Getting organised can be a challenge, but when you add being a busy mum to the mix, it can make that challenge monumental. Fortunately, there are five phenomenal tips to help keep any busy mum on track and right on schedule.
Gabi Bellairs is a freelance writer and copy strategist who has worked with a range of different companies and individuals over the course of her career. Her interests lie in travel, from her times exploring South Africa, as well as events and DIY.
1. Prepare In Advance
Nothing stresses a person out more than waiting until the last minute to prepare things like lunches for the kids!
- Prepare school lunches the night before.
- Meal prep is imperative, so pick a day and allow yourself enough time to write out the grocery list followed by ample time to cook. Pre-make “grab-and-go” portions to make lunch packing easier. Put together pre-portioned sides and snacks for the refrigerator and pantry.
- For the refrigerator, prepare your selection of pre-cut carrot sticks, berries, grapes, satsumas, yogurt, and cheese sticks.
- For the pantry, keep crackers, trail mix, granola bars, popcorn and small boxes of raisins.
- If you have any appointments the next day, prepare everything you need to take with you the night before — including clothes and shoes — and have them ready in a set place.
- To make sure everyone gets up on time, try using an alarm clock that rolls away from you. This nifty item will make your kids have to get out of bed to turn it off, so they won’t be late for school. Another alternative is to place a standard alarm clock far enough away from the bed so that you have to get up to turn it off.
- Put a post-it on the inside of the front door with any last-minute reminders you might forget.
2. Keep a Calendar or Organiser
Staying on top of appointments and events can get overwhelming if you don’t write them down.
- Find unique journals that you will enjoy writing in; maybe the cover includes an inspirational quote or a heartfelt sentiment. A journal is a great way to write down thoughts and personal reminders, such as a toy your child mentioned wanting for their birthday.
- Getting organised is easier when you jot down appointments and events in cute organisers that show off your personality.
- Have a wall calendar to delegate tasks to other family members. Include a list of chores for your kids, which will reduce some off of your already busy schedule.
- To make sure the kids get their chores done, have a separate wall calendar with one side that says “To Do” and the other side says “Done.” This added feature will encourage the kids to move their chores from one side to the other to show their accomplishments, which will make them feel needed and proud.
- Be sure to include mandatory chores, such as brushing teeth, doing homework, or making the bed.
3. Schedule ‘me’ time
You need to take quality time to do things you enjoy and relieve the built-up stress from being a busy mum.
- Meditate, even if it is just for 5-10 minutes a day.
- Find an exercise you enjoy doing so you can work out your stress.
- Enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath, which could also include candles and light music.
4. Make use of phone apps
Our phones have become a part of our daily lives, and there are a variety of apps to help us get more organised.
- Install a free app that sends reminders to you at a scheduled time for things you don’t want to forget because sometimes, even if we do write things down, we may fail to look at our calendars.
- Download an app that sends alerts that you can have fun with, like choosing specific ringtones or songs to remind you of a particular event or work project.
- There are many apps with recipes that you can pull up when you are out grocery shopping that will help, especially when you are on-the-go. This process will save you time in writing down a grocery list.
5. Take the horror out of housework
Getting the kids to help out by taking out the trash and keeping their room tidy is nice, but there are still many other household chores that need to be done to keep your house clean.
- Allow yourself a set time to take care of household duties, and once time is up, you are done until the next set scheduled time.
- Prioritise household chores with the most important first, such as laundry when it starts piling up.
- Just like you did for the kids, you can create a wall calendar for your household chores.
- Make sure to include the amount of time needed for each chore.
- Instead of devoting an entire day to housework, try setting a timer and giving yourself an allocated time frame on set days, maybe two or three times during the week, so the chores don’t snowball and create more stress.
Being a mum is a full-time job, but when you include a full or part-time working day, cooking, and cleaning the house, life can become overwhelming. The key is to stay organised by writing everything down that needs to be done right away, such as appointments or events. If necessary, use apps to assist and remind you.
Avoid being overwhelmed by keeping track of everything in your busy schedule so you always know what’s up next. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential, so don’t forget to plan some time to pamper yourself because you deserve it!
