Parenting can be hectic, and staying organized is crucial for maintaining a sense of order in a busy household. Thankfully, there are several cost-efficient ways to keep things in check without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for busy parents who want to stay organized without spending a fortune, presented by Eden Environments.
Designated Spaces for Frequently Used Items
One of the best ways to stay organized is by having designated spaces for essential items around the house. This ensures that everyone knows where to find things when they need them. For example, have a specific spot for keys, wallets, and mobile phones near the entrance of your home. You could also designate a space for shoes, coats, and bags. This simple step can save time and reduce stress when trying to locate frequently used items.
Incorporate a To-Do List
Having a to-do list is an excellent way to maintain and prioritize tasks more effectively. You can create a physical to-do list on a whiteboard or use a digital app that syncs across devices. Encourage family members to add their tasks and update the list regularly. This will help everyone stay on track and ensure that important tasks don’t slip through the cracks.
Stay Organized After Decluttering
It’s essential to take steps to stay organized after a decluttering session. One way to do this is by creating a system that works for your family. For instance, you could establish a rule that for every new item brought into the home, an old one must be donated or discarded. This will prevent clutter from building up again and make it easier to maintain an organized space.
Install Hooks, Baskets, or Shelves
Investing in hooks, baskets, or shelves is another cost-effective way to keep daily used items organized. For example, installing hooks near the entrance of your home can provide a place to hang coats, bags, and umbrellas. Baskets can be used to store shoes or miscellaneous items, while shelves can hold books, decorative items, or even small storage bins. These simple additions will help keep your home tidy and organized.
Create a Family Command Station
A family command station, either physical or digital, is an excellent way to keep track of the week’s schedules, maps, and reminders. You could use a bulletin board, whiteboard, or chalkboard for a physical command station, or opt for a shared digital calendar app that everyone can access. Update it regularly with important dates, appointments, and events so that no one misses out on crucial information.
Organize Kids’ Toys and Gadgets
Keeping kids’ toys and gadgets organized can be a challenge, but using labeled containers or shelving can make it easier to find and organize everything. Consider using plastic bins with labels or investing in a shelving unit with cubbies for each child. This will help keep toys and gadgets contained and make clean-up time more manageable.
Digitize Paper Records
Another way to stay organized is by scanning and digitizing paper records. This will not only reduce clutter but also make it easier to find important documents when needed. If you want to edit a scanned document, you can use optical character recognition to convert the doc into a PDF. There are many free apps available, which you can use to extract text from images quickly and keep your digital records updated and well-organized.
Staying organized as a busy parent doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By implementing these cost-efficient tips, you can maintain a sense of order in your home and reduce stress for the entire family. Remember to designate spaces for frequently used items, create a to-do list, stay organized after decluttering, install hooks or shelves, establish a family command station, organize children’s toys, digitize paper records, and keep printouts of essential information. With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to a more organized and efficient household.
Eden Environments is here to help you create an environment that works for you. Call 717-455-0779.
Contributed by Ed Carter, ablefutures.org
