Making It My Way

Every year my goal is the same.  Stay organized.  I always wanted to be that in- charge on top-of everything kind of woman. Being married and having 3 active kids, a job, a house and a very involved extended family my world gets a little crazy.  It took some trial and error and a lot of overwhelming self-doubt, but I’ve finally found what works for me. With these 5 simple daily habits I feel more in control and more organized than ever. Hopefully it will help you too!

 1. Start with a Plan

Spend 5–10 minutes each morning creating your to-do list and reviewing your calendar, so you know what to expect. I don’t know how you operate but I need my coffee to get out of bed. My kids will find me sitting in bed each morning with my coffee working on my to-do list. I break tasks down into daily, weekly and monthly and update it each morning. There is nothing like the satisfaction that comes with crossing off a task on your list.  This is honestly my favorite time of the day.

2. Set Routines

Having set routines (like creating your to-do list) help you stay consistently on track. I would recommend you pick 3 or 4 things that need doing every day and make it your morning routine.  For example I have 4.  

• My to-do list 
• Take out dinner for the next night making sure I have everything in case it needs to be added to my to-do list
• Walk and feed my dog
• Exercise

3. Use a Calendar or Planner

Whether digital or paper, keeping a planner helps track appointments and activities. As I mentioned in #1, I check this daily to stay on top of things.  The most important thing with the calendar in my house is sharing it.  With a family of 5 I had to teach my kids and husband to check and revise the calendar as needed.  It helps them stay on top of things and holds them accountable.  Whether it’s a wall calendar or digital family share, make sure everyone is on the same page. It REALLY helps.

4. Declutter Regularly

Spend a few minutes each day tidying up. Throw away junk mail.  Organize the billions of school notices that come home. Declutter the coat closet or shoe rack.  Whatever has you cringing every time you come across it.  Clean it up. If you do it daily it should only take minutes.   On your weekly or monthly to-do list section should be to go through drawers, closets, or any space that has always been on the back of your mind. Pick one each week and slowly but surely your house will become clutter free.  Giving you breathing room.

This might be the ultimate game changer.  Well, for me anyway.  Prepping the night before so the mornings become a quick grab and go.  AHH BLISS.  After dinner, during clean up I will prepare breakfast (love my overnight oats) and lunch (usually leftovers) for the next day. All water bottles are filled and in the fridge. I get the coffee machine prepped.  When my comfy sweats are put on to lounge before bed I will pick out my clothes for the next day.  Paperwork for school or mail that needs tending is taken to the couch with me.  Before I go to bed it’s left out on the table to grab on my way out in the morning.  No more scrambling to find things when you’re trying to get out the door.  

Finding 5 daily habits to stay organized is maybe a little different for everyone.  Some things that helped me may not work for you.  But maybe you can use my five as a steppingstone or better yet a spin-off to finding your own 5 habits to stay organized.   The 5 habits I listed are quick and easy changes that can be done daily without adding stress.  If you have other ideas or tips to help us stay organized, please share.  We could all use a little help navigating the chaos.