well i make sure i get everything i can ready the day before, so school lunches, anything the little two might need, ie snacks etc, nappy change bag. uniforms/clothes laid out, pe kits, swim kits, whatever is needed for school for the big ones.
try and plan meals in advance, and use the slow cooker when i can. make sure when they get up they make their bed and put their pjs ready for the next night.
a routine is good, but you do need to be flexible as well.
i try and clean/tidy as i go along, i have to do a load of laundry a day, often two and keep on top of it or else its a nightmare to catch up.
the children are all involved in helping to tidy etc, ie tidyign away toys, making beds, laying and clearing hte table, washing up. basically i get them involved in everything from a young age, even the little ones can help load the washing machine etc. there is a lot of mess created having a big familiy, but in my house we all make the mess so we all help tidy it up!
oh and relax as well, we have lazy days where we all stay in our pj's, you learn to pick your battles, i e i dont get involved in all the bickering and squabbling, they are generally pretty good but they do have to learn to sort arguments out for themselves so sometimes i will just spy/listen when they are figthing and see if they are going to resolve it! obviously physical violence is a total NO, not allowed but squabbling etc i can overlook.
it is good fun and they play together brilliantly and the older ones are great with the little two (3yrs and 13mths) the others are 7, 9 and 12.
my family is complete now, but if we wont the lottery and could have a big house and a cleaner! i would have more :)