10 Organisational Tips for Busy Mums to Make Life a Little Easier
Motherhood is a beautiful yet challenging journey. Between school runs, work commitments, playdates, extra-curricular activities and the endless list of household tasks, it can feel like you’re constantly juggling. Staying organised as a mum is key to keeping your sanity intact and ensuring your family’s needs are met without overwhelming yourself. Here are 10 practical and easy tips to help you get organised and manage your time better.
1. Create a Family Calendar
One of the easiest ways to stay organised as a mum is by having a family calendar in a prominent place. Whether it’s a physical planner on the fridge or a digital calendar on your phone, make sure it includes everyone’s activities. Sync appointments, birthdays, school events, and even weekly chores. This way, everyone knows what’s coming up, and you’re less likely to double-book or forget something important.
2. Plan Meals in Advance
Meal planning is a lifesaver for busy mums. Set aside time each week to plan the meals for the next few days, and make a shopping list based on that plan. This reduces the stress of figuring out “What’s for dinner?” at the last minute, saves time at the grocery store, and helps you avoid falling back on buying takeaway meals. Plus, it can save money by reducing food waste and unnecessary purchases.
3. Set Up Daily Routines
Routines are incredibly helpful for keeping everyone on track. Create a morning and evening routine for your family that includes key tasks like getting dressed, making the bed, and having breakfast. Having a set routine helps both you and your kids know what to expect and makes mornings and evenings run more smoothly. If your kids are old enough, give them simple tasks to complete each day to encourage responsibility.
4. Declutter Regularly
A cluttered home can quickly become overwhelming, especially with young children. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things away. Set aside time each week for a small but deeper decluttering session, going through toys, clothes, and items that no longer serve a purpose. You’ll find it easier to focus when your space is tidy, and it’ll save time when you need to find things in a hurry.
5. Involve Your Kids
Getting your kids involved in household chores doesn’t just lighten your load—it teaches them responsibility and valuable life skills. Set age-appropriate tasks and make it fun! Whether it’s putting their toys away, folding laundry, or helping with meal prep, having everyone pitch in can make a big difference in keeping your home organised.
6. Use a ‘Command Centre’
A “command centre” is a central spot in the house where you can keep track of important documents, school notices, permission slips, and other reminders. This could be a bulletin board, a filing system, or even a section of your kitchen counter. It’s helpful to keep everything in one place so you don’t waste time looking for papers or missing deadlines.
7. Make Use of Storage Solutions
To stay organised, make use of clever storage solutions around the house. Invest in baskets, storage bins, or drawer organisers to keep everything in its place. Labelling boxes and drawers can make it easier for everyone to know where things belong. A well-organised home can help reduce stress and make it easier to tidy up.
8. Batch Tasks to Save Time
If possible, batch similar tasks together to save time and energy. For example, plan to change all the sheets on the same day, rather than spreading it out over the week. Meal prep for the next few days or organise your kids’ outfits for the week ahead. The less time you spend jumping between different tasks, the more productive you’ll be.
9. Simplify Your Wardrobe
When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, simplicity is key. Consider streamlining your wardrobe to include a few key pieces that are easy to mix and match. This can save you time when choosing what to wear and reduce the mental load of decision-making. The same goes for your kids—keeping their wardrobe organised can make it quicker to pick out their clothes and get them dressed.
10. Take Time for Yourself
Amid the busyness of motherhood, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Self-care is essential to maintaining your physical and mental health, which is the foundation of staying organised and productive. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of quiet time with a cup of tea or a walk around the block, make sure you recharge. When you feel good, you’re better equipped to handle the chaos that can come with being a mum.
Being organised as a mum isn’t about perfection—it’s about making life easier and more manageable for both you and your family. By implementing these simple strategies, you can reduce stress, increase your productivity, and have more time to enjoy the special moments with your kids. Start small, build routines that work for your family, and remember to give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. After all, motherhood is a journey, not a race.