Methods for a Mighty Month

Updated: Dec 16, 2020

Monthly routines are a big part of my technique in staying on top of the great piles of life. I have a monthly “to do” list (surprise, surprise), but a list is only as powerful as it’s execution right? Or as Dwight Eisenhower put it,

“Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”

This discussion is a continuation of last week’s article, “13 Daily Habits for Neat Living” to dive further into the organizational structures I follow. From the last few days of any given month through the first couple days of the next, I am diligently accomplishing my monthly to do list. I look forward to this time and effort as a pay now, play later preparation.

I Set Up for Success Each Month By:

Restocking- I organize the pantry and fridge, clean out expired food, order stuff for the house, and put new things away.
Budgeting- I update our financial spreadsheet, pay bills (only a few, as most are automatic), review finances, and make any desired adjustments.
Emailing- While I check and respond to e-mails daily, I only clean out my inbox on a monthly basis. I unsubscribe from lists and archive save worthy communications.
Calendar Planning- I communicate with people, set up appointments, and update our schedules.
Gift Wrapping- I buy gifts all the time (when something connects), but I only wrap gifts occasionally.
Communicating- I take time each month to talk with my partner, Brad. We discuss our finances, calendar, marriage, children, travel plans, and anything else we can think of. I walk away from these conversations feeling more connected and prepared to tackle the month ahead.
Purging- I look for things we are done with and give them away. This is a practice I continue to become more efficient at as I streamline our habits.
Addressing the Occasional Stuff- I plan time for quarterly and semi-annual things like oil changes, doctor and dentist visits, jewelry inspections, air and water filters, vision boards, accounting, backing up technology, and seasonal decorating.
Photo Organizing- Okay, truthfully, I don’t do this YET. I have BIG plans for amazing photo books I can update regularly. I am in the hunt for a super-efficient photo organizing process. I will find a system, use it, and share it with you. I really will. I just need to figure it out first (suggestions please)!

And Specifically, For the Kid’s-

Upsizing Clothes- I give away clothes that no longer fit, organize hand-me-downs, and obtain anything needed. Because our girls are so little, their clothing changes quickly, but even adults can benefit from a monthly closet check.
Adjusting Car Seats- I’m the first to admit, I am obsessive about car safety. Our girls are growing quickly, so I check the car seat settings and the security of the anchors to ensure proper fit.
Refreshing Rooms- With toys, books, and gear I find that children’s rooms frequently need to be cleaned out (adult rooms simply don’t require as much maintenance). I work to rotate and limit toys. I also try to only keep soft toys, like stuffed animals, and books in the girl’s rooms. My goal is to make our kid’s rooms a safe and restful place for them to be alone.
Booking Babysitters- I have a list of sitters, which I made by interviewing a bunch of people, and I work to give everyone advanced notice on childcare.