Keeping a house organised with little ones around feels like an eternal struggle for most parents. But fear not! Here are some simple organising hacks for busy families and will bring order to the chaos, reclaim your sanity, and create a more peaceful home for your busy family.
Take Control of the Chaos
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and missed deadlines? These hacks will help you establish routines and keep track of everything.
Create a Family Command Center
Designate a high-traffic area, like the entryway, as your family’s command center. Install hooks for coats and bags, add a mail organiser to corral incoming bills, and hang a large calendar for appointments and activities. This central hub keeps everything easily accessible and helps everyone stay on the same page.
Declutter Daily for Lasting Calm
Place baskets or bins in strategic locations – by the door, in the living room – for quick and easy decluttering. Encourage family members to toss stray toys, shoes, or papers into the basket as they go about their day. Ten minutes a night spent emptying these baskets can make a world of difference and prevent clutter from snowballing.
Conquer Drawer Chaos with Dividers
Drawers can become organisational black holes. Utilise drawer dividers to create designated spots for socks, belts, and undergarments. This not only makes getting dressed a breeze but also teaches kids the importance of putting things back in their place.
The 10-Minute Tidy: A Busy Family’s Weapon
Feeling overwhelmed? Set a timer for 10 minutes and challenge everyone to pick up as much as they can. This quick burst of focused cleaning can make a surprising impact. Assign tasks or have everyone tackle a specific area. Amazing how much you can accomplish in just 10 minutes!
Repurpose and Label for Organisation Success
Tired of digging through unlabeled bins? These hacks will help you maximise storage space and make putting things away a breeze.
Shoe Pockets: Not Just for Shoes Anymore!
Those hanging shoe organisers aren’t just for shoes! Utilise them in the pantry, bathroom, or playroom to store anything from snacks and craft supplies to toiletries and cleaning products. This is a great way to create additional storage space without breaking the bank.
Labeling: The Secret Weapon of Busy Parents
Clear bins and containers are a lifesaver, but labeling takes it to the next level. Kids (and adults!) will be more likely to put things away if they know exactly where they belong. Plus, it eliminates the constant question of “Where do the Lego go?” Invest in a label maker or use colorful duct tape for a DIY approach.
Streamline and Simplify
Want to minimise morning meltdowns and wasted time searching for lost items? Here are some hacks to create a more streamlined flow in your home.
Tame the Entryway with a Drop Zone
Create a designated drop zone for shoes, bags, and backpacks near the entrance. This prevents clutter from spreading throughout the house and makes mornings less hectic. Install hooks, add a shoe rack, or place a basket for loose items.
Family Calendar: The Key to Staying on Top
A shared family calendar or a weekly planner, whether physical or digital, is a game-changer. Use it to track appointments, birthdays, school events, and even chore schedules. Keeping everyone on the same page reduces stress and prevents missed deadlines. There are many great calendar apps available, or you can use a large wall calendar in a central location.
Make Tidying a Nightly Habit
Want to avoid morning meltdowns and evening cleaning marathons? Establish a quick routine to keep toys and clutter at bay.
Nightly Toy Roundup: Banish Morning Meltdowns
Before bedtime, establish a quick toy pick-up routine. This can be a family activity or a designated responsibility for older kids. By tackling toys each night, you avoid morning scrambling and frustration, and everyone can start the day with a clean slate.
With these simple hacks, you can create a more organised and peaceful home for everyone.
Still too hard?
If you’re still finding it difficult to manage all the things you need to do each day reach out to Julie for a chat here. Remember, organisation is a journey, not a destination. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. The key is to find what works for your family and be consistent.