1. Multi-task if you can

Often, chores from our To-Do-List can be grouped together. For example, if you are doing a load of laundry in the washing machine, you can do some dishes while it is still running. You can empty trash bins or organize a bookshelf while calling a friend or family member. You can go shopping for groceries while your laundry is drying.

Similarly, try to cook multiple meals as it will save you time for other things. Since you are preparing lunch, why not cook dinner at the same time. To avoid boredom while cleaning or ironing, listen to a podcast. Or watch a sitcom while cutting vegetables. This way, you can still laugh with F.R.I.E.N.D.S. while crying over your onions. Your chores will feel less like a burden, and you might start looking forward to some of them.

2. Make alternate lists

We usually make a list for a day or a week. We recommend making an alternate list. One list when you are feeling productive and energized, one when you are tired, and one for an in-between mood. And these lists can be simple. For instance, your “Productive List” involves deep cleaning and organizing fridge shelves, but your “Low-Energy List” includes cleaning one book shelf and organizing vegetables. This way, your to-do list will be filled with big and small tasks, and you can still stay productive even if you cannot do big tasks.

Doing small, productive tasks will boost your confidence and, in the long run, free up time in your schedule to do big tasks.

Additionally, add must-do tasks to lists as a top priority. Like your children’s school fees, a doctor’s appointment, or getting flu vaccinations. Getting your main job out of the way will relieve you of constant thinking, and you can focus better on things without draining your mental battery.

3. Start Small

Cleaning up an entire home in one day can definitely scare the living hell out of anyone. But no law requires you to clean everything in one day. Instead, you can start small and then scale up if you have the time and energy. You can clean your bathroom one day and your TV lounge the next. Also, focus on keeping flat surfaces clean, like putting away toys from the floor and decluttering the kitchen counter and table. This will decrease the visual clutter of big messes and give your house a clean, tidy look.

4. Put your children to work

Cleaning and organizing a house doesn’t have to be a one-person job. In fact, you can put your children to work and teach them good habits this way. Make it their practice to put all their toys in designated bins after every playtime. Ask them to put their shoes and clothes away when they get home from school. Teach them how to make their beds. After the age of 10, you can even assign them basic household chores like taking out the trash, folding laundry, cleaning their bedrooms, etc. Rotate tasks between children, so they don’t get bored. This way, you’ll be teaching them good habits and eventually preparing them for adulthood.

5. Outsource if you can (if not all, then on weekends or some tasks)

Oftentimes, outsourcing work can be a huge relief for your hectic schedule. We occasionally recommend hiring a gardener to mow your lawn, a part-time maid to do your laundry and cleaning, and even having your car professionally washed. All such tasks can be easily outsourced if you have the budget to give yourself some time off for relaxation.

6. Designate daily tasks

Making a list of everyday tasks can be very useful. You can designate days for certain chores, like doing laundry on Wednesday and Sunday and cleaning on Monday and Thursday. Weekend grocery shopping not only allows you to take advantage of the best discounts on items, but it also enables you to organize all of your groceries in the fridge and pantry. Have a quick 30-minute cleaning session before bed to finish what you started. Fold any dried laundry and put away washed dishes before the day ends so you don’t have pending tasks for tomorrow morning.

7. Create Zones

Establish “zones” in your house, i.e., a designated area for certain things. Shoes and bags should be left on a table near the front door, and a coat rack near the main door should be kept for hanging everyday coats, jackets, and scarves. Keep a bowl on the table for car keys and your wallet. Keep a laundry basket and hamper in each room to separate clean and dirty clothes. Assign each child a drawer to keep their toys in. Teach your children about zone rules, reward them when they follow them and keep everything organized.

There you have: seven simple tips to help you organize this year. You can implement these tips one by one in your daily life to have a clutter-free home and peace of mind.

Parenting is not a race, but a marathon. And, you have to take care of your body and mind to win this marathon. It’s okay if you lose track of things and get overwhelmed. We all have good and bad days. Just remember to pick yourself up after bad days and cherish yourself. As long as you are healthy and happy, you can always find your way back.