10 Things to do at the Beginning of Every Month to be Wildly Organized
Get excited, this could truly change your life.
If you have ever seen my calendar, it is rammed full of all kinds of appointments, events, task lists and reminders. Sometimes I get shocked by how much I have going on, and our son is still quite young.
With a growing family, it can get overwhelming to keep track of everything. Birthdays, anniversaries, social events, due dates; stuff can easily slip through the cracks when you’re managing your household and family.
Keeping organization in your schedule is just as important as keeping organization in your home, if not more so. Life is only getting more chaotic in our family, so here are some tricks and tasks I try to complete each month to help ease the rest of our already busy lives.
Purchase any birthday cards or event gifts needed for the month ahead
It is a terrible feeling forgetting someone’s birthday. Sure, things like Facebook and calendar reminders help with this, but it sucks to rush around last minute to pick up a card or gift when their special day suddenly arrives. So when possible, I try to buy the birthday cards all at once, gifts if I can, unless it is something consumable or fresh that would need to be purchased upon the actual date. Buying cards ahead of time also allows you to mail them to those who live farther away. Another idea is to buy bulk card sets that you can select from upon the date needed, if you have the storage space, of course.
Clean out your car
It is shocking what accumulates in our cars. Crumbs, wrappers, loose change, hair ties, unidentifiable spills. Take the time to clear this up at least once a month to create a clean space for your travels and commutes.
Clean out your purse and kids bags
Another potential bottomless pit. We’ve all been there, finding old documents in bags that we should have taken care of a while ago. It is best to try to do this once a week, but for those ultra busy, at least once a month is completely realistic.
Schedule appointments
Life gets busy and away from us, that we can very easily forget to book that dentist appointment. While I ultimately recommend booking next appointments upon leaving a current appointment as often as possible (you can always call to reschedule if something comes up) being prepared and booked-in can save you time and effort later on in the month. Especially for things that book up very quickly like in-demand hair stylists, massage therapists or aestheticians. They are good at what they do and you have taken the time to finally find the one you like, make sure you get in when you want by booking in advance.
Organize the photos on your phone
I have never been so overloaded with photos on my phone until my son was born. Other parents can relate! We take 14 photos or more to ensure we got the perfect shot. And they move so quick it’s getting harder and harder to capture that adorable moment in just one take! I have resorted to cleaning off my iCloud and phone weekly to bi-weekly because I take so many pictures of my kid. Doing this at least once a month will save you time and future agony if anything were to break down on you and potentially lose all of those memories.
Deep clean and declutter
Take the time to hone in on those tasks that we never focus on until they are too far gone. Baseboards, cleaning the oven, washing our duvets, dusting the light fixtures and ceiling fans. Just one task a month can make a huge difference in the cleanliness of your home and your families health.
Create a budget
This can make a huge difference in your finances. It can teach you what you actually need versus what your wanting and overspending on. It can truly be eye opening when numbers are broken down and you see how much you spend on things. Especially in this overpriced economy, watching where your money is going is incredibly important. This also allows to focus on what you want in the future and what to save for.
Choose a book to read
As busy as life gets, sitting down to read a good book can be both relaxing and exciting. I was not a reader until about 2 or 3 years ago, and now I am obsessed with reading. But it has to be books I am interested in. In the past, if I wasn’t captured by a book, it took me forever to read, or honestly, I wouldn’t finish it. Since becoming a reader, I am too stubborn to not finish a book, but I am disappointed if it isn’t something I enjoyed. The library is an excellent source of amazing literature of all kinds and usually allow 3 weeks before a due date.
Clean out the fridge and pantry
Giving the fridge and pantry an overview helps clear out expired products, prevents repurchasing items you already have and allows you save money when you can use up items and get creative with your meals. Pro tip: I also give my fridge a wipe down each time I am bringing new groceries in. Fresh food in a freshly cleaned refrigerator, can’t go wrong!
Set personal goals
Taking the time to focus on ourselves or personal missions, as mothers, does not come naturally to most. But believe me, it is important. Take a moment for you while the kids are playing, or the baby is sleeping, even before you go to bed yourself. What is something you want to accomplish? Dream big or think small. Something new you’d like to try, a personal development you’d like to achieve. It is one thing to dream about wonderful futures, it’s another to write it down and truly allow yourself the chance to accomplish it.
There you have it, some awesome ideas to help get yourself wildly organized every month! What is something you want to try to achieve each month to make life a little bit easier?
Melanie xoxox