5 Secrets of an Organized Mom

Moms with little kids at home or who are busy parenting their older kids often want to know the secrets of being an organized mom. They may wonder if being organized as a mother with children at home is even possible.

Rest assured, fellow busy moms – it is possible to have an organized home and a life which runs smoothly – at least some of the time. While I am far from being as organized as I’d like to be, my friends often ask me how I manage to be “so organized,” so I thought I’d share a few of my secrets…

Secret Number 1: ‘A place for everything and everything in its place.’

Determine the best place to store things and ensure they are put back when not in use. Doing this will help you know where to find something the next time you need it.

Purchase multiples of some items which are used in different rooms. For instance, if you use scissors in the kitchen and in the craft room, it would be a good idea to have two pairs of scissors. Teach your children early on where things should be kept and expect that they will put them there.

Secret Number 2: Create routines to help your day run smoothly.

A smooth-running morning begins by having a great routine and doing as much as you can the night before. Go through the children’s school bags to find out what needs to be signed or write important dates on the calendar. Make lunches the night before and keep them in the refrigerator. Have your children bathe and choose their clothes. Place everything that needs to leave the house by the door so nothing is forgotten.

Make routines for other parts of the day as well. The more you can get your family used to doing without thinking about it, the better organized you can be.

Secret Number 3: Purge often.

The more ‘stuff’ you have, the more disorganized you can appear even if you really aren’t. Children outgrow clothing and shoes so quickly. Unless you have children who will grow into clothes, get rid of what is outgrown. However, don’t throw everything away. You can sell clothing, toys and shoes at consignment stores, on the internet, at yard sales or you can donate them to charitable organizations.

Go through your own things as well. If you’re not using it and haven’t in quite a while, someone else might be able to use it.

Secret Number 4: Ask for help if you need it.

There’s a saying that, ‘No man is an island; entire of himself.’ This means you can’t do everything and you shouldn’t be expected to. Delegate tasks you don’t have the time to do or simply don’t want to do yourself.

Enlist your husband’s help in doing tasks he’s better at doing. Teach your children at an early age to help around the house. Give them chores to do and expect that they will get done. If everyone in the family pitches in (even young children can do something), Mom won’t have to do everything by herself.

Secret Number 5: Plan your meals ahead of time.

Doing this one thing can save you money, time and headaches. By planning your meals for a week at a time you can make one shopping trip to get everything. You can also save money by matching what you need with coupons. You’ll save yourself headaches by not having to run to the store in the middle of the week to pick up something you don’t have.