Three Ways to Streamline Your Daily Routine
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The kids are back to school and most families are making the transition back to full calendars and busy schedules. Even if you don’t have kids, there’s something about the change from summer to fall that makes us feel like we need structure after those laid back days of summer. This is the perfect time of year to tweak your daily routines to reduce your stress before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season arrives. I mean we can almost hear the jingle bells, right? We are going to focus on three areas that impact your daily routines that, when organized, will make all the difference in helping you start your day with a stress free smile!
The Morning Rush
When everyone’s trying to get ready to get out the door, preferably on time, the stress levels can soar. Cue the “outside” voices and tears. We want to avoid all of that so we can start our days filled with positive vibes. There are ways to help make this process as smooth as possible in your home.
Create a drop zone near your door for all the daily items like bookbags, shoes and keys so no one is rushing around looking for something they need when it’s time to go. Add labeled baskets and hooks to help everyone know where their things go and make sure everything is in place before the day ends. Prep for the next day by choosing outfits and lunch items if you pack lunches. Any decision that can be moved from the morning to the evening before will be a huge time saver.
Pro-tip - Add a buffer time of 10 minutes or so to help your mornings feel less hectic. It’s amazing what a few minutes to simply breathe can do for your mindset!
On the Same Page
When everyone has different schedules, activities and events, it’s essential to have a central hub for all of this information. Choose a spot to create a Family Command Center. This is where you will keep a shared calendar to easily see, and plan for, everyone’s appointments and scheduled activities. You can add a labeled bin for mail or important papers. This is also a great spot for your weekly meal plan and a running grocery store list for all of your essentials. Your kitchen is a great choice or your home office can work well too. The goal is to have this information in one central location that every member of your family can easily access. It will feel so good to show up for all the things on time!
What’s for Dinner?
Is dinnertime a stress filled scramble each day? Does the “What’s for dinner?” question make you cringe? If your goal is to make more home cooked meals and eat less take out, an organized meal planning system is what you need. Preparing an action plan each week will save you time, money and maybe even a little sanity.
Choose one day each week to plan your meals. If you have certain days that time is extra tight, maybe the kids have practice, plan a quick meal. The key is creating a plan you can actually follow through on. Once you’ve planned out your meals, create your grocery list. Don’t forget to take the list with you when you go to the store. 😉Keep your meals simple, especially for those busy week days. You can always try those new fancy recipes when you have more leisure time. And don’t forget the power of a good “leftover” night!
Pro-tip - An organized pantry will help you with planning and organizing your weekly meals!
Remember the goal is to find solutions that work to support your family’s daily routines. You are aiming for functionality, not perfection. Start with one area, whether it’s the morning routine, meal planning or creating your family command center, and build from there. Even the smallest changes will make a huge impact on giving you and your family the calm and manageable routine that you deserve! Take a minute to give a good long hug to everyone before they leave…hugs go a long way to fuel a good day!
Does your home need a little decluttering and organizing magic and you don’t have the time, energy or desire to do it yourself?
Schedule your free consultation today and let’s see how I can help you transform your space from chaos to calm!
