Morning Madness

Keep it Organized

Next, create a family checkpoint: a location convenient to the front door where everyone can store their daily essentials from backpacks and briefcases to milk money and car keys. Try a hall table or small bookshelf with colored baskets tucked inside—assigning one basket per person—or install a shelf with hooks below for coats and individual baskets on top for personal possessions. Just remind the family that the checkpoint is a not a locker room and shouldn't be used as a dumping ground as they walk through the door each night!

Finally, if you're a forgetful bunch, write out a daily checklist to help everyone remember his or her gear. Take a sheet of paper and set it up grid-style, running the days of the week down the side and family members' names across the top. For instance, "Tuesday—John—trumpet," or "Wednesday—Suzie—library book." To keep it neat, have it laminated and make it visible by hanging it on the back of the front door or hall closet.

Organized and less chaotic mornings translate into a more productive day for everyone. Just a few simple changes in your family's evening routine will have your entire family reaping the benefits.