When I found out my husband would be traveling for work, I knew I needed a system to keep track of our family schedule. Usually, between my husband and me we could figure out our commitments based on e-mail correspondence and memory, but I knew that I would need to keep better track of our commitments when I was alone. My husband is an engineer and prefers to have all our records electronically. I’m not very tech savvy and consider myself more of a Luddite than anything else; I prefer taking a pen to paper when I need to get my thoughts down. So, we compromised on two different systems, which get used to varying degrees, depending on our needs.
Organizational system #1: Luddite Lindsey version, which includes:
- Whiteboard calendar
- Whiteboard for groceries and notes
- Mail holder so I remember where I put the mail (and my keys)
- Corkboards to hold adorable child artwork/essential paperwork I’m terrified of losing
- Whiteboard markers of assorted pretty colors, because who doesn’t love colors?
As you can see, it’s nothing glamorous, but it does the trick. After multiple searches online and trips to Pottery Barn, the Container Store, and Target, we came up with a relatively cheap and simple way for me to keep track of daily events, from the mundane (when to take out the trash), to the more essential (family birthday parties, communions, dentist appointments, etc.,.). Since we hung it up in the kitchen, it also is a great way for me to record what groceries or supplies I need for the house.
Organizational system #2: 21st Century husband version:
My husband set up a Google Calendar, which we both control. Bigger information that we both need access to, such as family events or his flights, makes its way onto the calendar. The only part I really love about this system is that I get updates through my iPhone. I often forget that I can post to the Google Calendar, but it’s useful that my husband can update it when he’s out of town.
n some ways, I don’t know if I was the only mom on the planet who had no system for keeping track of where we needed to be when, or what groceries needed to be purchased, or essential phone numbers, or reminders to get through the day to day. Now that my husband and I have designated places to put information regarding the daily routines, I feel calmer when he’s away. I can tackle tasks, solo, as they arise, and I feel more confident in my ability to manage our household. I’ve given myself permission to no longer try to remember every little detail about the minutia, and I am still amazed that a couple of whiteboards can help me to feel so empowered.
What are your tips for staying organized?
