7 Ways to Stay Organized as a Full-Time Working Mom

Where did the day go and what all did I do? These are questions that I ask myself often as I go about my daily tasks, hoping not to miss something. But let’s be real, when it comes to working a full-time job, and caring for little ones there is bound to be something that is missed or some detail that goes overlooked. Not all the time but hey, it happens. I’d like to share seven tips that help me to stay organized throughout the week as I take care of work responsibilities, managing a home and familial responsibilities. 

Let’s Get Started!

1. Plan for tomorrow, today: I typically lay out my children’s clothing each night. Tops, bottoms, socks, underwear, and even shoes. I do the same for myself because it just makes things easier. My mornings are less hectic and it cuts down on time that I would spend gathering those items. All lunches and snacks are packed the night before and all back packs are prepared and ready to go each evening!
2. Start Early: You already know what I’m about to say…but I’ll say it anyway. Set your alarm clock at an hour that gives you time to wake up before everyone else. This has helped me so much. It gives me time to read my bible and do my morning devotional, check the news, and sometimes even bake surprise blueberry muffins for the kiddies in the morning for breakfast :-).
3. Write out your dinner menu ahead of time: This takes a bit more preparation. In order to know what’s on the menu for the week, I have to already have the food I need in the fridge and ready to go. That being said, I make my grocery list on Thursdays, order my groceries for the upcoming week on Fridays, and drive right up to collect them on Friday afternoons after picking up the kids from school. This means on Sunday, I’m writing out our dinner menu for the week and I already know what the deal is when it’s time to begin cooking for the evening. How many of us spend way too much time trying to figure out what’s for dinner?! Did I mention that takeout is included on my menu?! It is!! We usually eat takeout on Friday or Saturday. Plan everything. It’s a game changer!
4. Designate your laundry days and stick to them: I used to wash laundry on Sundays but it was just TOO much for me! Sundays can be pretty busy in the evenings preparing for the upcoming week and laundry was the last thing I wanted to do on a Sunday. Now, I usually do laundry throughout the week which is honestly less stressful for me and has worked out well. The day really doesn’t matter. Just do what works best for you.
5. Make time for yourself: Who wants to wake up, work, do chores, and do all the mommy things just to go to bed and do it all over again? Not me. It helps to have something just for me to look forward to, even if it is only 30 minutes, I embrace that small amount of time to do something I enjoy. Most of the time I read, catch up on a favorite show or lounge around with Trey (my husband). All of it makes me feel good because I’m stepping out of my routine to just breathe. 
6. Go to bed at a decent hour: I am guilty of staying up waaaay too late because this is the only time I really have to relax once the kids are down, but it never helps me to be tired the next morning. I end up hitting snooze one too many times and therefore running behind which we all know is a recipe for a bad start to our day. Giving yourself a good amount of sleep is not only healthy for your body but it also helps mentally. Rest is essential.
7. Stay hydrated: It seems simple, but listen, it can be challenging when you have a million things to do. I have found that staying hydrated actually helps keep me focused, in a better mood, and less drained. Definitely make sure you’re drinking enough water for your body. It truly helps!

RECAP

• Prepare for tomorrow, today
• Start Early
• Plan your dinner menu a week ahead of time
• Designate certain days for laundry
• Make time for yourself
• Go to bed at a decent hour
• Stay hydrated

Of course there are several more ways to stay organized throughout the week while working full-time, taking care of our families, and managing a home but these are the tips that have worked well for me and I wanted to share with the hopes that these simple tips would help you too!