Get Your Life Together with These Simple Organizational Hacks

Life as a busy mom can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Between managing your kids' schedules, working part-time and trying to carve out time for yourself, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a few simple organizational hacks, you can streamline your day-to-day life and create a sense of balance. Here’s how I’ve managed to stay on top of things while raising a college freshman, a 15-year-old AAA hockey player, and a 14-year-old all-star cheerleader who also figure skates—all while working part-time as a skating coach.

1. Start Your Day with an Early Morning Routine

Early mornings are my secret weapon. Before the chaos of the day begins, I use this quiet time to tackle small but essential tasks that set the tone for the rest of the day.

• Light Chores: I start with quick tasks like unloading the dishwasher or throwing in a load of laundry. These small wins make me feel productive right away.
• Meal Prep: Prepping meals or snacks in advance saves me from scrambling later. I chop vegetables, portion out snacks, or even prepare breakfast for the next morning.
• Journaling: Starting my morning with reading or journaling helps me set clear intentions and approach the day with focus and purpose. Taking a few quiet moments to reflect and plan grounds me in gratitude and motivation, making my day more intentional and productive.
• Workout Time: If there is enough time I always try to sneak in a little workout.  Whether it’s an online workout or quick run I never regret moving my body!

This routine helps me feel accomplished before anyone else is even awake.

2. Create and Use a Family Calendar

With three kids involved in demanding activities, keeping track of everyone’s schedules is no small feat. A family calendar is a lifesaver.

• Digital Calendars: Apps like Google Calendar allow me to color-code each family member’s activities and sync them across devices. Everyone can see what’s coming up and plan accordingly.
• Weekly Planning Sessions: On Sunday or Monday evenings, we review the week ahead as a family. This ensures no one is caught off guard by a hockey practice or a cheerleading competition.

Having everything in one place reduces scheduling conflicts and keeps everyone on the same page.

3. Maximize Downtime at Practices

Spending hours at hockey practices or cheer practice doesn’t have to mean lost time. I’ve found ways to use this downtime productively:

• Exercise:While my kids are practicing, I often go for a run or take a walk nearby. It’s a great way to prioritize my health without cutting into family time.
• Errands:** If practices are near grocery stores or other essential stops, I use that time to check items off my to-do list.
• Work or Reading:** I bring along my laptop or a good book to make the most of waiting time.

These small adjustments turn idle hours into opportunities for self-care or productivity.

4. Streamline Meal Planning

Meal planning used to feel like an overwhelming task until I discovered some simple strategies:

• Batch Cooking:On the weekend, I prepare large batches of staples like grilled chicken, pasta, or soups that can be repurposed throughout the week.
• Theme Nights:Assigning themes (e.g., Taco Tuesday or Pasta Friday) simplifies decision-making and adds some fun to our routine.
• Gift Cards:Our club uses RaiseRight fundraising so I purchase gift cards in advance to plan one night out to eat each week. Because we are gluten free, we often opt for Chipotle or Jason's Deli

By planning ahead, I save time and reduce stress during busy evenings.

       5. Delegate Tasks

As much as I’d love to do it all, delegating tasks has been key to staying sane:

• Kids help out with daily chores.  Long ago I was told “if a kid can operate an i-pad, they can use a washing machine”.  My kids are responsible for helping at least start the washing machine, loading the dishwasher and other daily activities each week. 
• Shared Responsibilities: My husband and I divide and conquer as much as possible.  Oftentimes we are split between our kids' practices but when possible my husband will heat up dinner when I’m doing dropoff or pick up. 
• Automate Where Possible –  Subscriptions for household essentials (like cleaning supplies) and services like grocery delivery save valuable time.

Delegating not only lightens my load but also teaches my kids responsibility.

 6. Organize Your Space

A clutter-free home makes for a clutter-free mind. Here are some tips I swear by:

• Designate Drop Zones:Each child has their own cubby near the door for storing backpacks, sports gear, and shoes.
• Digitize Paperwork: Scanning important documents into digital files reduces paper clutter and makes them easy to find when needed.
• If not able to digitize, use a filing cabinet where paperwork can be easily stored.

These small changes make our home more functional and less chaotic.

7. Use the Two-Minute Rule

If something takes less than two minutes to complete—do it immediately! This rule has been transformative for staying on top of small tasks that would otherwise pile up:

• Wiping down counters
• Emptying trash cans
• Sorting mail
• Putting away clean dishes

By tackling these quick tasks as they arise, you’ll prevent them from becoming overwhelming later.

8. Prioritize Self-Care

Amidst all the busyness, don’t forget about yourself! Here are some ways I incorporate self-care into my routine:

• Morning Quiet Time:Sipping tea in silence before everyone wakes up is my favorite way to recharge.
• Scheduled Breaks: Even if it’s just 10 minutes to meditate or stretch during the day, these moments help me stay grounded.
• Hobbies:Whether it’s reading or journaling, carving out time for personal interests keeps me feeling fulfilled.

Remember: A happy mom equals a happy family!

9. Plan Ahead for Travel Weekends

With weekend trips for hockey tournaments and cheer competitions being common in our household, planning ahead is essential:

• Packing Lists: We keep reusable packing lists tailored to each child’s needs (e.g., hockey gear vs. cheer uniforms).
• Snacks on Hand:Packing healthy snacks saves money and keeps everyone energized 
• Hotel Prep:Researching accommodations with amenities like free breakfast or laundry facilities makes travel smoother.

A little preparation goes a long way in reducing stress during hectic weekends.

10. Embrace Flexibility

No matter how organized you are, life happens—and that’s okay! Learning to adapt when things don’t go as planned is crucial:

• Build buffer time into your schedule for unexpected delays.
•  Keep backup meals (like frozen pizzas) on hand for nights when cooking isn’t an option.
• Practice letting go of perfection—sometimes “good enough” is exactly what you need.

Flexibility allows you to handle curveballs with grace instead of frustration.

Final Thoughts

Staying organized as a busy mom isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about finding systems that work for you and your family. By implementing these hacks into your routine, you can reclaim your time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters: enjoying life with your loved ones.

Remember: You’ve got this! With some planning and creativity, you can juggle all your responsibilities while still making time for yourself.