Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Time Saving Tip

Do you dread the last minute morning rush? Try to get as much as you can done the night before. I'm not just talking about packing lunches (although that should be on your list). Lay out your kids clothes or encourage older children to do this for themselves before bed. Review the next days activities to be sure any library books, gym clothes, instruments or projects are put in backpacks or by the door so they don't get left behind. Even leaving the next days shoes by the door can save a few minutes of searching in those wee morning hours.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Be More Efficient

This Sunday morning I took advantage of a rare opportunity. I was ready to make a cup of coffee and sit down to clip a few coupons when I heard my two boys upstairs playing a game together. I quickly changed gears and got out my cleaning supplies. To my surprise, and with only one minor meltdown between brothers, I was able to dust and vacuum the house while both boys were entertained. So, what made this task more efficient? I didn't have to scramble to gather my supplies. I keep a dust cloth right next to my vacuum so I am able to move quickly from one task to the next. You may even need to keep more than one set of cleaners and clothes in different places throughout your home. Keep a bottle of disinfectant wipes or a bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels in each bathroom to give them a quick wipe down daily. You'll be to take advantage of those unexpected opportunities to knock out a few chores when you are Living Everyday Ultimately Organized.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Dinner is Done

The four words I hate to hear when I come home after my hour long commute are "what is for dinner." While I have my mom's knack for organizing, I unfortunately did not inherit her cooking skills. For some reason I convinced myself that after getting married and having two kids I should be able to walk in the door, open the pantry, pull out two or three ingredients and whip up a scrumptious dinner that satisfies everyone. It has taken me 10 years, but I have finally realized that the only way dinner is going to make it on the table in a reasonable amount of time for the hungry masses in my house is if I plan ahead.


So, I sit down once a month and plan out our dinners. I take into consideration when I get home and how long it takes to prepare a meal. Four nights a week are designated theme nights with quick and easy meals. For example, Tuesday is pasta night, Wednesday is leftovers, Thursday is pizza, and Friday is breakfast night. Saturday I include fun choices like sliders or chicken nuggets. Sunday I typically have more time to prepare a full meal, so we will have a chicken dish, pork chops, meatloaf, turkey or other "home cooked" meal. That leaves Monday, which I like to save for international selections like tacos, sweet & sour chicken, or calzones. I put my dinner menu in a protective plastic sleeve and tuck any recipes for the month behind it for quick reference.


Now that I know what's for dinner I can also shop more efficiently. I know exactly what I need to prepare 30 meals. I buy as much as I can at one time, and then I only have to stop at the grocery store for perishables and necessities.


I use my dinner menu as a guideline, which means I am always flexible. If we eat out one night or feel like having something different, then I simply move that night's meal to another night or save it for next month.

In my house dinner is done by Living Everyday Ultimately Organized.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized - Laundry

Laundry is one of those skills I learned from my mom, and I tend to do laundry the way she did when I was growing up. Everyone in the house has a laundry basket, and one day a week, in our house on Sunday, I gather the laundry, sort, wash, dry, iron, and put away. One thing with laundry is that you are making a committment to stay at home, at least long enough to move it from one machine to the other and get it out before it turns into a ball of wrinkles (thus doubling your work load). If you find your laundry day keeps getting put off til tomorrow, then set a date with those dirty clothes. Make an appointment to do laundry and block off two, three, or four hours so you aren't tempted to let other activities take it's place.

Many people may not have the time to dedicate half a day to laundry, so they spread it out throughout the week. Even if you do one load of laundry each day, you need to follow the process through to the end. That means, WASH, DRY, IRON, FOLD & PUT AWAY the entire load. Also, be sure you are doing a full load. It not only saves water and energy, but also your time.

Here's something you may not have thought about... time how long it takes to run a load in the washer and the dryer. Set a timer so you know exactly when the wash cycle ends, and use the end of cycle alert on your dryer .

When I have to do a load of laundry during the week I know if I put it in the washer before I shower in the morning, then after I am dressed I can move it to the dryer. I budget about 5-10 minutes to fold and put it away before we leave the house. Now, this load is usually towels or sheets, which don't require ironing or a lot of running around to put away.

Get out from under those piles of dirty clothes and start Living Everyday Ultimately Organized.

Living Everyday Ultimately Organized

A dear friend of mine enlightened me this weekend. She said she doesn't do business with anyone who doesn't update their blog. Looking back at my last entry in October, I realized this is the perfect opportunity to share how I am Living Everyday Ultimately Organized. I am not only a Professional Organizer, but also work another full-time job, have a husband, two young boys, and all of the family and household obligations that go along with them. Still, I manage to get places on time, keep a clean house, spend time with friends and family, and have a successful work life. Believe it or not, I am even in bed most nights by 10pm. So what is my secret to success? I am Living Everyday Ultimately Organized. So, each day I will share tips that anyone can incorporate into their everyday life to be organized.