Curbing Chaos: Organization Tips for Mompreneurs Like Me (Plus Download My Weekly Planner)

Being a mom (or dad) is a full-time job. Owning a small business is another full-time job. Trying to do both simultaneously can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle – exhilarating, but also incredibly easy to drop everything. The key to surviving, and even thriving, in this beautiful chaos is organization. I own, manage and love Jenalee Design, where I get to help clients with branding (logos), website design, packaging, architectural remodels, videography and just about every other visual project. It's demanding, but it comes in second to being a mom. That's the most important job.

Photo by Jenalee Marshall, designer + photographer + mom

I’ve been there, wading through piles of laundry while trying to answer customer emails and simultaneously remember what’s for dinner. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that have helped me tame the madness and find a semblance of balance. Here are my top tips for staying organized as a mom and small business owner:

1. Embrace the Power of the Weekly Schedule (Two Ways!)

• The Tangible Touch: There’s something incredibly satisfying about physically writing things down. Each Sunday, I sit down with my planner and map out the entire week. This includes work deadlines, client calls, school events, doctor appointments, and even personal time (yes, that’s important!). Having a printed weekly schedule pinned to the fridge provides a quick visual overview for the whole family and helps me stay on track at a glance.

• Digital Reminders are Your Friend: While I love my paper planner (download it free below), I also rely heavily on digital reminders. Immediately after adding something to my printed schedule, I pop it into my iCalendar (or your preferred digital calendar). Setting alarms for important meetings and deadlines ensures I never miss a beat, even when my mind is swirling with a million thoughts. The beauty of iCalendar is that you can set recurring events, like school pick-ups or weekly team check-ins, saving you time and mental energy. DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE SCHEDULE HERE.

  
  

2. The Sunday Night Family Huddle: Your Secret Weapon

This has been a game-changer for our family. Every Sunday evening, we gather for a short family meeting. Each child is given a copy of our weekly schedule. It also has their activities color-coded and helps keep each of us aware of the overall demands of the week. The purpose is simple:

• Review the Week Ahead: We look at the upcoming schedule – school events, work commitments that might impact family time, any appointments or activities. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can anticipate what the week holds.

• Divide and Conquer Household Tasks: We briefly discuss who is responsible for what during the week. This could be anything from taking out the trash to helping with meal prep. Involving the kids fosters a sense of responsibility and lightens my load.

• Address Any Concerns: This is a safe space for anyone to voice concerns or requests for the week ahead. Maybe a child has a big test and needs extra quiet time, or perhaps I have a crucial work deadline that will require minimal interruptions.

• Plan Something Fun! We always try to end our meeting by looking forward to something fun we can do together that week, even if it’s just a movie night at home. This reinforces our connection and provides a light at the end of the sometimes-hectic tunnel.

• Support Each Other. After all, family is the biggest support system out there.

  
  

3. Batch Similar Tasks:

Instead of constantly switching between mom mode and business owner mode, try batching similar tasks. For example, dedicate a specific time block to answering emails, another for social media engagement, and another for meal prepping. This helps improve focus and efficiency.

4. Learn to Say No (Gracefully):

As a mompreneur, you’re likely a superhero in many people’s eyes. However, even superheroes have their limits. Learning to politely decline commitments that will overwhelm you is crucial for protecting your time and energy.

5. Embrace Imperfection:

Let’s be real, some days will be more organized than others. There will be spilled milk (literally and figuratively), missed deadlines, and moments of complete overwhelm. Be kind to yourself. Recognize that you’re doing an incredible job juggling multiple important roles. Dust yourself off, adjust your crown, and keep going.

Staying organized as a mom and small business owner is an ongoing process, not a destination. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more manageable and fulfilling life for yourself and your family. What are your favorite organization tips? Share them in the comments below!

Don't forget that life isn't perfect and sometimes messy. Live and adapt. Enjoy it all!

Written by Jenalee Marshall, owner + designer + mother. She is the owner and graphic design studio of Jenalee Design in Salt Lake City, Utah. Connect with Jenalee on instagram and facebook for more insight and help!