As Mother’s Day draws near, it’s a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the wisdom and life lessons we’ve inherited from those who’ve shaped us. My mother, in particular, has been a monumental figure in teaching me the art of organization—a skill that has profoundly impacted my ability to manage my home, time, and life efficiently. In honor of her wisdom, I’d like to share 15 organizing strategies I learned from my mom that have not only simplified my daily routines but could also bring a sense of order and peace into your life.

The Magic in Managing Paper Piles

 

1. Open all mail promptly to avoid accumulation.

1. Discard junk mail immediately to keep clutter at bay.

1. Recycle magazines and papers once they’ve been read.

1. Use a small file box or filing cabinet for important personal documents.

1. Shred and discard duplicate information from banks, insurance companies, and pharmacies to protect your identity and reduce paper clutter.

The Heart of the Home: The Kitchen

 

1. Dedicate a day for bulk cooking (meats, sides, vegetables) to simplify meals throughout the week.

1. Plan meals and write shopping lists by aisle to save time and money.

1. Add items to the shopping list as soon as they’re opened to ensure you never run out.

1. Label and date frozen items, moving older items to the front to use them first.

1. Rotate pantry items, placing newer purchases at the back and older ones in front for easy access.

Mastering Time Management

 

1. Use a calendar for household reminders, such as changing baking soda in the fridge and smoke detector batteries.

1. Schedule weekly tasks like laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning to maintain a routine.

1. Clean the kitchen after each meal to keep it welcoming and tidy.

1. Discard expired food weekly on the night before trash collection to keep your kitchen fresh.

1. Plan errand routes in advance to maximize efficiency and save time.

These simple yet effective strategies from my mom have been invaluable in keeping my life organized and focused. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wisdom passed down through generations and how it continues to enrich our lives.

Last year I had the pleasure of discussing these lessons and more on The Organized Life Podcast with fellow organizer Laurie Palau. Tune in to our conversation for a deeper dive into the organizing strategies we’ve learned from our moms.

What organizing wisdom have you learned from your mom? I’d love to hear your stories and tips. Sharing these nuggets of wisdom helps us all grow and manage our lives more effectively.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance to bring these strategies into your life or tackle a particular organizing challenge, I’m here to help. Schedule a virtual organizing session with me, and let’s honor our mothers’ wisdom by creating spaces that are organized, functional, and joyful.

Book Your Virtual Organizing Session Now! Services | Totally Organized, LLC (trafft.com)

Together, we can create a legacy of organization that would make our moms proud. Happy Mother’s Day!