What do you do to stay organized?

have4boys · 05-19-2008, 08:31 AM

I was just wandering what some of you do to keep your family life going as smoothly as possible, with a job that is anything but predictable. I love hearing tips from other women, as I am definately not a natural on organization. Mabe that is why I thrive on the craziness of birth!
I used to think that buying loads of everything meant we never run out of stuff we need, but found this turned into a fridge packed with stuff we couldn't see, and food the kids decided they all of the sudden hated, and would no longer eat. I talked to a mom once who told me she only goes to the store and buys what she needs for one week. This, I have found also works wanders for me. I do buy large amounts of non-food items, but now I keep the pantry and fridge a little leaner. I shop according to what is on sale in the weekly flier, on Sunday, and plan meals that will leave easy leftovers, and snacks for the week. At least half the meals planned are easy ones that my husband can easily make. I try to keep the snack foods to a minimum, and keep mostly fruits, veggies, yogurts and granola bars on hand. Of course we all suffer the 11th hour proclamation of "there is a bake sale tomorrow and I need 2 dozen cupcakes!", but other than that I try to stay out of the store aside from my weekly trip.
Any other ideas? Summer is coming, and with 4 busy boys at home I could use all the sanity saving tips I can get!

DoulaKaren · 05-19-2008, 08:54 AM

I have a "big board" with everyone's commitments and menu for the month, so that if I am gone, DH can see what dinners are available to be cooked without having to search around to see if we have the ingredients on hand -- sure it might not be what is on the menu for that day but then we just readjust.

i have everything always packed for kids' childcare including those gross shelf-stable Gerber toddler lunches. if there's ample time i make a 'real' lunch for them to take but this does in a pinch.

JackieM · 06-19-2008, 04:58 PM

I get as much done the night before as I can - ironing outfits, packing purses and diaper bags, getting everything I need in a pile by the door, etc. It's just a bunch of little things, but it makes mornings go smoother. And I cook a lot of meals that can be prepared and popped in a slow oven during my son's naps so he's not climbing all over me while I'm trying to cook dinner ...

MIA-D · 06-20-2008, 09:54 AM

Most of the time I let DH do his thing. He works odd hours and is never home at the same time every night so I really don't count on him to know what is going on. If there is something he needs to be attending I tell him the week before, the night before and maybe if I get a chance during the day. A lot of the time he will say - oh yeah I forgot.
It is a lot of work to stay organized. I do my shopping for one week at a time with planned meals. I do easy meals and make a list for the fridge if I am on call and expect to be going out for a birth.
My kids are in minimal stuff. I don't overload them. My middle child needs his sleep. If he doesn't get it he cries at the drop of a hat. So that helps with scheduling. I also have a palm and I keep it updated. If we have a particularly busy month (like after school starts) I will print the month from the computer, color code everything with a highlighter and place it on the fridge. DH usually doesn't look at it anyways but at least I have a reminder or the kids know what is going on.

Heather