Organizing Your Monthly Family Calendar
Do you have trouble keeping track of a million schedules, dates, important events... or just simply trying to get yourself organized?
These steps/tips are for YOU!
I have always been "picked on" or admired for HOW ORGANIZED I am. From calendars, to order in my home, to even my email accounts. It was not until I stepped in to my position at People 1st Realty Group that I truly appreciated this "gift" or "talent" I had of organizing and planning.
I simply love have an organized life.
I did not really think it was something special... but then I realized, how do people function without organization? There are people who do NOT use calendars, color coded systems, or even just reminders on their phones? How?! It made my head hurt thinking about it.
If you are looking to spice up your calendars, or are looking for a starting point, check out my steps/tips below!
Step #1 - Find a large enough calendar... and one you like!
Why settle for a boring, small, paper calendar? If this piece of paper/board does not LOOK appealing to you, you probably will ignore it every time you walk by it.
I found that by having a bigger calendar on my wall, not only did I look at it more, but my husband did, too!
It actually has been a great conversation piece with our guests. So, go ahead and splurge!
For one of my favorite calendar (and current) boards, check out this link:
Step #2 - Gather tools
We have a chalkboard calendar in our kitchen, so chalk markers were essential!
With whatever style or type you decide on, make sure you have the correct supplies to go along with it.
pens
pencils
markers
rulers
old calendar to carry over information
access to digital calendars
Be sure to have lists of bills, important dates (personal or business), and anything else ready to go that you may want on the calendar.
Check out this link for my favorite chalkboard markers:
"“Everything must be made as simple as possible. But not simpler.” – Albert Einstein
Step #3 - Come up with a system
You need to plan accordingly. Think about what purpose this calendar will serve you. Is it just for personal agendas, work agendas, or both? What will you need on it? What type of system would make sense to you/your family?
My calendar at home is a mix between personal and business... (I do have my own work calendar for all of those important things)... I try to make sure my husband is around so we can do it together, or he's at least close enough so I can ask/make sure I am not missing anything.
Here is how I systemized my calendar:
Color Coded System (Red = Bills, Pink = Holidays, Green = Appointments, Blue = meals, etc.)
Organize the"subjects" that will be on the calendar (ex: write down all of the upcoming appointments, go over the list of bills/what day they come out or when they are paid, pull out the birthday calendar, etc.)
Take a picture of the previous month just so it's easier to carry over the information
List/schedule the meals for the month (to have ready in order to insert in to the big calendar
Meals aren't necessary for every to plan out... but it does help our family with such chaotic schedules.
Stay tuned for how we schedule out monthly meals!
#4 - Time to Write
Once I have everything organized, I write it all out!
Now it's your turn!
Here are some ideas on how you can write it all down:
Write by subject/color: start with all of your bills, once you write them all down, then go to appointments, and so on
Go by importance: ensure you jot down the most important items on your board first, then go in
Chronological order: take it day by day
#5 - Finish strong
Hang that calendar and be PROUD!
Be sure to continue adding to it throughout the month if anything comes up.
Final Remarks
Keep it simple. Do what works for you.
I know, by having something like this in my own home, it makes communication a bit easier between everyone in our household.
Let me know if you tried any of this out, used similar supplies, or what YOU already have established on your family calendar!
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