Practical habits to help every mom get more organized
As moms, we wear a lot of hats—chef, chauffeur, teacher, nurse, cheerleader, and so much more. With all these roles, staying organized can sometimes feel like a never-ending challenge. But what if I told you that the key to managing it all isn’t about perfection, but about creating systems and habits that work for you?
The truth is, highly organized moms don’t necessarily have it all together—they’ve just developed habits that make their busy lives easier to manage. And the best part? These habits are easy to implement, even if you’re in the thick of mom life chaos. Let’s dive into seven practical habits that can help you feel more organized and less stressed.
1. Start a peaceful morning routine
You know that saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”? Well, when it comes to your morning routine, this is especially true. A solid morning routine can make all the difference in how the rest of your day unfolds.
How to do it:
- Wake up 15 to 30 minutes earlier: I know, I know—sleep is precious, but trust me, that extra time minutes can be a game-changer. Use this time to center yourself before the whirlwind of the day begins. You could meditate, enjoy your coffee in silence, or just sit and breathe.
- Include something for you: Even if it’s just a quick 5-minute stretch or journaling a few thoughts, make sure you have something in your morning routine that nourishes you, not just everyone else.
2. Use a planner (but don’t overcomplicate it)
A cluttered mind often leads to a cluttered home. Having a planner where you write down your tasks, appointments, and goals is one of the best ways to keep everything organized. But don’t go overboard—simplicity is key.
How to do it:
- Choose a planner that suits you: Find something that fits your needs—whether it’s a physical planner you can carry around or a digital one that syncs across your devices. The goal is to have a central place where everything lives.
- Time block: Block out chunks of time for tasks, even if it’s just 15 minutes for a quick cleanup or 30 minutes of focused work. Time blocking helps you stay on track and avoid overwhelm.
- Be realistic: Don’t over-schedule yourself. Be kind to yourself by leaving breathing room for spontaneity or unexpected events.
3. Create Routines for Household Chores
Household chores can pile up quickly, and before you know it, you’re feeling like you’re running in circles just trying to keep things tidy. But with a little organization, chores can be simplified into manageable routines.
How to do it:
- Divide and conquer: Break down chores into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. For example, daily tasks might include making the bed, tidying the kitchen, and folding laundry, while weekly tasks could involve vacuuming and deep-cleaning bathrooms.
- Involve the family: If your kids are old enough, get them involved! Even toddlers can help with small tasks like putting toys away or wiping down surfaces. Making chores a family activity not only lightens your load but also teaches responsibility.
- Set a timer: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes for quick cleaning bursts throughout the day. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in such a short period. Plus, this keeps the momentum going without burning you out.
4. Declutter Regularly
Clutter can quickly build up in any home, especially with little ones running around. Regularly decluttering your space helps to maintain a peaceful and organized environment. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids the importance of simplifying their belongings.
How to do it:
- Set a monthly decluttering day: Pick one day each month to go through toys, clothes, and household items that are no longer needed. Donate, recycle, or toss what you don’t use. The less you have, the easier it is to keep things organized.
- Use the “one in, one out” rule: For every new item that enters your home (like a toy or clothing), make sure something else leaves. This prevents things from piling up over time.
- Declutter in small chunks: If a full house purge feels overwhelming, start small. Tackle one area at a time, such as a drawer or a closet. Small wins add up to big results.
5. Set Up an Organized Family Command Center
An organized command center can be the heart of your home, keeping all your family’s schedules, to-do lists, and important papers in one place. This makes it easy to stay on top of appointments, events, and deadlines without missing a beat.
How to do it:
- Designate a spot: Choose a wall, bulletin board, or a section of the kitchen counter to create your command center. This should be a spot where everyone can easily access it.
- Use a calendar: Keep a large wall calendar or dry-erase board where you can write down family events, appointments, and special dates. Color-code it if that helps.
- Create a “home” for papers: Have a dedicated basket or file system for papers that need to be sorted (bills, school notices, etc.). Make sure there’s a system for dealing with them regularly.
6. Meal Plan and Prep in Advance
Meal planning is a life-saver. When you know what you’re going to make for dinner, it eliminates the daily “What’s for dinner?” panic and reduces the temptation to order takeout.
How to do it:
- Plan weekly meals: Take some time on the weekend (or whenever works best for you) to plan out meals for the week. This will save you time during the week and ensure you have all the ingredients you need.
- Prep ahead: Do some prep work for meals in advance. Chop veggies, marinate meats, or even cook and freeze meals for later. This makes meal time faster and easier on busy days.
- Batch cook: Cook larger portions of meals, and freeze the leftovers for another night. This way, you’ll always have something ready when you’re short on time.
7. Prioritize Self-Care
It might feel like there’s never enough time for yourself, but the truth is that taking care of yourself helps you take care of everyone else. An organized mom knows that self-care is a non-negotiable habit, not a luxury.
How to do it:
- Implement easy self-care strategies that you can do anytime, anywhere: Learn these quick and effective strategies to give yourself a “reset” in the midst of your busy days.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no when your plate is full. Protect your time and energy by saying no to things that don’t align with your values or needs.
- Practice gratitude: Start and end your day by listing a few things you’re grateful for. This simple habit can help shift your mindset and bring more calm into your life.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to get and stay organized, even for the busiest among us. By incorporating a few of these habits into your routine, you’ll start to feel more in control of your time and space. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—simplicity and consistency are. By focusing on small, actionable strategies, you can create a more organized, balanced, and peaceful home life for yourself and your family.
So, which habit are you going to tackle first? Start small, build momentum, and give yourself grace along the way—you’ve got this!
