Whether you’re a single mom, new mom, or seasoned mom with a houseful of kids, organizing life as mom can seem like a daunting task. Here’s how to create better routines for moms and simplify every aspect of your busy mom life.
What to Expect:
- Why you need to create a plan of action now
- Simple habits of organized moms every day
- Bonus organization tips depending on your unique mom life
Why You Need to Create a Plan of Action Now
It’s easy to feel like you are always behind. Whether it’s at work, in your personal life, or at home, it can seem like there is never enough time in the day to cross off everything on your to-do list.
With so many little things to do and not enough time to do them, overwhelm and exhaustion are common problems when you’re struggling with time management.
But a plan of action can help you manage your time more efficiently, stay organized, and maintain a sense of control over your life.
So how do you create a plan to become a more organized mom?
The first step is to identify the areas of your life where organization is most important for you. For example, what needs the most attention right now: work, home management, kids’ schedules, or mom life?
Take some time to brainstorm all of the tasks that need attention in these areas.
Next, break down your task list into a manageable, step-by-step list of tasks and set a timeline for when each task should be completed.
It’s important that you prioritize your tasks as well as your time so that everything gets done. This way, you will never have any unfinished projects or piles of clutter again!
Simple Habits of Organized Moms Every Day
Staying organized every day can seem like a daunting task, but it’s more about creating sustainable habits that you can repeat on a daily basis.
Whether you’re a working mom, a WAHM, a new mom, or a seasoned mom with a full house, these habits can help you get (and stay) organized in every aspect of your mom life.
Brain Dump
There are so many benefits to doing a brain dump. Thoughts become a source of stress when they’re floating around your brain. As David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, wrote, “the brain is for having ideas, not holding them.”
Doing a comprehensive brain dump regularly is so helpful for managing stress and staying organized.
Learn more about how to do a brain dump and how it can help you with the Ultimate Guide to Doing a Brain Dump.
Establish Priorities
Balancing your priorities as a mom can often feel like a juggling act that just isn’t working. However, the word “priority” was only ever supposed to be singular. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1900’s that the word priority became a plural term in the time management world.
Utilize Technology
Technology has mixed reviews when it comes to staying organized and productive. When used correctly, it can be helpful to create automatic reminders with digital tools. However, technology can also be a source of distraction.
Use a paper planner
I use a paper planner daily to stay on top of my to-do list. While I use my phone and Google calendar for planning ahead, using paper is a great way to get clarity and organize (as well as remember) everything on your list.
Get my Organized Motherhood Planning Pages here:
Create To-Do Lists
Creating to-do lists, when done properly, is an excellent way to stay focused and boost your productivity.
I create a weekly to-do list and daily to-do lists by doing a weekly brain dump and moving tasks onto my daily planning pages.
Prioritize Tasks
Once you’ve created your to-do list, prioritizing those tasks is the best way to make sure you’re getting the most important things done.
For more tips on how to prioritize your tasks, check out how to declutter your schedule.
Time Block Your Day
Once you’ve prioritized your tasks, it’s essential to take massive action on your most important tasks!
Whether you’re leaving the home and creating an hourly schedule or filling large chunks of time between your kids’ naps, time blocking your schedule is such a great way to stay focused and make sure you’re getting the most important things done.
On days when I stay home, I use my daily planning page with the three blocks of time. In each block, I schedule no more than three tasks. This planning page is especially perfect if you have young kids who take morning and afternoon naps.
Declutter Your Home
Get Kids Involved
Kids can help around the house. Even young kids can help with tasks like packing school lunches if you create a simple process. I keep a drawer of non-perishable snacks for the kids to grab.
Maintain a Daily Routine
Whether you’re establishing a routine for yourself or for your kids, daily routines can make all the difference in feeling organized.
Here are different routines to create to organize your day:
Top Routines for School to Help Kids Stay Organized and Focused
Creating an Evening Routine: Simple Steps to Get Started
Simplify Your Routines
Setting up routines at home is the key to streamlining housework and making your household run more smoothly.
