Managing a large household is no walk in the park, especially in today’s society where life has become so busy with multiple appointments, sporting events, meetings, etc.; staying organized can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. The challenge stems from not being able to organize effectively or lack of time thereof. It was challenging at first for me too, but I have found a few ways that work that have made keeping things organized much easier and I want to share them with you. Sticking to these new ways of doing things was not always easy initially, but it became much easier as time went by to implement these changes and remain consistent. This may not work for everyone, but these tips are worth giving a try.
1. Keep a Planner
Use a planner of your choice or just a regular notebook. Some might prefer using a digital planner instead and that is fine as long as it works for you, that is all that matters. I find paper and pen work best for me, it is a personal preference. When I write things down, I will likely remember them and it also helps me to stay committed. At the start of each week take time to plan out the weekly activities like doctors’ appointments, schedule special events, etc. Sometimes I would plan for the month, and write down important things that are coming up so that I would not forget – it is quite easy to forget important details if I do not write them down. Whenever I do monthly planning, it gives me room to go in and add anything that I missed or plan for something that came up unexpectedly. Planning is meant to take the stress out of having to wing things as we go. It is supposed to make our lives run a bit more smoothly when we have a schedule. Don’t forget there is no right or wrong way to plan, just what works best for you.
2. Have a routine
Let’s just be honest chaos creates mess and stress. When there is a routine in place, there is more handle on things. The schedule has to be in place when you have a big household because everything can very well get overwhelming for everyone involved. Here is something I do myself; am I always successful no, but I can easily get back on track. I set times for when chores, homework, dinner, and bath times have to be done. I know things happen that can interrupt our routine, but if we have one in place it is much easier to handle interruptions.
3. Meal Plan
Meal planning is a lifesaver, especially for moms. I get so overwhelmed when I think about what I will be preparing each week if I don’t plan my meals. So before my week starts, I would plan out the meals for each day of the week and that saves me a lot of time and stress. I also do my grocery shopping according to each meal, so I know what to cook each day. I know for some it could be a lot, but you can always do pre-portioned meals for someone who doesn’t have the time after a busy workday. Cooking can also be done twice or three times a week. Freezing meals can also be another option. I eat out once or twice a month if I become too busy to prepare something or do it just for enjoyment and spending time with the family. We are all on the same path to be the best women, mothers, and wives we can be for our families and there is no room for judgment and criticism on how we choose to do it. We just do what we do and do the best we can because no one else can do it as we do.
4. Organize laundry days.
I am pretty sure I am not the only one who does not enjoy doing laundry. It is one of the most tedious tasks in my opinion. It starts with sorting, washing, folding, and then putting them away. Thinking about it right now is making me anxious, but I have found a way to make it easier to manage and not be so time-consuming. My laundry days start on Friday at around 7 p.m., so I get an early handle on it. This allows me enough time between Saturday and Sunday to finish washing and folding; this is something I do every week. My eldest children do their laundry, so less work for me, and in the same process teaching them responsibility – it’s a win-win situation. I find if I allow a day or weekend to slip without doing the laundry; I would become so frustrated having to do it in a rush to get it all done so it doesn’t stretch any further, that is why I try to stick to the routine as best as I can. I know it’s not one size fits all, as I say do what works best for your family – nothing is set in stone that cannot be changed.
5. My final Tip is to Assign Chores
Chores can be fun, light, and fulfilling if it’s shared among members of the family. For a single mother having to take care of the household by herself, a stay-at-home mother caring for her children every day and still finding time to get everything done, or a working mother coming home to continue working can be quite exhausting. So to give that mother a break to rest her feet and have a cup of tea or spend that extra time relaxing and reading a good book is to have the children participate in the house chores. Have them take turns washing the dishes, loading/ unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming the carpet, sweeping/ mopping the floors, taking the garbage out – the list goes on. You would be so surprised that they might enjoy helping – it can be fun when everyone pitches in. This is a good balance between allowing your children to learn the responsibility that they will one day have to do with their children as well, and in turn, the mom gets a break from the workload.
I am not saying that these tips will 100% guarantee to solve all problems, but what I am guaranteeing is that they will work and help to alleviate how stressful it can get to effectively organize any household.
God, you have given us special abilities as mothers to care for our family. So please help us to continue to do our best and be the best for our loved ones. Give us strength because we sometimes get discouraged, and even though many of what we do go unnoticed, I know you see us and will reward us someday.
Amen!
