Being a mom is a full-time job on its own, and when you add in the chaos of keeping your home organized, managing day-to-day tasks, and trying to find time for yourself, it can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies in place, you can make things a lot easier and more manageable. Here are 5 simple, life-changing organization hacks that will help you stay on top of everything without losing your mind.
1. Set Up a Family Command Center
A central hub for your family’s schedules, important documents, and to-dos can be a game-changer. Designate a wall or a corner of your home to be your family’s command center. Currently, mine is on the side of the fridge!
What to include:
- A calendar or whiteboard to track appointments, events, and important dates.
- A basket or folder for incoming mail or paperwork.
- A checklist or reminder board for daily chores or kids’ activities.
With everything in one place, you’ll never forget a doctor’s appointment or miss an important task!
2. Declutter in 10-Minute Bursts
One of the biggest obstacles to staying organized as a mom is the constant clutter. But you don’t need hours to get it under control. Try decluttering in 10-minute bursts throughout the day. Set a timer, pick one area, and tackle it for just 10 minutes. My go-to 10-minute decluttering spots are the bathroom and kitchen counters.
Pro Tip:
- Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen counter, entryway, or kids’ playroom. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time!
3. Use Digital Planning Tools
Gone are the days of paper planners and sticky notes all over the place. Use digital apps and tools to streamline your schedule, grocery lists, meal planning, and to-do lists.
Must-Have Apps for Moms:
- Google Calendar: Sync your schedule with your partner, babysitters, or other family members.
- Todoist: Create to-do lists for everything from groceries to kids’ activities.
- Trello: Organize tasks by categories, like home, work, or kids’ school projects.
These tools can help you stay organized without adding more paper to your life.
4. Create a Toy Rotation System
Kids’ toys can take over your entire home if you let them. A simple toy rotation system can keep clutter at bay and keep your kids entertained with “new” toys every few weeks.
How to do it:
- Store half of the toys out of sight, and only keep a selection out for playtime.
- Swap toys every couple of weeks (or days) to keep things fresh and engaging for your little ones.
- This helps reduce clutter and makes clean-up time easier (and more fun for your kids!).
5. Create Daily Routines (and Stick to Them!)
Routine is key to organization. Whether it’s a morning routine, bedtime routine, or post-lunch cleanup, setting up simple daily routines will make everything run more smoothly.
Examples of Daily Routines:
- Morning: Have a checklist for everyone in the family, like getting dressed, making beds, and prepping breakfast.
- Evening: Create a “reset” routine for the house, such as picking up toys, loading the dishwasher, and setting out clothes for the next day.
Having a routine will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Bonus Tip: Get Your Kids Involved
One of the best ways to stay organized as a mom is to get your little ones involved in the process. Even toddlers can help with tasks like putting away toys, wiping down surfaces, or sorting laundry. This not only keeps your home tidy, but it also teaches your children valuable life skills.