With the right routines in place, you can make sure that tasks like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping are done on a regular basis without having to think about it too much. By creating routines for yourself and your family, you can save time and energy while still keeping your home organized.
Follow a Standard Cleaning Schedule
To stay on top of my cleaning schedule, I break my cleaning routines into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks. This way, the house is never “too dirty.”
Get my free printable one-page printable speed cleaning routine.
However, if you want to deep clean or get a room-by-room cleaning plan, get the full Organized Motherhood Cleaning Planner. This guide includes checklists for every room in your house so that you clean your home from top to bottom without missing a single cobweb.
Print Chore Charts for Individual Family Members
Use a Family Calendar
A family calendar can be a lifesaver when it comes to organizing life as a mom. With busy schedules, endless appointments, and multiple activities to juggle, having a central hub where everyone can access and add their events is essential. Not only does a family calendar help keep track of important dates and deadlines, but it also fosters communication and collaboration within the household.
One fresh perspective on using a family calendar is that it empowers children to take ownership of their own commitments. By encouraging kids to enter their school projects, extracurricular activities, or social events into the calendar themselves, they become actively involved in managing their time and responsibilities. This not only teaches them valuable organizational skills but also instills a sense of accountability from an early age.
In addition to keeping track of individual schedules, a family calendar can be used as a tool for creating meaningful traditions and shared experiences. By marking special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or even weekly family game nights on the calendar, you create an opportunity for everyone to look forward to these moments together. It adds structure to your family life while also ensuring that quality time is set aside for bonding and creating memories.
Schedule Downtime for Self Care
As a mom, life can often feel like a constant juggling act. Between managing the needs of our children, household chores, and perhaps even holding down a job outside the home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget about ourselves. That’s why scheduling downtime is not just important; it’s essential for our physical and mental well-being.
Organizing our lives as moms means understanding the value of self-care. By intentionally setting aside time for rest and relaxation, we recharge our batteries, which ultimately allows us to be better mothers. But downtime shouldn’t just be seen as idle time; rather, it should be viewed as an opportunity to engage in activities that nurture our passions and personal interests.
Incorporating self-care into our daily routine also sets a positive example for our children. When they witness us prioritizing ourselves and taking care of our own needs, we teach them invaluable lessons about balance and self-love.
So let’s take charge of organizing our lives as moms by carving out regular moments of downtime – not only will we benefit greatly from it but so will those around us.
Use a Reusable Grocery List
Having a grocery list that you can use over and over again not only helps you stay organized but also saves time and money in the long run.
By having all your go-to items listed on one sheet, you won’t have to waste precious minutes searching through the pantry or fridge to see what’s missing. Plus, with a reusable list, you can easily check off items as you run out or need to restock.
But here’s the real highlight – using a reusable grocery list helps with meal planning.
With everything neatly categorized on your list, you’re more likely to plan meals around ingredients you already have at home instead of buying random items that end up sitting in your pantry untouched for months. This simple habit not only reduces food waste but also ensures that mealtimes are creative and exciting rather than repetitive and predictable. So say goodbye to those last-minute trips to the store for forgotten ingredients!
Streamline Meal Prep
Streamlining meal prep is a game-changer for busy moms trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. The key lies in organizing your life around efficient cooking methods and smart planning.
Start by creating a weekly meal plan that takes into account your family’s preferences, dietary restrictions, and schedule. This will not only save you time but also cut down on food waste.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can also help streamline meal prep. For example, having a reliable slow cooker or instant pot can be a lifesaver on those days when you simply don’t have the time or energy to cook an elaborate meal from scratch. With these appliances, you can often toss all the ingredients together in the morning and come back home to a delicious, hot dinner ready to be served.
Another tip for streamlining meal prep as a mom is to embrace batch cooking and freezer-friendly meals.
