Staying Organized

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With three kids, careers, appointments, PCS moves, and the everyday chaos of parenting, staying organized isn’t optional… it’s survival.

We don’t have it all figured out, but over the years, we’ve found a few systems and habits that help us hold it all together, or at least keep the wheels from falling off completely.

As a clean freak with ADHD and OCD, I thrive on structure, routines, and organization. Chaos around me = chaos in my brain. Having systems in place isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for my mental peace.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by schedules, logistics, and never-ending to-do lists, here’s a peek at how we manage it all (most days).

1. The Master Family Calendar

Our shared family calendar is the lifeline that keeps everything moving. We use a family calendar app that lets both me and my husband add appointments, reminders, and important notes from wherever we are. We have used it for a few years now and love it so much!

• Stay on top of upcoming events
• Plan ahead for work schedules and appointments
• Look back at past visits or sessions when we need to reference something

From school spirit days to therapy appointments, everything goes into the app. It’s one of the biggest ways we stay synced and avoid last-minute chaos.

2. Weekly Family Planning Sessions

Every Sunday night, once the kids are asleep, we do a quick reset:

• Review the week ahead
• Decide who’s handling drop-offs, pickups, and appointments
• Make sure nothing slips through the cracks

It helps us feel like we’re on the same page even when life is crazy.

3. Bins, Labels, and Command Centers (with a dash of clean freak energy)

I love a good label maker. Having clear bins and labeled stations gives everything a place and keeps it there. A few of our sanity-savers:

• Drop zone near the door for backpacks, shoes, and jackets
• Paper sorter system for forms, referrals, IEPs, and therapy notes
• Medication bins that keep things safe and sorted
• Breakfast bins the kids can grab from for quick mornings

• Daily clothing bins (one per kid) filled for the week during our Sunday reset

These systems turn decisions into routines helping our kids feel independent while saving us from morning chaos.

4. Kid-Friendly Chore Charts

Each child has a simple, visual chore chart. It keeps them on track, builds confidence, and gives us one less thing to nag about! You can customize them to your preferences and they check off tasks like:

• Make their bed
• Brush teeth
• Get dressed
• Feed pets
• Pack their backpack/lunchbox

5. Divide & Conquer (Teamwork = Sanity)

As a military couple, teamwork is everything. We trade off school runs, therapy sessions or appointments, and household tasks depending on who’s working, or just tapped out that day.

Honest check-ins and shared responsibilities help us stay afloat.

6. Grace Over Perfection

Some days are smooth. Others are spilled coffee, forgotten lunchboxes, and plans that fall apart.

We’ve learned that flexibility matters, and perfection isn’t the goal. Functioning chaos with love at the center? That’s the goal.

Final Thoughts

Military life, parenting, careers, it’s just a lot. Staying organized helps us breathe easier and make room for the moments that matter most.

If you’re looking for permission to color-code, label, or simplify everything, this is it.

FAQ: Staying Organized

How do you stay organized with three kids and a busy schedule?

We rely on a master family calendar, weekly planning sessions, chore charts, and labeled systems like bins and paper sorters. These routines help us stay on the same page and reduce daily stress.

What is the best family calendar app for busy parents?

We recommend using any shared calendar app that works across devices, like Google Calendar, Cozi, or TimeTree. The key is choosing one that both partners can update in real-time.

How can I create a simple chore chart for my kids?

Start with age-appropriate tasks and use a visual format like checkboxes or stickers so kids can see their progress. We keep it simple with tasks like brushing teeth, feeding pets, and packing bags.