The Organized Stay at Home Mom – Tips and Tricks for Keeping it All Together
Becoming an organized stay at home mom is a goal many of us strive for. It’s a job full of joy, but it can also be tough.
Taking care of kids, running the house, and finding time for yourself can make you feel messy and stressed.
As a mom who’s learned to stay on top of things, I want to share some tips to help you get organized.
Related Post: Best Apps for Stay-at-Home Moms: Time Management, Kids, Shopping, and More
Table of Contents
1. Make a Schedule
Having a plan for your day is super important.
Make a simple list of what you’ll do each day. Include time for chores, playing with the kids, and even some time just for you!
Don’t forget to write down important things like doctor visits and kids’ activities.
Put your schedule where you can see it every day and change it when you need to.
Daily Routine Template
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up, personal time |
| 7:00 AM | Get kids ready for the day |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast and cleanup |
| 9:00 AM | Learning activities / Playtime |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch and cleanup |
| 1:00 PM | Quiet time / Nap time |
| 3:00 PM | Snack and outdoor play |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner prep |
| 6:00 PM | Family dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime routine |
| 8:00 PM | Me time / Couple time |
2. Get Organized
Being organized helps a lot. Use boxes and baskets to keep toys, clothes, and food neat.
Put labels on everything so you and the kids know where things go.
Make special spots for doing bills, homework, and fun projects.
When everything has a place, it’s easier to keep things tidy.
Checklist for Decluttering Each Room
- Living Room: Sort magazines, organize remote controls, clear coffee table
- Kitchen: Clear countertops, organize pantry, clean out fridge
- Bedroom: Organize closet, clear nightstands, store out-of-season clothes
- Bathroom: Declutter counters, organize toiletries, discard old products
- Kids’ Room: Sort toys, organize books, clear desk or play area
- Home Office: Organize paperwork, clear desk, sort office supplies
| Organizing Area | Quick Tip |
|---|---|
| Kids’ Toys | Use clear bins with picture labels |
| Laundry | Do one load every day |
| Paperwork | Set up a simple filing system |
| Cleaning | Assign a room to clean each day |
Recommended Organization Apps
- Cozi: Family organizer for schedules, lists, and meals
- Trello: Visual organization tool for tasks and projects
- Evernote: Note-taking and document organization
- Any.do: To-do list and task manager
- YNAB (You Need A Budget): Budgeting and financial organization
3. Make Your Space Neat
Start by getting rid of stuff you don’t need or like.
Keep only what you use and love.
Put away things that make a mess, like papers and craft stuff.
Clean up a little bit all day long.
Before bed, tidy up rooms everyone uses, like the kitchen.
A clean house helps you feel calm and in control.
As an organized stay at home mom, these habits can make your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable.
Tips for Involving Kids in Household Chores
- Make chores fun with games or music
- Use a chore chart with stickers for completed tasks
- Assign age-appropriate tasks
- Work together as a family team
- Praise effort and improvement
- Set realistic expectations
4. Plan Your Meals
Thinking about meals ahead of time makes life easier.
Make a list of food to buy, including snacks your family likes.
Plan what you’ll cook each week.
Get some food ready early, like cutting up veggies.
Have easy snacks like fruit and granola bars ready to grab.
When you plan your meals, you’ll be less stressed about cooking!
| Day | Meal |
|---|---|
| Monday | Spaghetti and meatballs |
| Tuesday | Grilled chicken with veggies |
| Wednesday | Taco night |
| Thursday | Slow cooker pot roast |
| Friday | Homemade pizza night |
5. Use Helpful Apps
Your phone can help you stay organized.
Use apps like Cozi to keep track of family stuff and chores.
Put everyone’s schedules in a shared calendar.
Set reminders so you don’t forget important things.
Use apps like Evernote to save recipes and lists.
These tools can make a busy mom’s life much easier.
Schedule
Organize
Meal Plan
Use Tech
6. Create a Functional Home Office Space
Even as a stay-at-home mom, having a dedicated workspace can boost your productivity.
Here’s a guide to creating a functional home office:
- Choose a quiet area with good lighting
- Invest in a comfortable chair and desk
- Organize supplies with drawer organizers and storage bins
- Use a bulletin board or whiteboard for reminders and notes
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach
- Add personal touches like plants or family photos to make the space inviting
- Consider using a room divider if you don’t have a separate room for your office
7. Strategies for Managing Stress as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Being a stay-at-home mom can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful.
Here are some strategies to help you manage stress:
- Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation daily
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family
- Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge
- Connect with other moms for support and socialization
- Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk
- Prioritize tasks and learn to say no to unnecessary commitments
- Get enough sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Ask for help when you need it from family or friends
8. Time-Saving Household Hacks
Try these clever hacks to save time on everyday tasks:
| Task | Time-Saving Hack |
|---|---|
| Laundry | Use a color-coded basket system for sorting |
| Meal Prep | Chop veggies in bulk and freeze for later use |
| Cleaning | Keep cleaning supplies in each bathroom for quick touch-ups |
| Dishes | Unload the dishwasher while waiting for your morning coffee |
| Shopping | Use grocery pickup or delivery services |
9. Self-Care Activities for Busy Moms
Taking care of yourself is crucial.
Here are some quick self-care ideas that fit into a busy schedule:
- Take a relaxing bath after the kids are in bed
- Read a chapter of a book during naptime
- Practice yoga or stretching for 10 minutes in the morning
- Enjoy a cup of tea and listen to soothing music
- Call a friend for a quick chat during a quiet moment
- Try a face mask while doing household chores
- Take a power nap when the kids are napping
- Spend 5 minutes journaling before bed
10. Creating and Maintaining a Family Command Center
A family command center can be a game-changer for staying organized.
Here’s how to create and maintain one:
- Choose a central location, like near the kitchen or entryway
- Include a large calendar for family schedules and events
- Add a bulletin board for important notes and reminders
- Create a space for incoming and outgoing mail
- Include a charging station for family devices
- Add hooks for keys and backpacks
- Include a whiteboard for grocery lists or daily tasks
- Create a file system for school papers and important documents
- Review and update the command center weekly
Becoming an organized stay-at-home mom takes some work, but you can do it! Start small by organizing one thing at a time.
Try to do things the same way each day.
Look for ideas from other moms who are good at staying organized.
And remember, it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned.
Some days, you might not get all the laundry done or the kids might nap longer than usual.
That’s just fine! With some planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to being a more organized stay at home mom.
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