How to be an Organised Family in July

Welcome to how to be an organised family July.  I can’t believe we’re now just over half way through the year.  I seem to be writing these posts far too soon each month!  Normally this is a month packed full of school dates and end of term madness.  This year is an exception as lockdown has meant the school calendar is empty.  So this month continues to be a bit of  September school organisation but also holiday organisation, as I’m sure we all want to be organised so we can enjoy those long Summer weeks more.  Here are my tips to being an organised family in July

*Please note that this post was originally written in 2019.Some of these organisational tips (marked with a * ) will not be completely accurate for 2020 due to covid-19.  

Organised Family in July 

School Uniform

Now is the time to get any uniform needed for September. I know for instance M&S has had some good deals on.   The supermarkets sell out quite quickly so again make sure you get what you need early July. Also if you’re like me and have several pairs of shoes to buy, put some money aside this month and next month so come late August/September when you get your child fitted it’s not such a huge expense.

•Also quick note to make sure you book any school dinners ready for the start of term.

Gifts

*If you do teachers and other carer gifts then get organised at the start of this month and have the gifts ready to take in al wrapped, as that last week just flies by!  We only get a small gift for the teacher and TA always something simple and affordable, and quite often we have baked a cake if there are too many staff in the nursery.

Holiday Admin

For me I focus on the big things like packing, budgeting and holiday activities that I then end up forgetting about the some small parts of admin back at home.  For instance one year my plants all died as I forgot to get them watered.  If you don’t have a house sitter, maybe ask a reliable person to water your plants inside and outside and keep a check on your home whilst you’re away. Another key one is to ask a neighbour to help put out/ bring in bins as this is a key aspect of good security if a property is empty.

Bucket List – Get planning your bucket list of activities for the holidays. If you’re spending lots of time at home or having a staycation then here is 100  ideas for keeping them entertained.

Car Check- If you’re planning on a long car journey make sure you have your tyres, oil and water checked or even book in a quick Summer service.

Also plan ahead for any August /September Birthdays or celebrations.  I find organising for August in early July much easier so I can concentrate more on entertaining the kids in August.

Meal Plans

Here are some of the meals that we will be planning this month. Key to meal planning this month is speed. I want meals that can be fitted in easily to our schedule in the end of term rush.

Shopping online – Have you thought about ordering your food online for the Summer Holidays. It’s hard getting a chance to nip to the shops with a family in tow and also they seem to eat you out of house and home. So being able to order in food regularly saves your sanity and also cuts your bills down as shopping with little hands that add to your trolley can mount up quickly.

Me Time 

Easier said than done at times.  Clear some time down to have your hair cut, nails done or a child free walk with a friend. Or just keep it simple by making the most of reading a book at nap time.  Do a few things for yourself at the start of July as shortly the Summer Holidays will be here and you will be short on any me time.

I hope that this gives you some reminders for keeping your household more organised and saving your own sanity.  I would love to Hear any of your top tips for being an organised family!

Christmas Savings

We are now more than 1/2 way to Christmas, repeat 1/2 way!  This is such a scary thought, as I’m sure it was Christmas only last week!  If you haven’t already, get putting some money aside now to make December less stressful.  It really will make a difference even if you start now.  If money is tight now, then add some loose change to a jar and see it all add up.  Or start buying an extra gift each time you go shopping, to ease the time and cost later on.

Last Months post can be found here