Having an organized house helps maximize the time you have for yourself. I have read several books on getting organized. When I am organized, I feel I can conquer any project that comes my way. Here are a few ideas I think are worth sharing:
- Keep a pad of paper and pen by your bed- to write down those things that might keep you awake and make you feel overwhelmed when you are trying to get some sleep. When you review the list in the morning, it is reassuring to know most of the items were not worth losing sleep over.
- Set your alarm to wake up a half an hour before you need to get your kids up in the morning. Use this time to sort out what needs to get done for the day, make lunches and put backpacks together. Trying to get your kids dressed and fed at the same time you get yourself ready can make for a hectic morning.
- Use a master/family calendar. I have a routine of looking at my calendar every morning while I make coffee. I look ahead for the week so I can remember what commitments are ahead. Also, the family calendar makes it easy for my husband and kids to check out what is going on for the week. If I have time scheduled for myself, like weekly runs, I write them down. Also, when I receive a schedule of games for my kids sports, I immediately write those games on the calendar that way I can toss the extra paper.
- Get rid of clutter. Have a basket where you can easily access any important papers, but keep them out of your “life space”. I keep a basket at the end of my kitchen counter. I have a file for each child. When I empty their backpacks after school, I put all important reference papers into their respective folders and put all action papers in the front of the basket (field trip forms, school pictures forms). This system reduces the number of important papers that are lost and keeps the pile from building up on my island.
- If you need to organize a large space- start small. Begin with the area that you use most. I find myself constantly organizing and cleaning my pantry. I usually work on two shelfs at a time. This takes me a total of 10-15 minutes. After, a few short bursts of 10-15 minutes a day I have a clean pantry within a week. Same policy applies for closets and drawers- take them one at a time.
I have a silly question… where did you get that calendar?! it’s super cool.
For everyone who is interested in this great calendar- check out http://www.erincondren.com. She has lots of great products and will be featured on my website next month. You will love her story.
Great tips Kristin! I have also discovered a free online calendar website that I love. It’s called cozi.com, it’s online and family members can access it from anywhere. It’s great because sometimes I don’t have a chance to tell my husband what we are doing and where, this way he can check it from work. It has really helped us.
SO Kristin, I just looked at Erin Condren’s website. So cute! I think that I need to order my Christmas cards from her and not to mention some other things. Thanks for sharing. Shannon
Glad you found her site shannon. I hope you get the family calendar. I love it.
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I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility
but I thought I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though!
Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Thanks
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