Living a scheduled life is something I’ve learned the hard way is something we can all improve on and be better at.
I’ve always considered myself an organized person. Along comes our 3 kids and technology explosion and I was pulling my hair out. I wasn’t as organized as I thought I was. I was missing IMPORTANT doctor appointments and missing key scheduled things in our kids life and so forth.
I looked back and had to ask myself where am I going wrong. Why am I messing up so bad, what was working and what wasn’t?
I’ve written some basic tips that helped me, bonus I added a DIY!
There’s a TON of organization gurus out there. They offer great advice. Yet, we are all made differently and have to figure out what works best for us.
I tried for over a year to keep up with switching to the free google calendar. It’s free right, boy was a wrong. I guess the writer in me needs to write it down. I had a bit of a meltdown last year realizing my loath for technology wasn’t helping trying to stay organized using something online.
1: Get a GOOD planner:
After posting a desperate outcry to friends on Facebook I was reminded of my other writing friends to use a teacher planner.
I got one and it’s made a big difference. 
Having this cute spot in our kitchen with the writing desk makes it easy to layout. The planner fits so perfectly. As much as I love beautiful detailed planners and paper products, I got mine from staples and it’s made by Emily Ley
My Husbands work uses the Google Calender so I still sometimes add things or he adds them. It’s still kinda used, I’m still trying to adapt. But for my sanity I went back to a paper planner.
2: DIY a Picture frame for Days of the Week:
Ready for an upcycle and a DIY? I love a good repurpose project that’s fast and easy.
I originally made this for meal planning. The paper planner I bought already has a slot for meal planning. This DIY became a “week at a glance” for the whole family and it’s been hugely helpful.
What you need:
- Paper (larger needed if you have a bigger frame)
- Permanent Marker
- Ruler
- Picture Frame
- Paint
Paint the frame with 2 coats. Let it fully dry. Measure out your day slots and an extra space to write the month on top. Use your marker to mark out your lines. Then put the frame back together. Hang and use dry erase markers and your done!
I use different color dry erase for different members of the family. Or different events we have going on. I update this every Saturday night.
I have it hanging in a central part of our home so we see it everyday.
3: Use a 12 month Calendar
I got this idea from Jordan Page at Fun Cheap or Free. She uses google calendar, however I’ve already established that doesn’t work for me. Since I’m a visual person, we opted to buy a bigger white erase 12 month calendar. We hung it up in our bedroom.
This huge visual aid has all our core things that need to be on here. All my husbands work schedule, on call and paydays. Our holidays are on this calendar and most importantly birthdays. Kids school breaks and so forth. I think you get the drift.
We seem to get caught off guard when birthdays come around or holidays sneak up and we didn’t budget. Sharing that to let you know we aren’t perfect.
Having a visual aid like this is already helping us budget and plan better. Now we can plan those “last minute” camping trips or what weekends are best to hammer out a much needed reno.
Here’s to a better planned, scheduled and organized 2020.
Hope these tips are helpful, they are for our family.
What are things you do to keep organized?
Notefull Living 