10 Organisation Hacks for Busy, Working Parents
Being organised can make a big difference in both your personal and professional life, but it doesn’t always come naturally. The good news? There are plenty of ways to boost your organisational skills! Here are eight practical tips to help you stay on top of things as a busy, working parent.
1. Go Digital with Storage
Paperwork can pile up quickly—school letters, bills, birthday cards, and important documents like passports all add to the clutter. When you need something, sifting through a mountain of papers can be stressful. Try shifting to digital formats whenever possible. Many companies offer digital billing options, which can be saved securely in cloud storage. Scanning and uploading documents and photos also keeps everything safe, organised, and easy to access.
2. Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car
Unexpected situations happen, especially with children! Having an emergency kit in your car can make things easier. Pack essentials like a change of clothes, snacks, a portable phone charger, wipes, basic first-aid supplies, and a few toys. Tailor it to your child’s needs, and you’ll be ready for anything.
3. Try Meal Planning
Meal planning is a lifesaver for busy parents, and it’s simpler than meal prepping. Instead of cooking everything ahead, just decide in advance what you’ll eat each day. This approach streamlines your grocery shopping, reduces waste, and ensures you have all the ingredients you need. For more food prep tips, check out our article 8 Family Food Prep Hacks for Busy Parents.
4. Use Small Pockets of Time Wisely
We often think of time in hour-long chunks, but even small moments can be productive. Keep a list of quick tasks for those few extra minutes here and there. Try the “2-minute rule”: if something takes two minutes or less, do it straight away. Tackling these small tasks as they come up keeps your to-do list manageable and helps you feel accomplished.
5. Prepare for Mornings the Night Before
Take some pressure off hectic mornings by preparing things the night before. Lay out clothes, pack school bags, prepare packed lunches, and set out breakfast items before bed. This small effort can make mornings calmer and give you a smoother start to the day.
6. Label Everything
Labels can make a huge difference in staying organised. Beyond labelling your child’s clothes and bags, label storage bins, kitchen containers, toy boxes, and shelves around your home. A well-labelled space makes it easy for everyone to know where things go and teaches children to put things back in their place.
7. Assign Age-Appropriate Chores
Children as young as toddlers can start helping with small tasks. Give your child age-appropriate chores and make tidying up a shared responsibility. This doesn’t just help you—it also teaches your child valuable skills and responsibility. Create a chore chart or reward system to make it fun and keep everyone motivated.
8. Establish a ‘Landing Zone’
Create a dedicated space near the front door where everyone can drop off keys, bags, shoes, and anything else they need as they come and go. This ‘landing zone’ prevents items from getting lost and makes it easier to grab everything you need on the way out the door.
9. Make the Most of Your To-Do List
To-do lists are helpful, but they can quickly become overwhelming. Try creating separate lists for work, home, and your child’s activities. This way, you can focus on each area without a massive, all-encompassing list. Using apps like Asana can also be useful, letting you set reminders, assign due dates, and visually track your progress. Digital tools and organised lists help you manage everything more effectively.
10. Schedule Time for Yourself
Amongst all the family responsibilities, it’s important to schedule a little time for yourself, too. Even if it’s just 15 minutes of reading or a walk, setting aside personal time can help recharge your energy. When parents are rested and calm, it makes the whole household run more smoothly.
