At times I feel that running a large household is similar to being at the helm of a large corporation, or a major in the military. Over the years we have devised strategies or gleaned ideas to aid in running a smoother household.I have shared in detail previously how we shop monthly but thought I’d share a few random tips we have learnt that work for us.
Appliances
1. Buy ‘daily use’ appliances of semi-industrial strength. ie. Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Stove. You will save $ in the long run.
Laundry
2. Designate each child a towel colour. Our children each have two towels of their colour, ie. red for one, blue for another etc. As we are a family of ten we now have a few with certain shades too.
Having your own colour cuts down on someone ‘borrowing’ your towel, which cuts down on washing.
3. Assign your children sock colours too. Admittedly a little easier to do with male family members. ie. One child has white, another black, another sports socks with stripes. Far easier at sock folding time.
4. Buy each child a different brand of underwear. No need to stand there pondering at folding time or peering at faded size tags.
Shopping
5. When shopping be alert for items which could be suitable either for either your own children or as party gifts, buy it and put it in the birthday box. Saves $ and time.
6. If you notice a big reduction on clothing or shoes, and yet it may not be the correct size at present, grab it as it will fit someone at some stage.
7. If passing an end of season rack with clothes, be sure to grab some items in the next size up. Come that season again you will have saved $.
House Design
8. Plan a loungeroom with a door, very useful on movie nights when your older children want to watch a movie not suitable for your younger ones.
9. Plan a study with a door. When younger children become too noisy your older children can retreat and work in quiet.
Organisation
10. Lists, lists and more lists. Excel is my friend! Menus, shopping lists, chore charts, lesson timetables, holiday packing lists etc. I type all, save and re-vamp and re-use. Streamlines my life.