Let’s face it—family life can feel like a juggling act with no intermission. Between work, school, sports, appointments, and social obligations, staying organized often feels like a fantasy. But with a few practical systems and a sprinkle of consistency, even the busiest households can run more smoothly. Here are my top 10 organizing tips for busy families who want to spend less time searching for missing shoes and more time making memories.
If you are new to the blog, welcome! I blog and make videos about cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. You can find my free printables to help you get organized in the drop down menu under the Printables category at the top of this page. Also, check out this post on 10 things people with clean homes do every day.
You can get your printable Daily Housekeeping Routine and Cleaning Checklists here. This 15 page printable kit is delivered digitally to your email for you to print and personalize.
It includes a daily schedule, calendar pages, and deep cleaning checklists for every room and area of your home. Also, check out this post on 7 Cleaning Tasks That Are a Waste of Your Time. Check out my post on how to clean your entire house in 1 hour.
Need to declutter? Check out my post on 8 Decluttering Tips for Large Families here.
10 Organizing Tips for Busy Families
1. Centralize the Family Calendar
A shared calendar (digital or physical) is a game-changer. Use apps like Google Calendar or Cozi to keep track of school events, extracurriculars, appointments, and family outings. Color-code each family member so everyone knows who’s doing what and when. Hang a large paper calendar in a visible spot like the kitchen for easy access and a quick glance.
2. Create a Command Center
Designate one area in your home to serve as the family command center. Include hooks for keys, cubbies or baskets for mail, a bulletin board for important reminders, and space for the calendar. This is the go-to hub for staying informed and reducing clutter.
3. Streamline Morning Routines
Mornings can be hectic, especially with kids. Lay out clothes the night before, prep lunches ahead of time, and keep backpacks packed and by the door. Establishing a consistent routine cuts down on stress and morning chaos.
4. Designate Drop Zones
Have a set place for coats, shoes, backpacks, and purses. Whether it’s a mudroom, entryway, or a small hallway nook, having drop zones helps prevent clutter from spreading throughout the house.
5. Use Bins, Baskets, and Labels
Storage containers are your best friends. Use labeled bins for toys, school supplies, pantry items, and more. Clear labels make it easy for kids to help clean up and find things independently.
6. Make Use of Vertical Space
Think beyond drawers and shelves. Wall-mounted organizers, over-the-door racks, and hooks can free up floor space and make the most of every inch.
7. Embrace Weekly Planning Sessions
Spend a few minutes each week as a family reviewing the upcoming schedule, assigning chores, and talking through any logistics. This sets expectations and keeps everyone on the same page.
8. Declutter Regularly
Stuff accumulates fast in a busy home. Take 10-15 minutes each day (or set aside time each week) to declutter surfaces, donate unused items, and reset your spaces.
9. Simplify Meal Planning
Try meal planning apps, rotating meal schedules, or theme nights (Taco Tuesday, anyone?) to simplify dinner decisions. Prepping ingredients or full meals in advance can save tons of time during the week.
10. Give Everyone Responsibilities
Even young kids can help! Assign age-appropriate tasks and make tidying up a team effort. When everyone pitches in, it’s less overwhelming and more manageable.
Progress Over Perfection No system will be flawless, and that’s okay. Life gets messy, and flexibility is key. Start with one or two of these tips, make them part of your routine, and build from there. With a little structure and teamwork, your family can stay organized—and still have time for fun.
Recent Comments