Become a More Organized Homeschool Mom With These Simple Tips

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Let’s face it, being organized doesn’t come naturally to all of us but there is so much benefit to being at least a semi organized homeschool mom.

Organization doesn’t have to mean a lack of fun or being overworked.

While I’ve been sitting here thinking over why I like to be an organized homeschool mom it’s actually because it makes me more fun.

You’ll get lots of different suggestions for how to become a more organized homeschool mom and the reasons for doing so, but at the end of the day, it usually leads to a more rested and happier mom overall, and that is ultimately what will affect your children the most.

I am naturally inclined to seek out organization and so I am forever trying to find ways that work the best for me.

If you’re not someone who cares about being organized but you see it as an area you need to work on then it can be overwhelming knowing where to start.

I’m going to share with you the tips that have helped me to be an organized homeschool mom without losing spontaneity and joy in the moments of homeschooling my kids.

The Best Tips for Becoming an Organized Homeschool Mom

I think it’s important to acknowledge that everyone’s organizing will look different.

Our brains are unique and work in different ways so it is perfectly acceptable for us to organize accordingly.

Don’t look over and compare yourself to another homeschool mom because she’s not YOU.

Do what works for you and assess how it works for your family. The end.

Don’t scroll Instagram, watch Youtube videos, or chat with your homeschool mom friends and feel less than because you don’t have 5 gazillion spreadsheets.

That’s not what this is about.

Having routines, rhythms, and systems in your home is about serving your family. Not your neighbor’s.

With that said, let’s chat about some basic things you can do to be better organized for your homeschool days.

#1 Have a Plan

Okay, hear me out. I don’t care if you’re a traditional homeschooler, a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, an unschooler, or a mix of everything…you need a plan.

That plan can be to just go with the flow, but you need to know that and you need to own it.

If you’re frustrated by a lack of organization then it may be because you don’t know where you’re going.

Whatever your homeschooling philosophy you need to have a purpose and destination in mind.

Once you’ve got that it becomes a lot easier to plan everything else around it.

#2 Gather Supplies

Picture this…you’re doing a science experiment with your kids. You have everything out that you need in order to do it except for that one thing that you forgot.

If you’re like me, you put the experiment aside and you’re lucky if it ever actually happens because dragging three little kids out for a single supply just ain’t gonna happen.

And if you are the kind of mom who isn’t phased by taking your kids out to get said supply then at the very least your homeschool day is going to be changed up (which may or may not bother you).

Personally, having my homeschool supplies ready and available makes our days run so much more smoothly.

You can find out what my favorite homeschool supplies are in this post, but I would also encourage you to look over what your plans are for the next 6-10 weeks.

If you’re using a curriculum then it is super easy to glance over it and see what supplies you may need on hand.

Get them now before you start and you’ll be so much better organized.

#3 Have a Place for Everything

If I had a motto, this would be it.

Have a place for everything because it makes your life so much easier in every aspect.

And if you don’t have a place for everything, either add storage or declutter. It’s that simple.

And this is coming from someone who lives in a smaller home so I know it can be done.

You will be more organized and less flustered if you know where all of your homeschool supplies are.

Have designated areas. Use bookshelves, cubbies, and baskets to categorize things and make them easy to find.

#4 Have Things Easily Accessible

Following on from having a place for everything, it is also a really great idea to have them be easily accessible.

Use your harder-to-get-to storage for the homeschool items that aren’t reached for often.

Many homeschool moms love using these carts to keep daily supplies ready and available for use.

I feel as though this is of extra importance when you have really little kids because if you’re off looking for items then you’re going to lose their already limited attention.

This also makes things easier for those of you with babies or toddlers in tow. You can quickly grab your homeschool supplies whenever you have a spare moment and make the most of it.

#5 Get Up Before Your Kids

When asked if I’m an early bird or night owl I honestly don’t know anymore. There are stages of life where I’ve had to be both.

However, there is something to be said for getting up even just 30 minutes before your children.

Our kids know that they’re not allowed up for the day before 7 AM. This is something we established from the time they were tiny so it isn’t difficult to enforce now.

When we’re having a break from school I let myself sleep in, but when school is in session I am up by 6:30 AM at the latest.

It gives me a moment to get my mind in the right place to start the day, make a list of things that need to be done, and enjoy a cup of tea before my babies take all of my attention.

#6 Have a Rhythm to Your Day

I know that not everyone loves to feel tucked into a strict schedule so I’m not suggesting that you do that.

However, having a rhythm to your day really will help you to stay on top of things.

Often times your rhythm will naturally flow with meal times so use that as a starting point if you need to.

This will help your children know what to expect and will mean that you spend less time chasing after everybody to get things done.

#7 Schedule Quiet Time

Quiet time is a non-negotiable in our home. When the baby naps everyone else has quiet time.

What that will look like in your home will be unique because all of our children are different.

I allow my two older ones to play together quietly as long as they are quiet and there is no fighting.

The reasons I’m so adamant this takes place are because:

I need the break
My kids need the break
My kids need to learn how to be content in quiet
We don’t allow enough time for rest in today’s society
It gives me a moment to evaluate the day and get my head back in the game.

You decide how long quiet time lasts for but I do very much recommend that you make it a consistent part of your day.

#8 Make Chores a Family Affair

Being an organized homeschool mom is basically impossible if you’re trying to do everything on your own.

One way that things have been made easier for me is by including my children in the running of the home.

This is not something that they get paid for or is negotiable.

This is just part of being in our family.

My older kiddos (aged 5&4) unload the dishwasher together, take turns feeding the dog, put their own laundry away, set the dining table, and clean their own rooms.

Our children are so capable if only we allow them to get involved.

Sometimes that means lowering your expectations and initially slowing down in order to teach them.

#9 Prep for the Week

By the end of every day I am tuckered out. I have no desire to sit down and see what needs prepping for school the next day.

My solution to that is to prep weekly. I can usually do this on a Friday which is usually our lighter homeschool work day, or on a Saturday.

Prepping weekly is just easier for me and I’ve found that it makes our homeschool days run much more smoothly.

#10 Use a Planner

I’ve listed this last because not everyone is a planner person.

I love planners, paper planners specifically and this year I’ve been using the Charlotte Mason Planner from Anna Vance Paper Co.

It is amazing and I feel as though it is the perfect combination of a traditional planner combined with a bullet journal.

If you’re not into using a planner then you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to stay organized through the use of the apps on your phone.

I use my calendar app and notes app constantly to stay on top of my todo list and random thoughts that pop into my head while I’m trying to fall asleep.

It takes the mental load away and allows me to shut off a lot more easily instead of having to constantly keep tabs of everything.

Conclusion

There are so many ways to be an organized homeschool mom and they don’t all look alike!

I encourage you to find what works for you, your family, and your homeschool philosophy.

For some of us that looks like spreadsheets and tables, while for others it might just be a simple todo list.

There is no right or wrong but I do hope that the tips that I’ve shared will help you to feel more rested and prepared in order to homeschool your kids well.