Working full time as a blogger and a business manager while being Mum to 4 of our 5 kids, keeps me crazy busy. Organisation is essential for me to be able to keep on top of all that needs doing, while ensuring all the children are where they need to be, when they need to be. So how do I do it? Simple, I keep a very comprehensive diary.

I understand physical diaries are not for everyone, I simply cannot function without mine. It has every appointment, every training session, every meeting for every member of our family, listed on a day to day basis. It also contains my list of ‘to do items’ for each day.

While I do also use my phone to remind me of important appointments or meetings during the day, this is my secondary system. I have also tried several apps to keep me running to schedule, but I find these just don’t replace for me the organisation I can find in writing everything down.

I’ve been told a few times I am a little weird because I make my diary colourful, it keeps it interesting for me, but more importantly, it makes it easier for me to distinguish between appointments and the to do list. Imagine my surprise when I found I am not alone in this, and that there are whole groups dedicated to doing very similar!

I guess it’s an old fashion way to keep track, but it sure does work for me. The Builder is exactly the same, with his huge diary overflowing with appointments and his to do list.

Here’s how I make it work for me.

Colours, I use colours to keep the diary fresh and to help keep it clear.

To Do List, I have a separate section of each day to have my evolving to do list. At the beginning of each day, I prioritize what I need to get done in which order. Anything that doesn’t get completed, gets rolled over to the next day.

Appointments, Keeping track of appointments is the most important part of my diary. On Monday each week, I will sit with my diary and look at the week to come, likewise this is done again at the beginning and end of each day, both for the current day and the day to come. This helps me to plan the time I have in between each appointment.

Content, The content is important to me, not only is this where I keep us running to schedule, but where I place my reminders of bills to be paid, where I put my meal plan and birthday. Essentially this is my life bible!

Size, For this year I used a day to a page A5 size. This size is perfect to fit in my handbag, although there are days when I need all of an A4 to keep us on time. For this instead, I will use sticky notes with extra lists of reminders.

Notepad, I have put a notepad at the back of my diary, specifically for when inspiration hits and I need to make notes about what I was thinking. As my diary is always within reach, this works best for me.

This is the simple way in which I keep myself and our family organised. Perhaps something similar could work for you? I am about to purchase my diary for 2018, as the appointments and meetings start to roll in, I’d love to know how you keep yourself organised.

Do you keep a paper diary? Got any helpful apps you could recommend?

Nicole xxx