters.
Tip 1. The Power of a Family Calendar
A shared family calendar is a game-changer. Whether you prefer a physical calendar in the kitchen or a digital one on your phone, having a central place to track appointments, events, and to-do lists helps keep everyone on the same page. Try color-coding different family members’ schedules for an at-a-glance view of the week.
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I personally love The Happy Planner {this is a cute 2024-25 version on Amazon} because I can choose a planner for our family calendar needs and customize another {teacher planner on Amazon} for organizing all of my school responsibilities and lesson planning.
Tip 2. Daily Declutter Sessions
Decluttering has become a powerful tool in tackling the overwhelm of managing our household. But how do we fit in decluttering in our already packed schedules?
Set aside 10 minutes each day for a quick declutter session. Tackle one area at a time—whether it’s the kitchen counter, the kids' playroom, or your desk. This small daily effort prevents clutter from building up and makes it easier to maintain a tidy home. And you won’t lose an entire day or weekend dedicated to a major decluttering session.
Tip 3. The 5-Minute Rule
The 5-Minute Rule is simple: if a task will take five minutes or less, do it immediately. This can include putting away a stray item, responding to an email, or washing a few dishes. By addressing small tasks right away, you’ll prevent them from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
Tip 4. Prep Meals Ahead of Time
Meal prepping can save you time and stress during the week. Set aside some time on the weekends to prepare meals in advance. Cook in bulk and store portions in the fridge or freezer. This way, you'll always have healthy meals ready to go, reducing the temptation to opt for takeout.
Tip 5. Create a Command Center
Designate a specific area in your home as a command center. This could include a bulletin board, a mail organizer, and hooks for keys and bags. This is where your family calendar will live. By centralizing your family’s essentials in one spot, you’ll make it easier to keep track of important documents and reduce the daily search for misplaced items.
Tip 6. Utilize Storage Solutions
Invest in smart storage solutions to maximize your space. Use clear bins to store toys, seasonal clothing, or extra supplies. Under-bed storage can be great for out-of-season clothing or rarely used items. Another great storage option for off season bedding and blankets are vacuum seal storage bags {like these from Amazon}.
Label everything clearly to make finding what you need a breeze. As you declutter, storage bins can be a great tool in limiting how much you keep for the next season or how many toys you are willing to manage.
Tip 7. Streamline Your Morning Routine
Mornings can be hectic, so make them smoother with a bit of planning. Lay out clothes for yourself and your kids the night before. Simplifying your clothing options and your makeup routine can help you quickly get ready by eliminating time wasted on making extra decisions. Pack school bags, prepare lunches, and set out breakfast items. A little prep the evening before can significantly reduce morning chaos.
Tip 8. Implement a Cleaning Schedule
Instead of waiting for the mess to become unmanageable, create a cleaning schedule that breaks down tasks into manageable chunks. For example, designate Mondays for bathroom cleaning, Tuesdays for vacuuming, and so on. A regular routine will help you stay on top of household chores without feeling overwhelmed. You may also want to include laundry or dishes as daily tasks, meaning you run the dishwasher daily and complete one load of laundry per day. Something that has helped me is to do the cleaning tasks at the same time each day as well.
Tip 9. Automate Your Finances
Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid late fees and reduce mental load. Most banks and service providers offer this option. By automating, you ensure bills are paid on time and free up mental space for more important tasks. Scheduling a day and time each week to check in on your finances and make needed adjustments can be helpful not only to yourself but also in communicating with spouses and family members.
Tip 10. Encourage Family Participation
Getting the whole family involved in organization can make a big difference. Assign age-appropriate chores to kids and make it a routine. Teach them the importance of tidying up after themselves and involve them in planning family activities. This not only lightens your load but also instills valuable organizational habits in your children.
Conclusion
With these 10 quick and easy organization hacks, you’ll find that managing a busy household doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can create a more organized and less stressful environment for you and your family. Remember, the goal isn’t to achieve perfection but to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable. Happy organizing!