Family life, and motherhood in particular, can be an overwhelming whirlwind of responsibilities, demands, and emotions. Staying organised is not just a matter of preference – it’s a survival skill. Without proper organisation, the complex ecosystem of your home can quickly spiral into disarray.

From ensuring the well-being and happiness of your children to managing the household chores, making time for your partner, safeguarding your own mental well-being, and attempting to maintain a semblance of a social life, the list of responsibilities seems never-ending. It’s like performing a high-stakes juggling act every single day. The word “challenge” almost feels like an understatement when it comes to encapsulating the sheer magnitude and complexity of the motherhood experience.

But this is our life and the role we have signed up for. And of course, it isn’t all bad. There are so many high points in the day too. Staying organised can help you have more high points and less stress. In this post, I want to share with you a few tips to help you stay organised. Remember, staying organised is a journey, not a destination, and continuous effort and adaptation are key to long-term success.

Use a planner

With such busy lives, you are never going to remember everything, it’s just not possible. Instead the use of a planner or calendar is essential to keep track of appointments, school events, birthdays, work deadlines, and other important dates. It’s crucial to have a centralised place to jot down all these commitments, whether they are social engagements, professional responsibilities, or personal tasks. Adding everything into your planner or calendar ensures that you can effectively manage your time, prioritise tasks, and avoid double-booking yourself. Whether it’s scheduling doctor’s appointments, setting reminders for project milestones, or marking down family gatherings, having all these details in one place can significantly reduce the stress of trying to keep it all in your head.

You could also consider utilising reminder apps or scheduling software to keep yourself and your family organised. These tools can send notifications and reminders, ensuring that important events and commitments are not overlooked.

Additionally, you may want to incorporate colour-coding or different categories for various types of events or activities in your calendar to make it even more visually intuitive and organised. Furthermore, setting recurring events for regular family activities or appointments can streamline the planning process and help everyone stay on track.

By utilising a combination of these methods, you can establish a comprehensive and efficient system for managing your family’s schedule and ensuring that everyone’s needs and commitments are appropriately accounted for.

Schedules

Sticking with the planning, create daily and weekly schedules that are always implemented. This could include activities and chores so that everyone knows what they need to be doing. For example, if your kids have a morning schedule that includes making their bed and loading the dishwasher, over time, it will be so ingrained that they just do it and it’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Additionally, having a set schedule can create a sense of routine and structure, which can be comforting for both children and adults alike. It also allows for better time management, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed in a timely manner, leaving more room for relaxation and family time.

Moreover, a well-structured schedule can help instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in children, as they learn the importance of completing their assigned tasks and contributing to the smooth running of the household. This approach can also be beneficial for adults, as it provides a framework for managing work, household chores, and personal time effectively, reducing stress and promoting a more balanced lifestyle.

Meal plan

Planning your meals ahead of time is a proactive approach that can bring numerous benefits to your life. By setting aside dedicated time each week or month to plan your meals, you are not only saving time but also being more mindful of your budget.

Dedicate a reasonable amount of time, perhaps half an hour, once a month to think about and schedule your meals. This simple practice can help you manage your time more effectively, reduce daily stress, and ensure that you and your family have access to nutritious and satisfying meals.

Moreover, pre-planning allows you to streamline your grocery shopping experience, as you can make a comprehensive shopping list based on your meal plan, ultimately saving time and reducing waste. So, whether it’s creating a weekly menu or a monthly meal calendar, the benefits of proactive meal planning extend beyond convenience, ultimately contributing to a more organised and efficient lifestyle.

Family command center

Consider using a family command center as a central hub for organising your household. Utilise this space to not only keep important papers, keys, and other essentials in one convenient location, but also to foster better communication and organisation within your family.

Imagine a dedicated area where you can display a calendar, meal planner, and schedules, allowing all family members to easily access and contribute to these essential resources. By centralising these tools, you can streamline family communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to important events, plans, and schedules. This command center can become a valuable resource for enhancing the efficiency and organisation of your family’s daily life.

Storage bins

Use storage bins and baskets to keep toys, books, and other items organised throughout your home. By utilising these handy storage solutions, you can create designated spaces for different categories of items, making it easier for you and your family members to find what they need and to maintain a neat and tidy living environment.

Additionally, consider labeling the bins and baskets to further streamline the organisation process. This method not only helps in reducing clutter, but also adds a decorative touch to your home, as you can choose storage containers that complement your interior design style.

Declutter regularly

Decluttering regularly is crucial in any family home to maintain a tidy and organised living space. By setting aside some time each week to focus on decluttering, you can prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items and maintain a sense of order throughout the house. This practice not only enhances the visual appeal of the home but also contributes to a more peaceful and stress-free environment for everyone in the family. Additionally, regularly decluttering can help instill good organisational habits in children, teaching them the value of a clean and well-organised living space.

By donating or selling your unwanted items, you can instill the importance of recycling and making money in your kids too. Involving them in the process of decluttering and finding new homes for these items can also teach them about the value of reuse and reducing waste. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to discuss the concept of sustainability and environmental responsibility, helping them develop a sense of awareness and care for the planet. This hands-on experience can be valuable in shaping their attitudes towards consumerism and the environment, setting a foundation for mindful consumption and conservation.

Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family members or friends when needed. We can’t expect to be perfect all the time. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, it’s true. Even if you just need the kids out of your hair for a couple of hours to get tasks done, just ask. It’s important to remember that everyone needs a break every now and then, and seeking support from those around you can make a world of difference.

Recognising that you can’t do everything on your own is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s taking turns with household chores, getting some alone time to recharge, or simply having a listening ear when you need to vent, leaning on your support network can lighten the load and create a stronger sense of community and connection within your relationships.

Final thoughts

I hope you have found this post useful in how to stay organised as a mum. It’s essential to recognise that the journey of staying organised as a mother is unique for each individual. Taking the time to identify and implement systems and routines that align with the specific needs and dynamics of your family is crucial.

From creating meal plans and setting up a family calendar to establishing effective cleaning routines, the key is to customise your organisation approach so that it best supports you and your family’s lifestyle. Remember, staying organised as a mum is about finding systems and routines that work for you and your family, and adapting them as necessary to ensure a smoother daily experience.