If you are a parent, you already know that you are pretty much always busy doing something – whether it’s kid-related or simply life in general. Raising little ones is a round-the-clock job, but the good thing is there are so many ways you can make life more manageable!
\n \nAs parents, our days are jam-packed with everything from work, school, kid’s activities, socializing with family and friends, appointments, managing the household, and everything in between.
\nOne of the most beneficial things you can do to balance the juggling act of parenting and day-to-day life is to simplify your daily routines and get more organized! A home filled with systems that are easy for all family members to follow can greatly reduce the amount of stress in your household and help with time management. You will also be able to free up more space in your days, so your entire family can enjoy doing more of what they love!
\nKeep reading for some great tips to learn how you can start thriving, instead of just surviving!
\n5 home hacks to keep you on track
\nIdeally, items should be put back where they belong after use, or as soon as possible. If this is unrealistic for you and little piles tend to build up on surfaces, then practice tackling small areas at a time, even if it’s just ten to 15 minutes during, or at the end of the day. Setting timers can be super helpful here in order to stay motivated and to hold yourself accountable.
\nIf you allow a bunch of small piles to build up for too long, it will be much harder to tackle them at such large volumes later on. The fewer distractions we have to deal with, and the less decisions we have to make on a daily basis as parents, the better we will be able to function.
\nExtra tip: Go through items to donate often, like things your child has outgrown, any items that no longer have use or value to you, or clothing that no longer fits. Try to drop them off as soon as possible, or make arrangements for them to be picked up. Remind yourself that your home is your living space, not a storage unit!
\nHall trees, cube shelves, or simple hooks set up near your front entryway/mudroom serve as great places for your items to land as soon as you enter your home – jackets, backpacks, lunch bags, purses, etc.
\nCreate labelled baskets or bins to store each family members’ belongings in for quick and easy access. Designate a small basket or hook specifically for keys. Store a rolling cart near your kitchen/living area to temporarily house items you may not have time to put away immediately. Make sure to tidy the cart up at the end of the day, or as soon as possible, to prevent it from overflowing. Have a specific place to store incoming mail or important paperwork. Letter trays or rolling carts with multiple compartments are fantastic solutions!
\nExtra tip: Focus on keeping your floors and stairs as clear as possible, to prevent any unnecessary injuries from someone potentially tripping over piles of clutter.
\nto stay on track of schedules, appointments, and even meal-planning!
\nUtilize this space to create to-do lists or jot down items you are running low on, and use bright-colored markers/post-its to make important notes stand out. Add some hooks, and this can also be a great place to store your keys, lanyards, etc.
\nExtra tip: If you have a larger family and your kids have a busy lifestyle, create separate calendars for each child, and label them so they are easy to identify. Extra visuals are always helpful!
\nUnsubscribe from emails trying to reel you in with promos and coupons for things that you probably don’t even need. If you find yourself constantly spending loads of money at tempting big-box stores that sell pretty much everything, consider shopping for necessary items at specific stores – grocery stores for groceries, clothing stores for clothing, etc., to avoid over-buying.
\nExtra tip: Remember that kids can also get overwhelmed by clutter, so having a clear and organized home benefits the entire family. Less clutter in all spaces of your home (kids bedrooms, playrooms, and main living areas) can create a more calming environment for everyone. Cluttered spaces can also overstimulate the brain, making it harder to fall asleep, so a clear bedroom can help pave the way to improving sleep quality.
\nTidy up as you go as much as possible, or for ten to 15 minutes at the end of the day. Get everyone in the home involved in helping out, even your kids! This is also a great way to encourage independence and teach them new skills. The more we lead by example, the higher chance our children will follow suit.
\nThink of a time when your home was very cluttered and ask yourself how it made you feel, and how it would make you feel if you let it get to that state again. If you don’t maintain your spaces, they can easily go back to how overwhelming they once were, and all your hard work will be reversed.
\nUtilize your command centre to write down reminders or mantras that will help motivate you to tidy up. “Clear Space – Clear Mind” is a nice and simple one. Visual notes are a super helpful tool, and you can use fun-colored post-it’s or bright markers on your white-board, etc. to make your memos pop! You can also take before and after photos and pin them up in your home as a way to stay inspired.
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Lisa is a mom of two and a Trained Professional Organizer. She is the owner of Light at The End of The Clutter Professional Organizing Services in Calgary, AB. For more information, visit her Instagram page at – Light at The End of The Clutter or her website – lightattheendoftheclutter.com.
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