I’m one of those people. Everything in my home and car is organized. Many of my friends and family don’t understand how I keep up with it, and quite frankly, neither do I! It comes naturally to me and is part of my personality thanks to both my mom and dad.
They worked hard to have a home they were very proud of. My dad taught me that everything has a place mom always reminded me that you never know when visitors might stop by, so your house always needs to be in order. That was certainly a mindset from the 1970s. Who gets unexpected company stopping by these days?
Regardless of being an organized person through DNA or not, there are many ideas and tips that you can incorporate into your everyday routine to help yourself become more efficient. I will occasionally be sharing some tips that work for me and hopefully, you will try them as well!
Meal Planning
Most of us can relate to the age-old question, “what’s for dinner?” When my kids were young, I felt overwhelmed. I also found myself at the grocery store more often than I wanted because I had to prepare a last-minute dinner or needed a forgotten ingredient. Over the years, even with our kids grown and out of the house, I try to meal plan every week. I finally found what works best for me:
- I have a designated grocery shopping day. Sure, it may change because of unexpected events, but I try to adhere to my specific day.
- I keep an ongoing grocery list in my kitchen. I have asked my husband or visiting kids to write down an item when we run out. If it’s not on the list, I won’t buy it. It took some practice but we all learned.
- Before my shopping day, I take dinner requests and plan meals for the week. I always take a few minutes to go through recipe ingredients and make a full list. This is to avoid extra trips to the store later in the week.
- During the pandemic, I’ve gone one step further with my list. I put my items in order of the sections of the grocery store in which I shop. That way I am not backtracking and staying longer in the store than necessary. It only takes an extra couple of minutes but it makes shopping faster and easier.
Whether it’s two, three, or four of us eating, I’ve found that taking a few minutes to meal plan works extremely well for our family! It saves me time, frustration, and actually keeps us eating healthier because meals are planned. When a family member asks me, “what’s for dinner?” I can respond with confidence! Comment how you get ready for dinner every night so we can share ideas!
Laura
Great information, thank you!!
Judy Palermo
Just trying to keep things simple, and safe these days! xoxo
Marie
Oh this routine sounds like a mini me! I make a meal plan for the month and grocery shop accordingly. I also can make meals ahead of time and freeze if the recipe makes too much. This way we only have to run into the store for fresh bananas, berries, milk etc. I only buy what is on the list and use paper and e-coupons. I don’t stress about dinner! My mother taught me well!
Judy Palermo
Good minds think alike..haha! Yes, we certainly learn from our parents whether we like it or not! Sounds like we are both very organized during this pandemic! Thanks for commenting and reading, Marie!
Camille Favre
I did not get the cooking gene, and even with kids, I never learned and never did. The joke is that I have to dust my stove.
My stepmother was from Germany,
and her system was very similar to yours. My dad would sneak funny stuff onto her list which would make her go crazy looking for at the grocery store. After a few times, she caught on, and would bring home something funny and tell Dad that is what he put on the list. They were cute.
Judy Palermo
Haha…love it!..especially the story about your stepmother. Those are the memories I like to bring back to people! Thanks for commenting and always reading, my friend!
Nina
I always organize my shopping list into sections of the store— This way I’m not wondering back and forth and accidentally end up in the cookie aisle! 🤭
Judy Palermo
Haha! Yes…that’s a good point, Nina! Thanks for reading! xoxo
Patty Machingo
I always say I am going to meal plan but it never happens. I am watching my grandson full time since daycare is questionable for his parents, so when he is not here, I enjoy quiet time and getting things done that I can’t do while he is here. I would definitely like to meal plan because that is the question each morning which some times forces us to do a meal pick up which I don’t like to do.
Judy Palermo
Yup, everyone is busy! I always hate the “what’s for dinner” question so I found a way to always have an answer! Thanks for reading and sharing, Patty! P.S. So glad you are enjoying your grandson! I see when you post on FB and he’s adorable!
Amanda
My mentor in house keeping and organization! I always tell everyone you can go over Judy’s any day anytime and it will always be meticulous!!🙌🏻
Judy Palermo
I’m telling you, it’s in my genes! Just like you have the knack for home decor, girl! Your house can be on a TV show.
Debbie Casey
Hi Judy. We have been doing curbside grocery pickup with Giant Eagle since the pandemic “shelter in place” back in March. I keep my list online and “add to cart” where it will be saved until I’m ready to check out. They have it set up the same way you shop–by aisle making it easy for me to not miss anything. Seems as though they have taken your organized system and moved it online–like so many other things! Thanks for all the tips and stories–love them. 💗
Judy Palermo
Debbie, glad you are being safe! Our world is certainly different now. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
lumpymaggot
Love this, Judy!! I have a list for all of us to write on as well. My saying is: “If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t exist!” That way they know if I didn’t pick up their fav snack it’s bc it wasn’t on the list! 😜
Judy Palermo
Haha.yup, that’s the way it goes in our house too! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment! Comments from readers make my day!
Kim
Great ideas! I have the ongoing list as well. I group the items by aisle. It’s proven difficult now that I don’t know the aisles by heart like Canfield GE. I hardly meal plan and am always stocked, so I can make what we are in the mood to have that day.
Judy Palermo
I’m sure it’s a new learning experience going to a new grocery store! Thanks for reading and commenting, Kim!