Large families are defined as those consisting of six or more people. This could include extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or a group of siblings and their children. Staying together is fun, but the living situation can be chaotic if there isn’t a good system. To maintain some semblance of order, it’s crucial to have a few organization tips and tricks up your sleeve.
Here are a few ways to help get your large family organized and make your home function more smoothly:
1. Strive to Get a Big Home
This may not be possible for everyone, but it’s worth striving for if you can make it happen. A larger home will provide more space for everyone to move around and have their areas. It can also help to prevent arguments and fights from breaking out since people will have less chance of being in each other’s hair all the time.
If you’re in the market for a new home, consider how many people will be living there. Consider getting 2 storey homes to give everyone more room to breathe. You don’t want to end up cramped and frustrated. A larger home can be more expensive, but it will be worth it in the long run.
2. Create Zones for Different Activities
Creating different areas or zones for various activities is vital when you have a large family. This will help to keep the noise level down and allow everyone to have their own space. For example, you can have a play area for the kids, a TV area for relaxing, and a dining area for meals.
Creating activity zones can help keep your large family organized because it allows everyone to have their own space. It also helps to reduce arguments and conflict since people aren’t competing for the same space all the time. If everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do, things will run much more smoothly.
3. Have a Place for Everything
Another organization tip that’s especially important for large families is to have a place for everything. This means that each person has a specific spot for their belongings, and it’s always returned to that spot when they’re finished using them.
For example, each child can have a hook for their coat and backpack by the door. There can be a basket for shoes near the entryway. Each person can have a drawer in the kitchen for their silverware and plates. Having a designated spot for everything helps keep the house tidy and makes it easier to find things when needed.
4. Implement a Chore System
To keep your large family organized, it’s essential to have everyone pitch in and help with the chores. You can assign specific tasks to each person or rotate the chores weekly. Either way, everyone must be doing their fair share.
A chore system can help to keep your house tidy and running smoothly. It also helps to teach responsibility and accountability to children. When everyone knows they have to contribute, it is much easier to get things done.
5. Meal Plan and Prep Ahead of Time
Another organization tip that’s especially important for large families is meal planning and prep. This means making a plan for what you’ll eat each week and then doing some prep work ahead of time. For example, you can chop vegetables or make sauces on the weekend so that you have less to do during the week.
Meal planning and prep can help to save time and money. It also helps to make sure that everyone is getting nutritious meals. When you have a plan, it’s much easier to stick to it and resist the temptation of ordering takeout.
6. Schedule Some Family Time
Spending time together as a family is essential, but it can be hard to find the time when you’re all so busy. One way to ensure you get quality family time is to schedule it into your week. This can be as simple as setting aside an hour each day for everyone to play games or watch a movie together.
Scheduling family time can help reduce stress and provide much-needed bonding time. It’s also a great way to ensure everyone gets along and communicates well. When you have set times for being together, staying connected is easier.
A large family can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. With some organization tips and tricks, you can keep your home running smoothly, and everyone will know their place. Implementing a chore system, meal planning, and scheduling family time are great ways to ensure that everything gets done and everyone stays happy.
