Returning to work next week - any organisation tips to help things run smoothly

[Jemster]

Hi
I'm going back to work next week after a year off on maternity leave. I will be part time every day 8.30am - 1.00pm. I'm really nervous about going back and worried about how I will get everything organised. DS is 5 and goes to school and dd is 11 months and will be going to childminder. DH will be dropping them off so that is a big help.
I am generally rubbish in the mornings and not great at all the housework organisational stuff. So I would like some tips on how I can keep on top of everything and get everyone out the door on time as stress free as possible. Thanks

First of all - good luck going back to work. The thought is much worse than the reality, you will be surprised at how quickly you get back into it.

Always get whatever bags you need ready the night before. Try to have as much organised the night before - cereal bowls, cereal, school uniform, other clothes, accessories, all left out. Leave coats to be put on at the front door with the bags. Locate shoes the night before.

Try to menu plan. Grocery shop online.

Once again, good luck.

Agree with Slattern. Have everything ready the night before.

Reuse clothes as much as you can. Brand new uniform is not necessary Every day unless it is really dirty. I only do 2 washes on a Friday (not inc bedlinen fortnightly) and then I take it to the launderette to dry. Job done washing wise.

Piles of stuff on stairs and make DH and yourself take something up every time you go up.

Have a shower and dry hair night before and then straighten it in the morning.

Lower your standards slightly and ignore some chores. Fold and fold clothes instead of ironing. no one will notice!

Online shopping beats dragging a tired toddler in a buggy after nursery.

Cleaner, if you can afford it (although my DP is messier than my toddler) - I should have done this to save a few arguments years ago...

Cbeebies in the morning while you hang clothes out, put a load on, do make up.(unless you want a little make up assistant)

If you are making a meal it helps to make enough of it to spread over 2 nights.

Keep baby wipes in your hand bag in case you find some petit fileu on your cardie at work just before you have to attend a meeting.

Also tissues because toddlers often have snotty noses and you will too sometimes.

And a good box set when you actually get to sit down with a cuppa