By Stephanie Vozza

Everyone knows the golden rule in real estate is location, location, location. Being organized has a golden rule as well: plan, plan, plan. You may not consider yourself an organized person, but it’s not that hard to do.

Start by throwing away any preconceived notions of organization. No label guns, color-coding system or tickler files are required. Instead, adopt these four simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to organizing your family life:

Simplify.

Think of your schedule like a treadmill. Know when you are running at a good pace and when you are running the risk of being spit off the back! It’s much easier to be organized when you run your schedule and your schedule doesn’t run you. Get rid of activities that cause more stress than joy. Limit yourself and each member of your family to one outside commitment at a time. When you make your home life your priority, you center yourself and create a sense of calm.

Create your own personal set of best practices.

Determine the best techniques, methods and processes for everything you do -- from your morning routine to grocery shopping and meals, and creating schedules -- and stick to it. Don't reinvent the wheel every time you do a task. Standard procedures are the secret weapons of the organized. The key is to find the solution that feels right to you. For example, just because your best friend cooks meals for a week and freezes them doesn’t mean that this technique would work for you. Find your groove and don’t feel you have to organize like the Joneses.

Carry a “magic” bag.

You know the mom who always has a bandage or tissue? It’s not hard to be her! Create a car bag where you keep things like a first aid kit with pain relievers, tissue, a pad of paper, pencil, snacks, bottled water, lip balm, wipes, antibacterial gel, safety pins, stain remover, a calendar and whatever else you might need. Anytime you are in a situation where you wish you had something, write it down and make sure to get that item before you go out again. Also create a magic bag for your child filled with fun activities they can use when dining out, visiting friends or grocery shopping.

Have Plan B and C.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Traffic is backed up. The restaurant that is never crowded has a 30-minute wait. The baby spits up. Whether it’s adding an extra five or 10 minutes to your schedule, calling ahead or having a change of clothes ready to go in your office closet or car, always have a Plan B so you won’t stress when thing don’t go as planned.

Thanks, Stephanie!

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