Spend one day of the week preparing large batches of soups, stews, casseroles, or even pre-cooked proteins that can easily be portioned out and frozen for future use. Not only does this save you time during the week since dinner is already partially prepared, but it also helps with reducing stress as you always have something nutritious at hand when unexpected events occur.
By focusing on efficient planning and implementing these strategies into your routine, you’ll find yourself enjoying more quality time with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen every evening after work.
Outsource Tasks When Possible
As a busy mom, juggling multiple responsibilities can often feel overwhelming. From managing household chores to taking care of the kids, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take care of yourself.
That’s where outsourcing household tasks comes in. By delegating some of these responsibilities to others, you can free up valuable time and energy to focus on what truly matters – your family and your own well-being.
Outsourcing doesn’t mean relinquishing complete control either – it means smartly reallocating resources in order to achieve optimal results for everyone involved.
You don’t have to shoulder all aspects of household management alone; instead, consider hiring help for specific tasks such as housecleaning or meal planning.
Whether you take your laundry to a laundromat where they wash and fold it for you, have your groceries delivered, or hire a cleaning service for your home, there are tons of unique ways to outsource your household tasks.
Make Use of Free Time
Finding free time can often seem like an impossible task. However, it is essential to make use of those precious moments whenever they arise.
One way to maximize your free time is by organizing your life and creating a schedule that allows for pockets of relaxation or pursuing new hobbies. Set aside specific blocks of time for yourself each day or week to recharge and replenish your energy.
Additionally, consider utilizing technology tools such as productivity apps or online calendars to streamline and manage your responsibilities more efficiently. These tools can help you prioritize tasks, set reminders, and stay organized amidst the chaos of motherhood.
By making use of free time wisely and effectively organizing your life as a mom, you not only ensure you have moments of self-care but also increase productivity in other areas of your life.
Remember that while being organized is crucial, it’s equally important not to over-schedule yourself or become too rigid with your routine. Allow room for spontaneity and flexibility in order to fully enjoy everyday moments with your family.
By finding the right balance between structure and flexibility, you’ll be able to make the most out of your free time while still embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with being a mom.
Get Creative with Storage Solutions
Staying organized is crucial to keeping your sanity. With toys, clothes, and countless other items needed on a daily basis, it’s easy for clutter to quickly accumulate. But fear not, there are plenty of creative storage solutions that can help you tame the chaos and reclaim your home.
Consider repurposing everyday items into storage containers. For example, an old ladder can be transformed into a charming bookshelf by attaching shelves to each rung. Baskets and crates can also be used as stylish storage options while adding a touch of rustic charm to any room.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional solutions—think outside the box and transform ordinary objects into practical yet aesthetically pleasing organizers.
If space is at a premium in your home, utilizing vertical storage is key. Install floating shelves or hanging organizers on walls to maximize available space without sacrificing style. Make use of the often underutilized space beneath beds with rolling drawers or decorative bins. By thinking vertically and finding innovative ways to utilize every nook and cranny in your home, you’ll discover that even the smallest spaces can become efficient storage areas.
Don’t Overcommit
It’s easy to fall into the trap of overcommitting ourselves. We want to be there for our kids and give them the best opportunities, so we say yes to every extracurricular activity, committee meeting, and volunteer opportunity that comes our way. But in doing so, we often lose sight of our own needs and end up feeling overwhelmed.
Organizing our lives as moms means learning how to prioritize and set boundaries. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to say no sometimes. We don’t have to do it all – in fact, trying to do so can actually be detrimental to both ourselves and our families. By saying no when necessary and only taking on commitments that truly align with our values and goals, we can create more balance in our lives and avoid burnout.
Overcommitting not only takes a toll on our mental health but also reduces the quality of our interactions with our children. When we are stretched thin, we may find ourselves physically present but mentally absent – unable to fully engage or enjoy those precious moments with our little ones.
Making conscious choices about where we invest our time allows us the space needed for self-care – allowing us to show up as better versions of ourselves for those who matter most.
