20 Practical Steps to Get Seriously Organized (Even as a Busy Mom!)

Let’s face it—staying organized is a full-time job, especially when you're balancing work, motherhood, home life, and just trying to stay sane. But here’s the good news: getting seriously organized doesn’t mean becoming a rigid robot. It means building systems that give you freedom, clarity, and peace of mind.

Here are 20 actionable steps that’ll help you build an organized life that works with your reality (hello toddler interruptions) instead of against it.

1. Make Your Bed as Soon as You Wake Up

It takes less than 2 minutes and instantly creates a sense of order. Plus, it sets the tone for productivity.

2. Follow the "5-Minute Rule"

If a task takes less than 5 minutes—do it immediately. Putting away shoes, replying to a quick message, or clearing a plate? Done and dusted.

3. Clean Kitchen Counters Every Night

No matter how tired you are, wipe down your counters. Waking up to a clean kitchen is magic for your mental state.

4. Plan Your Meals Every Sunday

Set aside time every Sunday to plan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week. Bonus: involve your family and rotate favorites to make it stress-free.

5. Grocery Plan Monthly

Create a master grocery list by category (fridge, pantry, produce, etc.) and stock up monthly on staples. This saves you money and mental energy.

6. Set Bi-Weekly Budgeting Dates

Review your spending and update your budget every two weeks. It keeps your finances in check and helps you stay intentional with your money.

7. Track Income & Expenses

Whether you use an app or a spreadsheet, tracking where your money goes = financial clarity and less surprise stress.

8. Organize Your Receipts

Have a folder or digital system to store receipts. Categorize them (utilities, groceries, investments, etc.) for monthly reviews and year-end taxes.

9. Plan Your Weekly Workouts

Structure your week ahead with workouts. For example:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Zumba

• Tuesday, Thursday – Yoga

• Saturday, Sunday – Weight TrainingIt removes guesswork and builds consistency.

10. Keep a Buffer in Your Schedule

Life with kids = unpredictability. Always add buffer time between tasks to avoid overwhelm when plans shift (because they will).

11. Assign Specific Laundry Days

Don’t try to do laundry every day. Assign 2–3 days a week and stick to it. This turns it into a routine instead of a never-ending task.

12. Give Everything a Home

A cluttered home is often the result of items not having a designated place. Label, box, basket—it doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional.

13. Use a Weekly Checklist for Your Maid

If you're blessed with domestic help, prepare a clear weekly checklist. It helps delegate tasks efficiently and ensures nothing gets missed.

14. Set a Weekly Reset Day

Choose one day (e.g., Sunday evening) to plan the week ahead—meals, outfits, workouts, appointments, etc. Think of it as your control center ritual.

15. Declutter as You Go

Instead of waiting for a big spring clean, toss or donate items when you spot them lying unused. A few seconds now saves hours later.

16. Sync Family Calendars

Use a digital calendar like Google Calendar to sync schedules—your partner’s meetings, kid’s school events, doctor appointments. No more surprises.

17. Create Morning and Evening Routines

Set routines that flow—stretch, skincare, gratitude journal in the morning; skincare, quick tidy-up, gratitude note in the evening. Anchoring your day creates rhythm.

18. Batch Your Tasks

Group similar tasks together—like replying to emails, prepping veggies, or folding laundry—so you stay in flow instead of switching gears constantly.

19. Set Alarms or Reminders

Use alarms to remind you about bill payments, meal prep, or even winding down. Your brain doesn’t need to hold everything.

20. Celebrate Your Wins

At the end of the week, take 10 minutes to review what went well. You’re doing more than you think—and giving yourself credit builds momentum.

Final Thought

Being organized isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. With just a few of these steps consistently practiced, you’ll not only feel more in control—you’ll have more time and energy for what truly matters.