Managing it ALL

This is one of many tips we will discuss in organization of the home.  

One of the things that has helped me the most over the years is "schedule".  Now, I know that is a "dirty word" to some people, but when you are a working wife and mother who is involved in charity or church functions (or both), has a child(ren) involved in extracurricular activities and other family obligations--you NEED a schedule. 

Here's a few things that work for me.  I am DEFINITELY NOT saying you "have" to do it exactly like this.  See if this or something similar works for you--

1.  Make your bed.  Every. Morning. 

     An unmade bed is easily a temptation to slip back under those covers!  Plus, an unmade bed makes the whole room look messy.  Trust me, it'll make you feel better :)

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2.  Wash the dishes WHILE you cook.  

     Now I know that sometimes you have one around your ankles and one on your hip while holding the spatula in your "free" hand.  But when you are able, wash the mess as you make it.  It makes clean up SO much easier.

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3.  Have a few things you do EVERY 

     DAY.  

     I have friends who feel the need to scrub their toilets every day.  For me, it's dust mop my floors every day.  Whatever it is in your household, (besides the dishes and the bed--those are givens) do it.  It will help you feel better and stay a little ahead of the weekly cleaning. 

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4.  Put a rack in your laundry room. 

     Would it be overly dramatic if I said this was a life changer???  Maybe.  But let me tell you--I haven't had laundry lay in my dryer for days since I installed it.  Out of the dryer and directly hung on the rack to be put away.  Saves on ironing, too. 

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5.  Lastly, create your own specific 

     "extra" cleaning schedule.  

     Let me tell you what I mean.  For example, in addition to my "weekly cleaning", I have a few extras I do early Saturday morning before everyone else is stirring.  One week it may be to clean all the furniture legs--so I go through the house with my rag and solution and clean all the bottoms of all the furniture (you know, the parts that usually don't get dusted on a regular basis).  The next Saturday morning, it may be to clean the baseboards.  The next, to clean the porches or stoops outside, etc...  Whatever your home needs that doesn't get done on a weekly basis--include it here.  This way, things don't get far behind, built up and you don't get overwhelmed.  

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Hope these organization tips help!  We'll talk about other tips and organizational ideas as we go along!

Don't feel pressured!  Adjust things to your family and their needs.  Plus, if you have older children, you can include them in some of these.  They get experience and learn and you get help :)