So let go of the fear of missing out (FOMO) and embrace JOMO – the joy of missing out! Prioritize your well-being alongside your family’s happiness by setting reasonable limits on your commitments.
Set Boundaries
Create a Family Command Center
Create a drop zone or an area where the entire family can find coats, backpacks, purses, keys, etc.
This is also a great place to include your family calendar, menu for the week, a cork board for notes, etc.
Create a Lunch Prepping Station
As a busy mom, finding ways to organize and streamline your daily routine is essential. And one area that can often be chaotic is lunchtime. Whether you’re packing lunches for your kids or trying to find something quick and healthy for yourself, the lunch-prepping station can make life so much easier. By creating a designated space in your kitchen just for lunch prep, you’ll save time and reduce stress during those peak hours of the day.
Having a lunch prepping station allows you to have everything you need within arm’s reach. Stock it with containers in various sizes, reusable bags, napkins, and utensils so that everything is at your fingertips when it’s time to pack those lunches. Consider using compartmentalized containers to keep different food items separate and prevent them from getting squished or mixed up inside the lunch bag.
Another benefit of having a dedicated space for lunch prep is that it helps promote healthier eating habits. When things are organized and easily accessible, you’re more likely to choose nutritious options rather than reaching for convenient but less healthy alternatives. Preparing salads with pre-cut veggies, portioning out fruit servings into individual bags, or even making homemade granola bars becomes effortless when everything you need is readily available in your lunch-prepping station.
Decide Once
Become decisive. These two simple words hold the power to revolutionize your life.
As a mom, our days are filled with countless decisions – from what to cook for dinner, to which activities to sign our kids up for, we are constantly juggling choices.
However, what if I told you that by deciding once, you could eliminate decision fatigue and create more time and mental space for the things that truly matter?
Think about it – how much time do we waste each day re-deciding on mundane tasks?
By organizing your life as a mom and making decisions in advance, you can streamline your routine and free up valuable energy.
For instance, consider meal planning: instead of agonizing over dinner options every evening after a long day of work and childcare obligations, decide once at the start of the week what meals to prepare. This way, grocery shopping becomes more efficient and stress-free.
But deciding once isn’t just limited to practical tasks; it extends to all aspects of life as well. When it comes to parenting choices or setting personal boundaries, choosing one path or principle can lead to consistency and peace of mind.
By establishing firm guidelines upfront – be it screen time limits or bedtimes – we can reduce negotiation battles with our children while providing them with structure.
Overall, adopting the mantra “decide once” empowers us to take control of our lives in unexpected ways. It grants us the freedom to concentrate on what truly matters while avoiding constant decision fatigue.
Be a Finisher
One of the seemingly unending aspects of mom life can be cleaning up and keeping up with the housework. There’s nothing more frustrating than when your child spills red jello all over your freshly scrubbed floor!
But even though mom life often means that your focus is constantly being pulled in different directions, it’s important to make an effort to finish what you start.
Manage your Household Laundry
Another aspect of cleaning that can seem unending is managing the laundry. Depending on your personality (and the amount of laundry that your family produces), you may find that it’s easier to do ALL laundry in one day or to do a batch a day (as long as you don’t forget it… there’s nothing worse than wet, moldy laundry to stink up your washing machine).
Try Meal Planning
Meal planning and grocery shopping don’t have to be a chore. With the right tips, you can make the process easier and more efficient.
Whether you’re looking for ways to save time or money at the grocery store, there are plenty of strategies that can help streamline your menu planning and grocery shopping. From creating a grocery list to taking advantage of online delivery services, there are many ways to make meal planning and grocery shopping simpler.
Let’s take a look at some of the best tips for streamlining your meal planning and grocery shopping!
Bonus Tips to Stay Organized as a Mom:
How to Stay Organized as a Single Mom
Single Mom Routine That Lets You Breathe
Tips to Stay Organized With a Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule
Summer schedules for stay-at-home-moms
How to Stay Organized as a Working Mom
7 Hacks to Organize Your Life as a Full-Time Working Mom