The new year is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re staring at a house that’s begging for a little post-holiday TLC. But let’s be real: as moms, our time is stretched thin, and “Pinterest-perfect” organization can feel completely out of reach. That’s why I’m sharing five practical, real-life hacks to help you simplify your home without losing your sanity. These 5 home organization hacks are doable, effective, and designed with busy moms in mind. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with the “Drop Zones”
Every house has them—those spots where everything from backpacks to unopened mail piles up. (Looking at you, kitchen counter!) Start small by tackling these high-traffic clutter zones. Here’s how:
- Set up a basket system: One basket per family member for their loose items.
- Add a “junk jar”: For random bits like hair ties or loose screws (because we all have those!).
- Keep it real: The goal isn’t perfection but creating a system that works for YOUR family.
You’ll be amazed at how much lighter your space feels once the “drop zones” are under control.
2. Master the Art of Decluttering
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean tearing through your entire house in one weekend (seriously, who has time for that?). Instead, aim to declutter one small area at a time. My go-to method:
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick one drawer, cabinet, or shelf.
- Use my “four-bin method”: Keep, Donate, Sell on Facebook Marketplace (I’ve made serious extra cash here!), and Toss.
- Be ruthless: Here’s exactly what I do…if I haven’t used it during the last applicable season or in one year, it’s gone! (Yes, that includes that random kitchen gadget you’ve never used!)
It’s amazing how quickly these small wins add up—and keep you motivated.
3. Create a Family Command Center
A command center can be life-changing (yes, I said it). Here’s what mine includes:
- A monthly calendar: Big enough for everyone’s activities. Dry-erase boards are great for updates!
- Hanging file organizers: For school papers, bills, or those “can’t-lose” forms.
- A chore chart: Because teamwork makes the dream work.
Pro tip: Keep your command center in a spot everyone passes daily (like the kitchen or mudroom) so it’s actually used.
4. Block Your Time Like a Boss
If your days feel like one giant blur, time blocking is about to be your new best friend. Here’s how I do it:
- Identify your priorities: What MUST get done each day (e.g., meal prep, work deadlines)?
- Block chunks of time: Morning for errands, afternoon for focused work, evening for family.
- Schedule in flexibility: Life happens, and that’s okay. Leave some wiggle room for the unexpected.
Time blocking helps you feel in control of your schedule instead of constantly playing catch-up. And let me tell you—it’s a game changer.
5. Go Digital (But Stay Organized)
Digital clutter is just as real as physical clutter, and it can be just as overwhelming. Here’s how I keep things in check:
- Photo organization: Google Photos, people! It’s amazing for not only backing-up, but also helping you strategically sort through those thousands of pictures in that camera roll. Become an ARP VIP to stay tuned for my upcoming resource on my exact system of doing this for my personal photos!
- Apps to stay on track: Copilot for budget, money management, and financial planning; Notes app (don’t sleep on collaborating on a shared note!)
- Inbox cleanup: Unsubscribe from emails you don’t read (you know the ones). Apps like “Unroll.me” make this super easy.
Also, if you’re a working mom or just a go getter looking to optimize your time, I HIGHLY recommend At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof. This book is a game changer for learning how to structure your day around your energy levels (not just your to-do list!).
Let’s Make this Your Year
Organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just has to work for YOU. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that progress always beats perfection. Maybe these 5 home organization hacks coudl help! 🙂 You’ve got this, mama!
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