7 Ways to Stay Organized ... With Kids

7 Ways to Stay Organized ... with Kids
7 Ways to Stay Organized ... with Kids

It's Monday morning, and my home is in a semi-state of ruckus. This is pretty much the norm around here, a new continuum that I have been challenged to embrace. When I say semi-state, I mean there will always be toys somewhere, waiting for an arched foot to greet them. There will always be at least a few dishes in the sink and crumbs on the floor. Mere seconds after tidying, washing and scrubbing. That's just how it is when one has little people in the mix. By all appearances, one without children might think we are not very organized. Which is far from the truth. We have lists, we have ways, we have systems, people. If we didn't? Epic disasters would ensue. Mad havoc, I tell you. Anyone running a household knows this to be true. I'm the type of person who can't function living day-to-day without planning or organizing. No way, now how. So here are my top 7 ways to stay organized with kids, week to week.

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1. Do laundry throughout the week
A load here, a load there. I'd rather keep on top of it this way than have a huge build-up that I have to tackle over the weekend.

2. Tidy rooms as you move through them
This is a big one for me. With a baby and a toddler into everything, toys everywhere, things can easily get out of control. (As they often do). But I've found small pockets of sanity and less tripping over of toys if I quickly tidy rooms without the intention of doing so. If I go into a room to get something, I take a few extra minutes to give it a once-over.

3. Make the beds every morning
It's in the little things, and I get a geeky, pleasant feeling upon entering our bedroom throughout the day to put something away and I'm met with the serene calm of a crisp, clean, smooth, made-up bed. Same goes for the end of the day. Slightly delicious and more than inviting.

Related: 5 ways to give yourself "me" time during naptime

4. Plan menus and grocery shopping
We do this over the weekend and it's vital in keeping the peace around these here parts. If we miss a big shop on the weekend, we're thrown off-kilter the entire week. Things go so much more smoothly with a fully stocked fridge and the knowledge of what we are going to make for dinner throughout the week.

5. Prep food over the weekend
This is another weekend chore. I wash lettuces and cut fruits and veggies and store them in big tupperware containers. This comes in handy for quick breakfasts, smoothies and cooking dinner. Doing things like chopping onions and garlic (a basic for so many dishes) and having them ready for different meals? Genius I tell you.

6. The Pomodoro Technique
This time-management technique is a lifesaver. As a work-from-home mom (the littles are at home 2 weekdays and in the daycare the rest), this technique has slowly become one of my true BFF's. Even when the babes are in daycare, I'm still doing housework, cooking and errand-running on top of my work. I am truly blessed to be able to work from home where I can accomplish household things throughout my workday and finish off my work hours in the evening after the littles are in bed, if need be. Or play with my kids all day and work during naps and at night.

Related: 6 baby toys you won't believe are eco-friendly

7. Don't leave all the chores for the weekend
I clean the bathrooms (as in complete overhaul) on Fridays instead of on the weekend. I try to not leave huge lists of chores for the weekend as it leaves little time for family fun. Compromising our fun time is not an option. Especially in favour of chores. Blech. They often get a once-over a couple times a week, depending on their state.

- By Selena Burgess

For 3 more ways to stay organized ... with kids, visit Disney Baby!

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