Life as a mum of two is a constant balancing act. Between my toddler’s boundless energy and my older child’s needs, staying on top of everything sometimes feels like a losing battle. But over time, I’ve learned an important truth: organisation isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding simple systems that fit your life and help reduce stress, not add to it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Today, I’m sharing the strategies that work for me—not to create the perfect life, but to make things feel a little easier and more manageable.
1. Start Small and Set Priorities
When I tried to tackle everything at once, I always ended up feeling more stressed. Now, I start my day by identifying my top three priorities. These are the things that must happen, like tackling the laundry, scheduling an appointment, or prepping dinner.
Keeping the list short makes it realistic—and there’s nothing better than crossing off those tasks. If I manage to get through my top three and still have energy, I can always add more. But if I only get those three done, I consider the day a win.
Quick Tip: I use the Mum Productivity Kit to jot down my priorities each morning. It’s packed with daily and weekly planners, routine trackers, and other tools that help me stay focused—without the overwhelm. It’s been a game-changer for organising my day.
2. Build Flexible Routines
Strict schedules never worked for me. Life with kids is unpredictable—there are always interruptions, unexpected messes, or skipped naps. Instead, I focus on routines. These are consistent patterns that give structure to my day without being rigid.
In the mornings, I focus on setting the tone for the day: a quick tidy-up, prepping breakfast, and reviewing my planner while the kids eat. Evenings are about resetting for tomorrow. I lay out clothes, pack bags, and do a 10-minute kitchen tidy-up so I wake up to a clean space.
Routines like this are adaptable, and that’s what makes them work. If something doesn’t happen one day, I know I can pick it back up the next.
3. Tame the Clutter
It’s so much easier to stay organised when there’s less “stuff” to manage. I don’t have hours to declutter, so I break it into small chunks. Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there—it all adds up.
My favourite trick? The “one drawer at a time” method. Instead of trying to organise an entire room, I tackle one small area. A kitchen drawer, a toy bin, or a single shelf. It’s quick, and it gives me that instant feeling of accomplishment.
Bonus Tip: I involve the kids! My toddler loves helping me put toys in a basket, and it’s a great way to teach them early about tidying up.
4. Use Tools That Make Life Easier
Certain tools make my life so much easier. For example:
• Planners: I use a weekly planner to track appointments, meal plans, and family events. It helps me see everything at a glance.
• Kitchen gadgets: My air fryer has been a game-changer for quick, healthy meals. I can throw in some chicken and veggies and have dinner ready in minutes.
• Cleaning hacks: A handheld vacuum has been my secret weapon for tackling crumbs and messes on the go.
These tools aren’t about spending money—they’re about finding items that genuinely save time and energy.
5. Embrace Imperfection
Here’s the truth: no system is perfect, and that’s okay. Some days, things won’t go as planned. The laundry might pile up, the kids might skip naps, or dinner might be a last-minute freezer meal. That’s life.
Instead of aiming for perfection, I focus on progress. Even small wins—like getting through my top three priorities—are worth celebrating.
Remember, being organised isn’t about doing it all. It’s about creating a little breathing room in your day and feeling less overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Staying organised as a busy mum isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. By starting small, building routines, and using tools that make life easier, I’ve found a system that works for me—and it can work for you too.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take it one step at a time. Start with one priority, one routine, or one drawer. You don’t have to do it all—just enough to make your day feel a little brighter.
What’s your favourite way to stay organised? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
