Health & Appointments

• Doctors: Keep a list of all family doctors and appointments (annual exams, shots, dentist visits, etc.). Keep record of all doctors with my Doctors & Medical History Chart. 

• Medicines: Track medications with my Family Medicine Chart.

• Exercise: Use a shared form or checklist to stay consistent with routines.
  
  

Cars & Equipment

Always check manuals for maintenance schedules. Keeping up with cars, lawnmowers, and other tools saves time and money long-term.

Life Hacks That Make a Difference (Check Out My Images Below!)

• Blind Cord Hack: Use a binder clip to keep blind cords neatly clipped and out of the way for safety and tidiness. 

• Dry Erase Marker Hack: If your marker seems dried out, try storing it upside down. This sometimes helps the ink flow back and gives it a little more life. 

• Use a Magic Eraser for crayon marks.

• Turn a photo frame into a key holder.

• Store remotes on the wall with command strips.

• Label toothbrushes with the date you started using them.

• Have a dirty ball with mildew? Soap and scrubbing didn’t work for me, but soaking in a 5-gallon bucket with bleach and water overnight did. For floating balls like volleyballs, I used paper towels soaked with bleach on top to get full coverage—this made them look brand new again (see my step-by-step examples with photos). 

• For tablecloths with mildew or mold, soaking in a bleach-and-water solution (¼ cup bleach per gallon of water) worked after other cleaners failed. A short soak in cool water helped protect designs, while longer soaks in hot water removed the stains completely without discoloring.
  
  

Cleaning & Maintenance

Check out my:

• Cleaning Care Checklists for room-by-room cleaning tips, COVID-19 procedures, spring cleaning routines, & seasonal and annual tasks.
  
  

Travel Tips

• Pack Smart: Plan outfits ahead of time and pack only what you’ll wear.

• With Kids: Always bring extra clothes, diapers, and wipes.

• Keep Shoes Separate: Use bags to keep dirty shoes away from clean clothes.

• Dirty Laundry: Bring a bag so you know what needs to be washed when you return.

Hotel Stays

Hotels can be tricky when you’re trying to keep up with routines and stay healthy. A few things that make a big difference:

• Bring your own sheets or pillowcases if possible for comfort and peace of mind.

• Wipe down high-touch surfaces (remote controls, light switches, door handles) with disinfecting wipes when you arrive.

• Pack snacks and bottled water so you don’t have to rely on vending machines or room service.

• Keep chargers, electronics, and toiletries organized in small pouches so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Traveling During COVID (or Anytime with Illness Concerns)

Traveling during times of illness adds another layer of planning. Here are some tips that helped me and my family:

• Masks & Sanitizer: Always pack extras for the whole family.

• Disinfect: Clean high-touch surfaces on airplane or hotel surfaces before use. 

Cleaning Airplanes: Bring disinfectant wipes and quickly wipe down tray tables, seat belts, armrests, screens, and buttons when you sit down. It only takes a minute and helps keep germs away. 

Cleaning Hotels: Even if a sign says “already disinfected,” it’s smart to do a quick wipe of high-touch spots like remote controls, light switches, door handles, and faucets. It only takes a few minutes and gives extra peace of mind. 

• Snacks: Pack your own food to limit stops or exposure.

• Health Kit: Bring along a thermometer, fever reducers, and basic first aid.

• Flexibility: Be ready to adjust plans if someone doesn’t feel well—health comes first.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Keeping up with life isn’t about being perfect—it’s about creating systems that support you. With a little planning and the right tools, you can handle daily tasks, manage your home, and still make time for what matters most: enjoying life with your loved ones.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember—you’re doing great just by trying to keep it all together.