A recent study claimed that if stay-at-home moms were paid for all that they do, they would earn well over six figures each year. Getting a paycheck for serving as coach, chef, housekeeper, laundry attendant and more is nothing but a dream for most moms. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still rock all of your varied tasks, stay organized and on top of everything. Here are some of the best tips to help you multitask like a pro:
Develop a routine.
Kids thrive on routines, and really, adults aren’t that different. One of the reasons many moms feel overwhelmed is that they are running in all directions without any idea of what’s happening next. Spend some time making a list of everything that you need to do each week and schedule time to accomplish those tasks. Build your schedule so you save time and money, too. For example: if your grocery store marks down meat in the morning, visit the grocery store on a weekday morning to take advantage of the bargains without fighting weekend crowds.
Routines are helpful during the day too. Spend 15 minutes cleaning each day before heading to bed; keep a basket at the bottom of the stairs to carry items up, put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and start a load of laundry. Breaking tasks into smaller pieces makes them more manageable.
Schedule in advance.
The more people in your family, the harder it becomes to manage necessary appointments, like annual checkups and dental cleanings. Schedule everyone’s appointments for the same day and go as a group. Not only do you save time, but it’s easier to remember one appointment than four or five. Another thing you can do in advance? Shop post-holiday sales for gifts and gift wrap; keeping toys and other items on hand prevents the last minute dash to the store on the way to a birthday party.
Give everything a place.
When you and the kids come home, do you just toss everything in the mudroom or on the floor? Instead, designate a place for each member of the family to store their coats, shoes and backpacks. When the kids drop their backpacks at the end of the day, do a quick check for any important papers or other items – and then get them ready for the next day. It’s easier to remember all of the soccer or ballet gear the night before (and notice any potential problems, like broken laces) than when you’re running out the door in the morning.
Make a menu.
Ask any stay-at-home mom what time of day she dreads the most and chances are she’ll tell you dinnertime. Cooking a nutritious and balanced meal night after night can be challenging, especially when the kids need help with homework and rides to practice. Before shopping each week, make a meal plan.
Another option to save time and headaches is freezer cooking. Many recipes can be made ahead and stored in the freezer, ready to be taken out and heated on a busy night. Research some recipes and spend a few hours on the weekend cooking several meals for the week. Enlist the kids’ help making a salad to go with the pre-made meal and your stress will all but disappear.
Learn to say no.
There’s a misconception among some people that stay-at-home moms have unlimited reserves of time to take on every volunteer project that comes down the pike. If you’re not careful, you could end up filling your entire day baking and dropping off cupcakes for the bake sale, chaperoning field trips, selling candy bars for the baseball team and more. While the kids are certainly important, prioritize your time and needs, and politely decline when a request will take more time than you have to give.
Try organizational apps.
With a smart phone, it’s easier than ever to stay organized and on top of your to-do list. From simple calendars to grocery organizers, your phone can be your best friend. Set reminders for important tasks like returning library books or appointments, so when you’re out and about, you get everything done.
The most important thing to remember when developing any organizational plan is to do what works for you. Experiment with different methods for keeping yourself on track and keep the ones that work for you. Expect the unexpected – even the most organized mom has an emergency carpet cleaning every now and then – and enjoy the time you have at home with your kids.
This post was written and contributed by Victor Simmons. For over 10 years Victor has worked hard to find the easiest and most efficient ways to clean and organize a home and he is now taking the time to share his passion for organization.
