My Crazy But Organised Life (part 2)
So, we’ve been in lockdown for 4 weeks now and I’m feeling the need to remind myself of the little organisational tips that make my life run smoothly and maybe some of them might help you too. Granted, some of them only work when we are not in lockdown so maybe tuck those away for later!
Here goes...
5. Get everyone involved
There are no prizes awarded and medals given for doing everything yourself. It’s really important to get the whole family involved in making the house run smoothly. This means making the children responsible for some things around the house - and start them as early as you can! Different methods of achieving this work for different families but for us, having responsibilities for different chores every day works for us. For example, Zak and Jackson clean up after dinner and Max vacuums.
They’re all expected to put their own clean clothes away and keep their rooms tidy.
We go with the premise: “It’s a privilege to be in this family so you get to help it run smoothly” And a note for all you control freaks - I know it's easier to do it yourself but it doesn’t help in the long run - them or you!
6. Let technology help
For years I kept a paper diary. I loved choosing it and loved filling it in. However I realised that unless I actually looked at it - it wasn’t going to help me and half the time I did forget to look! So a few years ago I gave in and started to put everything in my Google diary on my phone. That way I can add a reminder and a notification so I don’t forget anything! It’s not foolproof of course but it honestly has saved me the embarrassment of sending the kids to school in their uniform on non uniform day or forgetting a birthday party. I also have a tasks app which is basically a to-do list on my phone where you can add reminder times for when you need to do something and you tick them off - very satisfying!
7. Reclaim your home every night
I guess this one is more for sanity than organisation but I think it also helps keep on top of things. It was really important when the children were small to reclaim our home in the evening. That meant making sure all toys were away (preferably before the children go to bed so they can help!) and taking your home back to being an adult space so you can enjoy it and recharge.
take your home back to being an adult space so you can enjoy it and recharge.
I know that sometimes after a long day with toddlers or small children the last thing you want to do is make sure the kitchen is clear and tidy and put the toys away but I promise you that if you do it will make such a difference. It will bring rest to your soul and it means you start the following day on the front foot not having to pick up yesterday's mess which then more mess is added to! Do yourself a favour - set a timer, take ten extra minutes and you’ll be so glad you did!
So there are a few things that help our lives run a little more smoothly! Hope one of them helps you too.
Louise x