How I Keep Our Household from Falling Apart (Most Days)
Some days, it feels like running a household is a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Between appointments, school, therapy, groceries, and the never-ending pile of laundry, the only thing standing between me and total chaos is a system that mostly works—most days.
Here’s what’s helped me keep things together (even when it doesn’t look like it).
1. A Planner That Actually Gets Used
I’ve tried every cute planner under the sun, but what finally stuck was Google Calendar. Everything lives there—appointments, reminders, therapy sessions, even meal prep notes. I color-code by category so I can see the week at a glance.
The best part? We linked it to our Amazon Echo Spot, so it announces reminders out loud. It’s like having a little assistant who never gets tired of repeating herself. It keeps us on track, especially on those mornings when everything feels rushed or I’m multitasking a dozen things.
Amazon Echo Spot (voice reminders + calendar sync)
Google Nest Hub (visual daily schedule display)
Magnetic dry-erase board (to mirror the week for quick reference)
2. One Family Calendar Everyone Can See
Even though we live by Google Calendar, having a dry-erase board in the kitchen makes a big difference. It’s the visual reminder no one can ignore. I jot down the week—appointments, meals, and a few motivational notes—and everyone can see what’s coming up.
When I update the digital version, I do a quick pass on the board too. It’s simple, low-tech, and keeps everyone (mostly) on the same page.
Acrylic wall calendar (for a cleaner, modern look)
3. Task Trackers That Keep Us Functional
I’m not trying to run a perfect house—I just want it to run. Instead of endless to-do lists, I use Google Tasks. It syncs right into my Google Calendar so daily chores and priorities show up with everything else.
I set a few “anchor tasks” that keep things moving—dishes, one load of laundry, clear counters, lunches packed. Anything beyond that is a bonus. The satisfaction of checking them off (and not losing the list) is a win every time.
We still keep a small fridge list for quick visual reminders, but most of our organization lives right inside my phone.
Google Nest Hub (displays Tasks + Calendar together)
Dry-erase magnetic board (for shared household notes)
Reusable family task chart (for visual learners or younger kids)
4. Sunday Reset = Sanity Reset
Every Sunday, I take about 30 minutes to reset the week. I glance through our schedule, make a quick meal plan, clean out the fridge, and reset our main spaces. Sometimes I light a candle or make coffee to make it feel less like a chore and more like a ritual.
This small window of planning makes Monday mornings bearable. It’s my version of pressing “refresh” on the week ahead.
5. Letting Go of the Rest
Some weeks, even the best systems fall apart. The calendar is full, the sink is overflowing, and dinner ends up being cereal. That doesn’t mean you failed—it means you’re human.
I’ve learned that “keeping it together” doesn’t mean perfection. It means doing what matters most and giving yourself grace for the rest.
Because if the house is a little messy but everyone’s okay? That counts as a win.