My Quest Toward Systematization

Systematization: noun.

1. systematic organization; the act of organizing something according to a system or a rationale

Let's be real. If organization were a class, I'd be destined for summer school. It's not that I DON'T WANT to be organized. I do. But I wasn't born with it. I'm okay with the planning part. I can make a list with the best of 'em. But once the planning is over with, I get overwhelmed with the details and may give up at the very sight of the list.

With 5 kids, even laundry can be a bit daunting...

bleach the whites,

stain shot,

wash,

dry,

press,

put away,

repeat.

If only I could get to the "put away" part before I was back to the washing! And let's not even talk about how huge my ironing pile can get *shiver*.

I have some friends who are positively giddy when they have something to file, alphabetize, collate or otherwise master. Not me. I'll do it, but I usually have to drag myself kicking-and-screaming to the task.

Don't get me wrong, my house is clean...if by clean you mean GERM FREE. Being a nurse, I am by nature a germ-aphob. But clean and organized are two different things.

Making myself accountable through this blog is my way of shaming myself into it. I'm gonna show you my progress...allow you to comment. I want to share my journey so that women who are not MARTHA STEWART-ESQUE can be encouraged. I can do this. We can do this together!

STEP 1: My Planner is My Friend.

My best friend. I have to EAT SLEEP BREATHE planner. Oh yes. With 4 in school, that's four different library days, gym days, show & tell days, not to mention homework assignments, special events, holiday parties...The white board in the mud room isn't gonna cut-the-mustard anymore. Here is my alternative:

This is a 3-ring binder I purchased at Wal-Mart. I wanted something that was easily customizable. This can hold the kids' essential school paperwork, and a monthly calendar with ample writing room:

I purchased the Day One monthly inserts from Wal-Mart as well. You can find some planner pages to print free on the web HERE, and HERE as well as some great ideas for making your own planner HERE. I then purchased some divider tabs and a three-hole punch. Now I am set!

I'll keep you updated on my progress. In the meantime, I'd love to hear how you KEEP IT ALL TOGETHER in your household!

PS:
If you prefer to have your planner online, check out COZI and THE DAILY HOME PLANNER.