9 Habits To Set Up An Organized Week

by Neha Ruch

Back when we had a regular babysitter, I remember rushing into our bedroom to get dressed before she arrived, mentioning in passing that I liked to be somewhat put together to greet her. My husband laughed out loud and asked how I have time to overthink so much. He is always slightly amused with me but equally, I am always (over)thinking something—especially about how to make the energy in myself and our home as healthy and happy as possible.

That first phase of parenting with paid help granted me more space and also challenged me to redesign our routines. During that time, I developed a handful of habits for Sunday evenings and Monday mornings that help me go in to the week feeling strong.

My Plan for an Easier Week

1. Review our joint Google calendars

Aside from giving us a chance to talk about what is coming up for us, a weekly calendar review helps my husband and I set expectations for one another on mornings (who’s handing drop off) and evenings (if I’ll be handling bedtime solo or with Dan, what nights we’re cooking, etc.)

2. Do a big grocery order on Instacart

I find that when our kitchen is stocked with staples, everyone is a little more content. Blueberry waffles for Bodie or almond milk for my coffee go a long way.

3. Clean out the stroller and restock the diaper bag(s)

It’s amazing how spare change and ziplocks of snack crumbs just pile up in the pockets. Knowing that everything is in its place just helps us get out the door a bit faster.

4. Write out the kids’ week at a glance

It’s hard enough for me to keep the kids’ moving schedules in my head. Once we had someone else helping, I liked to lay out the most important points so our babysitter would know what to expect for the week (classes, playdates, etc).

5. Set an intention

This is most commonly focused on Mother Untitled, but sometimes it’s simply about how I want to be feeling—connected, lighter, organized, etc—in the week ahead. I start my week with a call into my coach which helps break an intention down to action items for me.

6. Quality one-on-one time with the kids

We started doing this after Bodie started school, and kept doing it after Lyla came along. Now, she has her own one-on-one date with me, too. I find this quality focused time sets us all up to feel cared for and connected before going in different directions.

7. Listen to the Skimm This podcast

Each episode of the Skimm This podcast offers a rundown of important news items, as well as context on how these moments impact everyday Americans. It’s an easy briefing on current events so I feel more in-the-know.

8. Clear out my inbox

This one is new. I’ve really struggled with response timing forever. Well before kids, so I can’t blame it on them. A quick inbox sweep on Monday morning means I’m checking off important to-dos, and heading into the week without the weight of 10 million emails.

9. Make a list of to-dos for Monday through Thursday

With the kids in summer camp, I now have a reliable window of time again to focus however I choose to, whether that’s on family admin, Mother Untitled, or my own hobbies and personal development. It is so easy to go down an Internet rabbit hole in my free time and later lament I got nothing done, so I need a list to keep me on track.