Organization is a key element in parenting. Without it, bills will go unpaid, events will be forgotten, schedules will go out the window and your time is not spent to its maximum potential. But getting – and staying – organized is not an easy task, especially when children are involved.
These tips will help you get and stay organized so you can focus on the more important things in life, like your family.
Be realistic
To begin organizing your home, you need to make a realistic goal – one that fits your schedule and other demands. Some moms can only conquer one room at a time, one day out of the week; and that’s okay. It might take you a few months to get through the whole house, but the end result is worth it.
Start by cleaning and purging
Clean out each room as you go – making piles for donations, trash or garage sale. Don’t hang onto items that haven’t been used in the past six to 12 months and remember to organize and store clothing appropriately for each season.
Tip: Consider having a garage sale to generate funds to put back into your home, whether it be in the form of organizational tools or items to spruce up your home décor and style!
Incorporate organization into your home décor
Get creative with the way you organize your home – a mudroom is the perfect place to organize backpacks, shoes, jackets and school reminders while baskets added to a bookshelf in the family room or library can store mobile devices, music and other items commonly used in the family room.
More organizing ideas
- A hall closet can become a craft storage spot, when the proper organizing tools are used.
- A den or living room console table can double as a mobile work station for mom, dad and homework time on the computer.
- A playroom can be brightened up with colorful storage bins, hanging wall baskets and organizers and portable toy bins – because we all know the toys don’t stay confined to the playroom.
- Paint a chalk wall on your garage door, a wall in your kitchen or in another high-traffic area to quickly jot down reminders and to-do lists before walking out the door.
- Clean out, organize and stock your car full of extras so you’re never caught without a jacket, snack or notepad and pen.
Written by:
Christina Holt, Writer/Teacher- Mommy Loves Coffee
Excellent advice! I struggle daily with staying organized. I can only imagine how much harder it’s going to be when my son is in elementary and high school! Good ideas, thanks for sharing!
Great tips. I struggle with organizing when there is not much storage space, but I utilize under the bed space and a wardrobe.
Thank you!