Happy July!!! I realize this post is way overdue, but better late than never, right? Between really slow WiFi on vacation and just a busy summer schedule, everything is taking a little longer than normal. It's finally time for this month's post in the Everyday Organizing for Busy Moms series.
The topic today is something I feel VERY passionately about...the use of a paper planner.
I know there are lots of digital options and I've tried keeping my calendar on my phone, but with 3 kids going in 3 different directions, plus all of my obligations on top of that, I have found that a paper planner is the way to go. Some people make fun of me and I know it is sort of old school, but I promise you it will change your life if you can make yourself use it.
I prefer to use an academic planner, one that runs July-June, because in my brain, that is how the year goes. Our schools start the first of August, so July is when all of the back to school events and, beginning of sports things start.
I used to spend a lot on Erin Condren planners each year and loved them, but decided that a smaller size would be better because I can keep it in my purse and always have it with me. Each summer I order one from Amazon and they work out perfectly! My only requirements are the size (around 6x8), the fact that it runs July-June and that it has a weekly view.
Last year I had this one and this year I went with this one. It is under $10 and the best money you will ever spend. Both have served me well! I write everything in my planner. Kids sports schedules, upcoming tests to help the kids with, appointments, blog deadlines, reminders of things I need to do on certain days, everything!
I sometimes try to color coordinate, but it's not always pretty. I mark things out, highlight items, cross over things, white-out things and it is often a big mess. It might not make sense to anyone else that looks at it, but the most important thing is that it makes sense to your brain. I spend a little time at the beginning of each month to write down regular weekly practice times and ongoing items for that month, but then obviously as things are scheduled in advance I ALWAYS go ahead and write it down so I don't forget down the road.
When I read Monica Aldama's book one of the tips she shared for being successful was to have a cheap planner that you can write things down in and I was like, she gets it!
Seriously though, I know this method isn't for everyone and some people love their digital calendars. I'm just offering this as a suggestion if you are struggling to keep up with it all because it 1000% works for me!
EVERYDAY ORGANIZING FOR BUSY MOMS
January {Keep a Family Calendar}
February {To-Do Lists}
March {Time Pockets}
April {Declutter}
May {Laundry & Dishes}
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