Whether you have a house full of little ones or just welcomed a new baby, it’s safe to say you’re likely in a busy, overwhelming season of life. The laundry is piling up, meal times feel like chaos, and the constant juggle between keeping your home running and caring for your family can feel exhausting. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to simplify your life so you can feel more in control. Here are some practical, realistic tips to help you survive—and even thrive—during this chaotic time.
1. Simplify Your Home, Simplify Your Mind
When life gets overwhelming, the best thing you can do is simplify your home. Less stuff means fewer things to manage, clean, or organize, and that equals less stress. As you move through your home, ask yourself: Does this item add value to my life? If not, it’s time to let it go. Decluttering creates space not only in your home but in your mind. It allows you to focus on what really matters—the people in your life.
One of the biggest time savers is cutting back on the amount of stuff your family owns. Declutter toys, clothes, kitchen gadgets, and random household items. The less you have, the less you need to clean, organize, and maintain.
2. Stop Folding Laundry
Laundry is one of those never-ending tasks that feels like it’s always lingering. Want to hear something crazy but life-changing? Stop folding laundry. Seriously! Toss clothes straight into drawers or bins. If you’re not wasting time folding every single item, you’ll get a chunk of your life back. Trust me, your kids (and your sanity) will thank you for it later.
Even better? Teach your kids to put away their own clothes. By age two or three, they can start putting their clothes into designated drawers or baskets. If you’re just tossing the laundry instead of folding it, they’ll have no trouble keeping up. Win-win!
3. Simplify Meal Times
Dinner time doesn’t need to be an elaborate, time-consuming affair. Stick to meals that require 10 minutes or less to prepare. Think simple proteins like chicken thighs, ground meat, or one-pot meals that you can throw together quickly. Having a few go-to recipes you rotate each week can make meal prep a breeze and eliminate decision fatigue.
You can also prep ahead by freezing sandwiches for the week. For example, take an entire loaf of bread and fill half with peanut butter and half with cream cheese. Freeze them, and you’ll have pre-made lunches ready to go. Just pull one out in the morning, pop it in a baggie, and it’s good to go for the day.
4. Get the Kids Involved
You don’t need to do everything yourself. Your family is a team, and even the little ones can pitch in. Kids aged 5 and up can handle tasks like setting the table, sweeping, and yes—even cooking! One great way to take a load off your plate is to assign each older child one night a week where they’re responsible for dinner (with some supervision, of course). Not only does this take the pressure off you, but it also builds their confidence and teaches valuable life skills.
For younger kids, give them age-appropriate responsibilities. Picking up toys, helping set the table, or even putting away clean clothes can give them a sense of accomplishment and take some of the work off your hands.
5. Prepare the Night Before
The morning rush can be one of the most stressful parts of the day, so take the time to prepare the night before. Lay out everyone’s clothes, pack school bags, and get lunches prepped and ready to grab from the fridge. Prepping ahead will make your mornings smoother and save you time during the busiest part of your day.
6. Stick to Your Priorities
During a busy season, it’s essential to define your top priorities. Ask yourself, “What’s truly important in this phase of life?” Maybe it’s spending quality time with your kids or maintaining some semblance of sanity through self-care. By knowing what matters most, you can make better decisions about how to spend your time and let go of tasks or activities that aren’t serving you.
Remember, it’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities. Whether that’s declining an invitation to an event or taking on fewer responsibilities at work, sometimes protecting your time is the most important thing you can do.
7. Build in Flexibility
While it’s important to plan and have systems in place, don’t over-schedule yourself. Leave some breathing room in your calendar for unexpected events or last-minute changes (hello, toddler meltdowns!). Having some buffer time allows you to adjust without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out when things inevitably go off track.
8. Delegate Tasks to Others
In busy seasons, delegating is everything. Remember, you’re not in this alone, and having others to share in some of the responsibility for the household makes everything feel more manageable.
9. Simplify Your Routines
Routines are a lifesaver when life gets hectic. Establish simple, repeatable routines for things like cleaning, meal prep, and bedtime. Keep your routines as streamlined as possible—the fewer moving parts, the better. For example, create a 10-minute evening clean-up routine where the whole family pitches in to pick up toys, wipe down counters, and sweep floors.
10. Practice Self-Care
Amidst the chaos, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Even if it’s just five or ten minutes a day, find little pockets of time to do something that recharges you—whether that’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, going for a quick walk, or davening for few minutes. A well-rested, healthy mom is a happier and more present mom, so prioritize yourself, even if it feels impossible at times.
Conclusion
This crazy, chaotic season of life may feel overwhelming at times, but with a few simple strategies, you can bring some calm to the storm. Focus on simplifying your home, your routines, and your meals. Get your family involved and take advantage of every opportunity to prepare ahead. Most importantly, remember to take care of yourself, and know that this season won’t last forever.
You've got this! Keep it simple, stay present, and focus on what really matters—the people in your home, not the stuff.
I’m Here to Help
If you’re new here, welcome! Let me break this down for you. If you’re already familiar with this, just skip.
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and not sure where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve got three ways to help you take control and create a peaceful, organized home:
This step-by-step course is like having me right there with you, holding your hand through the entire decluttering process.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Easy-to-follow video lessons you can watch at your own pace.
A clear, 6-week plan to transform your home—manageable and stress-free.
Cheerleading and support from me every step of the way, so you never feel stuck or overwhelmed.
This is the quickest and easiest way to see results because I guide you through it all.
2. My Book
Prefer to go at your own pace? My book is perfect for self-starters! It’s packed with actionable steps and practical tips to help you declutter and organize your home independently. If you love reading and tackling projects solo, this is your go-to.
Want the ultimate shortcut? My team and I can come to your home and do all the work for you.
We’ll:
Declutter and organize your space.
Create lasting systems to keep your home in order.
Leave you with a peaceful, clutter-free haven—without you lifting a finger!
Whether you prefer DIY, guided help, or letting us handle it all, the result is the same: a clutter-free home and a happier, calmer you.
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