Do this before Monday for guaranteed smoother week
Posted by Angela on Sep 16, 2011 in FAMILY life, ORGANIZING | 20 comments“Let’s GO.”
“Hurry up!!!!”
“We’re going to be late!”
“How many times do I need to ask???”
According to my back-to-school survey, the biggest challenge moms face is feeling like we are always in a RUSH. Just reading the phrases above makes my heart beat faster as I catch myself basically holding my breath. The best thing I’ve done to minimize {not completely eliminate!} these words? My weekly prep.
Whether you have a houseful of kids or you have the house to yourself, performing this ritual practically guarantees a smoother week ahead. Here’s how you can create your very own:
WHEN?
Habits / rituals are more likely to stick if done at consistent time, so plan what day is best and schedule it in your calendar. I’ll typically do things under #1 on Friday/Saturday and reserve late afternoon on Sundays for #2. { And when you have out-of-town plans for the weekend, shifting this up to earlier in week – even an abbreviated version – will make coming home on Sunday so much better. I promise!}
WHAT TO DO?
#1: HOME well-stocked + looking good: I like to start a new week with things clean and in order. While it’s great to be able to maintain your home on an on-going basis, let’s face it: at least at times, it can fall apart. These are a few things I {actually “we” – kids are included here} do to bring order back before jumping into our week ahead:
- clothes washed {and put away!!}
- stuff back in their proper homes
- pantry stocked
- rooms {bed/bath/kitchen/laundry/family} clean
- car emptied of unnecessary stuff
#2: Think though your typical week and note what can be done before hand. This is my list:
- Calendar: Look over the following week {+ rest of month} making note of what needs to be done. I use a week-at-a-glance* page – my lifesaver – to plan my week. {*My Week-at-a-Glance is a free resource you receive when joining Angela Harris Design on-line; if you are already in my address book and would like one, just let me know – angela@AngelaHarrisDesign.com.}
- Outfits: We place shirts & pants AND socks & undies all together on ONE coat hanger for EACH of the five days. Plus, belt and shoes have to be in a designated place before bed. The act of literally having all of this on one hanger – & doing all 5 on Sunday- has made a huge difference. {I personally can’t plan what I’m wearing a week ahead of time! A night before – doable.}
- Activities: Have ready to go anything needed: sports uniforms & equipment; forms filled out; etc. {Don’t forget about your stuff: work-related / volunteer responsibilities / gym bag … }
- Lunches*: While buying lunch at school is more expensive {I did add up and averaged out how much I typically spent on lunches from home}, I have to say, for ME it’s worth the extra bit not to have to put together a lunch every day. Unfortunately, my kids prefer me making them lunch vs. eating school lunch … Still working through this and next one. But my friend Marie has a fabulous plan that works for her boys – will share it soon.
- Other Meals*: When it comes to preparing a meal, do you find yourself peering into the pantry wondering, “What in the world am I going to make?” If so, do that wondering during your weekly prep and make a plan for each night {taking into consideration each day’s schedule}.
* BOTTOM LINE: Know different meal options everyone {is that possible?} enjoys – and have what you need stocked. Plan out {literally write down for each day} each meal.
Establishing your own weekly prep ritual can have a tremendous impact on the flow {less rush /more calm} of your week:
- Decisions: Grouping together & making decisions BEFORE your week gets started takes a great deal less energy and time.
- Order: Having things back in their places so you can find what you need when you need it – huge.
- Aesthetics: Starting the week off with clean & organized surroundings – makes a bigger impact than you may realize.
Try it out and let me know how it goes!
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