The Perfect Organizational System: Maintenance is Key Part 2

In part 2 of this article about having the “perfect” organizational system I’ll discuss getting your family on board.

So many times I hear from clients that they can get a great system going in their houses, but then their family messes it all up.

Here’s some tips and tricks to get them to help.

Getting your family on board

Involve your kids and spouse in the process and invite them to problem solve with you. Ask them where they think coats or backpacks should go and what would be easiest. They will be more likely to “buy in” to it if they have a say in the process.
If I move things around in my home without them, I I give them a tour as soon as they are around
Then I give reminders each time things do not get back where planned and have them redo it (hold them accountable)
If it isn’t working after that, I ask them where they think this item should go now and see if that’ll work.
Make it a routine and post the routine in a place they will see it daily (ours is on the fridge)

If your child can do it and it is still a little too hard, it is a perfect time to teach them to do it. Then it’ll be exciting! We did this when my kiddos were tiny and then they learned and we never went back. They began getting out things for lunches by 18 months (get the bread out for Mommy) to making their own imperfect sandwiches at age 3. They were in charge of making their lunches ever since then. When we need packed lunches for the family for vacations or day trips, now they are in charge of that for everyone. This can apply to anything such as dishes, cleaning tasks, small repairs etc.
Always start small and see their success, then add to it so as they grow they can do bigger jobs and take on more responsibilities. We began having them put away silverware when they could reach the counter, then added the plastic children’s plates and bowls and then by the time they were 6, they were hand-washing the dishes and able to put most things away that they could reach. Now everyone in my family rotates the job of dishes according to a calendar I make weekly.

Kids love to have routine and predictable things that happen throughout the day.
Creating a visual schedule or chore chart will help mornings go smoother if discussed with the children and they have input on what images are used and what order makes sense to them. Not only should there be self-care things on the list like breakfast, brushing teeth, combing hair, but also add responsibilities that care for the whole household such as tidy up bathroom, wipe off table, wash dishes, put away dishes or laundry, pet care etc.
Co-working time is great because this is time everyone is doing an assigned task at the same time and they don’t feel like they are the only one working. This is great after dinner when someone is doing dishes, someone is putting away the food, and others are working on laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, or bathrooms. Then everyone can relax after putting in a good 20-30 min of work time.

I hope that it is easier for you to maintain your organizational systems by getting your family on board, delegating, and finding a good routine.

For more help on maintaining your organization see Part 1 of this article here.

Are you ready to get your space or schedule organized? Let me know how I can help you get to a more Peaceful Place.