Single parents are often overworked, and over stressed. Some of the most helpful tips come from organizational consultants who note that form, function, and convenience are often as important as style.
Ain’t it the truth.
I have incorporated some of their advice into my frazzled life. After I kept running out of things, I buy a spare (or two) of my most used items. Now before you get all over me about being anti-environmental, I am talking mostly about small items or consumable things.
Here’s a few examples:
Staple foods. My boys eat the same thing most days. PB&J, wheat bread, apple sauce, syrup, oj juice boxes… You get the idea. I’ve started buying two of each every time I go to the store (or when they are on sale I buy more). This saves me from the last-minute stress of having to run out to the store or send them with lunch money.
Medicine/Personal Care items: I might not be buying double, but I am buying larger packs (preferably on sale) so I don’t run out. I am surprised how when I am busy the little things are always the things that send me over the edge.
toothpaste & brushes: I interviewed a wise dentist for a family dental article once and he suggested parents get a tooth brush and tooth paste for each bathroom, especially the one closest to the front door. “This eliminates the I don’t have time to run upstairs excuse the kids might use,” he said, with a laugh. Best part, the products are almost always on sale or have coupons so you can stock up to you guessed it…never run out. My children actually do brush more now.
Cleaning Products: Following the tooth-brush principle above, I now have cleaning products, toilet bowl brushes, and paper towels under each sink, so I eliminate my own excuses for not being able to clean up. A quick swish and swipe is now in order every day, as the Flylady says.
Other organizational tips:
On a weekend when the kids were with their father, I perused discount stores like Walmart, Homegoods and TJ. Maxx and looked for functional solutions to my vexing disorganization problems.
- The sink sponge that always gets grimy–a plastic sponge holder.
- Basket by the front door for shoes.
- Key holder by the front door
- Over the door hangers for the laundry room, office door, and the coat closet. Get those pesky items off the floor and you can see and find things.
- Plastic tote under each sink to hold cleaning products and personal care item. (One leak and you will surely clean out this area. But don’t wait for disaster.)
- I’ve got multiple baskets in the laundry room for darks and lights. Saves a lot of time in the sorting on wash days.
- Shower caddy that sits on back of toilet seat and holds shampoos, conditioners, etc. Everything you need is in one place and you lift and swipe to clean and no mess on the side of the tub.
And for the car:
- A plastic basket holds emergency items.
- Plastic bucket in the summer for swim toys etc.
- a spare case of water. I keep a case in my car because I am always forget water for the gym, drinks for kids lunches, and hate to stop for (and pay) for drinks when the kids are out.
- spare gloves, hat etc.
- I also keep spare safety pins, personal care items like hand cream, nail clipper and a first aid kit with band aids and sinus medicine (for me)
Good organization can help you feel more in control–even if true control is an illusion. What are your best tips for a fun and functional home?
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