Top Tips for Keeping the Whole Family Organised
- Fox Cub Design Studio
- Jun 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Does your house feel chaotic? Do you feel like you have no time to think? Managing a family can feel overwhelming with endless responsibilities like homework, after-school activities, and meal planning.
Often, the burden falls on one person, making life even more stressful. But with some simple strategies, you can get the whole family involved and create a more organised, harmonious home. Here are our top tips to keep your family on track!
In this blog, we’ll explore:
Morning and Bedtime Routines
After-School Routines
Getting Started: Involve the Whole Family
If organising the family has been primarily your responsibility, suddenly getting everyone involved may feel like a shock. Start by introducing the idea calmly - perhaps during dinner or a car ride. Let your family know that sharing the load will free up more time for fun activities and reduce stress for everyone.
Schedule a family meeting to discuss household responsibilities, expectations, and goals. Giving everyone a voice in the process will help them feel more invested in keeping things organised.
Create an Organisation Station
A central hub for organisation can be a game-changer. Choose a wall space in a common area like the kitchen or dining room to set up your ‘command centre.’ Here’s what you’ll need:
A large wall calendar - to keep track of family schedules and appointments.
A bulletin board or whiteboard - for reminders, notes, and to-do lists.
Plastic wallets or folders for each child - to store school letters, homework sheets, and other important documents.
Chore charts and planners - so everyone knows their responsibilities.
Let the kids decorate their folders - to make them feel more engaged in the process!
Establish Routines
Morning and Bedtime Routines
Consistency is key! Setting up predictable morning and bedtime routines helps reduce stress and encourages independence in children.
In the morning, make sure everyone knows their tasks (brushing teeth, getting dressed, packing school bags, etc.).
At night, set bedtime routines like winding down with a book, avoiding screens, and preparing for the next day.
After-School Routines
Children thrive on routine. A structured after-school plan can help them stay on top of homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation time. Create a Homework and Activity Planner and display it in your organisation station.
Plan and Prep Meals
Meal planning is one of the best ways to save time, money, and stress.
Create a weekly meal plan and a shopping list to minimise grocery store trips.
Get the whole family involved by letting each member choose and help cook a meal.
Plan lunches in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling in the morning.
Keep a list of family-favourite meals to make meal planning easier.
Use a Family Calendar
A family calendar (either physical or digital) is essential for keeping track of everyone’s activities. Sync digital calendars across devices or use a whiteboard calendar that’s visible to all.
Record school events, extracurricular activities, appointments, and social events.
Check the calendar at the start of each week to prepare in advance.
Declutter Regularly
Clutter creates chaos! Take time to declutter rooms periodically. Involve the kids by making it a fun activity:
Set a timer and challenge everyone to tidy up before it rings.
Donate unused toys, clothes, and household items.
Use labeled bins and storage containers to keep things organised.
Assign Chores and Responsibilities
Teaching children responsibility from a young age is invaluable.
Create a chore chart with age-appropriate tasks.
Rotate chores weekly to keep things fair.
Offer small rewards or incentives to keep kids motivated.
Set Up a Homework Station
A quiet, clutter-free workspace encourages focus and productivity. Equip a designated area with:
School supplies (pens, paper, rulers, calculators, etc.).
A comfortable chair and good lighting.
A timer to help with time management.
Use Labels and Containers
Label storage bins, shelves, and drawers helps everyone find and return items to their proper place. Categorising items (e.g., school supplies, toys, kitchen utensils) can reduce mess and frustration.
Make Lists and Check Them Twice
Lists are a lifesaver for busy families. Consider keeping:
A running grocery list - write down items as they’re used.
A meal ideas notebook - with favourite family meals.
A household checklist - for weekly tasks and maintenance reminders.
Use Alarms and Reminders
Setting alarms on your phone can help keep your family on schedule. Try:
Morning wake-up alarms.
Reminders for school pickups and extracurricular activities.
Alerts for meal times, homework sessions, and bedtime.
Have a Weekly Family Check-In
Schedule a short weekly family meeting to:
Review upcoming events.
Assign new chores.
Address any concerns or issues.
Celebrate achievements and successes.
Make Organisation Fun!
Keeping things tidy doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how to make it fun:
Play music and have a clean-up dance party.
Set a 5-minute cleanup challenge.
Use a reward system (stickers, points, or small treats) for completing tasks.
Final Thoughts: Creating Calm in the Chaos
Family life can feel like a whirlwind, but a little structure can go a long way. By involving everyone in the process and establishing small, consistent habits, you're not just organising your home, you’re building a supportive, balanced environment where everyone thrives.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection, it's progress. Things won’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. What matters is having systems in place that reduce stress and bring your family together, rather than pulling you apart.
Whether it’s a shared calendar, a weekly family meeting, or simply labelling containers so things don’t get lost again, every little step makes a difference. These strategies aren’t about doing more, they’re about doing things smarter, so there’s more time left for connection, joy, and those spontaneous moments that make family life truly meaningful.
Start small, stay flexible, and remember: a calmer, more organised home is within reach, with everyone pitching in, it’s a team effort worth building together.
Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Start small, keep things fun, and enjoy the extra time you’ll gain for the things that matter most!
Thank you for reading - may today be gentle, sweet, and full of small delights.
Comments