10 Awesome Organizing Hacks for Busy Families

If you didn’t feel completely organized for back-to-school this year, don’t fret, you weren’t alone! It doesn’t matter if you were underprepared – or maybe even totally scrambling at the last minute – because these 10 awesome organization hacks for busy families will make you totally forget about all your shortcomings. And they might even make you feel like a pro organizer, with creative and inexpensive shortcuts to get your home in order fast.

In the Kitchen

1. Get clarity. Add extra storage bins to your fridge to keep things from becoming a jumbled mess. Clear plastic containers work best and help kids easily find snacks like yogurts, fruit and veggies.

2. Plan ahead. The biggest source of stress for moms and dads is usually figuring out mealtimes. Be ultra organized by putting together a weekly meal plan. Preparing your menus and grocery lists ahead of time makes feeding the family a breeze.

3. Move freely. Put the cleaning supplies you use most often into a wooden toolbox or large pail with handle. This keeps all your essentials on hand and easy to transport from room to room.

In the Entry

4. No more sky hooks. Extra drawer knobs are a quick and easy way to add storage to your entryway. Paint them to match your wall and use to hang bags, keys and jackets.

5. Charge with ease. Everyone is tired of messy wires and a pile of uncharged devices. Make a DIY charging station out of an old, wooden breadbox, letter organizer, cigar box, wicker tray, and more. You’d be surprised at the many options you find when you look around the house.

In the Bedroom

6. Divide and conquer. Need drawer dividers? Cut old shoe boxes in half lengthwise or crosswise as necessary and place in drawers to organize socks, underwear, jewellery and more.

7. Put the fun back into functional. Decorate your child’s room while organizing their stuffed toys at the same time! Place strips of Velcro on the wall and the soft-sided, matching strips on lightweight stuffed animals. Stick them to the wall when it’s time to tidy up.

8. If the shoe doesn’t fit. Hang a large shoe organizer on the back of a door to hold all your kids’ art supplies or even toys. Dead easy!

Anywhere

9. Be crafty. Don’t have a lot of space for a designated homework station? Make a portable one instead. Kids can help design their very own homework caddy with old cartons and duct tape. Fill with markers, pens, paper and anything else they need to get their work done.

10. Offer an incentive plan. Mornings and after school time can be hectic for families, especially if kids and teens need constant reminders to stick to their routine. Keep things running smoothly by giving them a chore chart with a reward system so they’re inspired to help mom and dad without daily prodding.