My Favorite Tools for Managing a Busy Home
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
At work, leaders rely on the right systems and tools to keep everything moving. At home, it’s no different. Without tools in place, the invisible workload of meals, schedules, and errands falls on one person’s shoulders. But with the right mix, your home can run more smoothly — and you can reclaim mental space for the things that matter most.
Here are my favorite tools I use in my own home to keep the chaos at bay.
1. Digital & Planning Tools
Shared Calendar (Google, Outlook, or Cozi)
This is the foundation. A single calendar that everyone in the household can see means fewer surprises and fewer last-minute scrambles.
Personally, I rely on Google Calendar because it works across devices and platforms. Many organizations post schedules as shareable Google Calendars. I’ve added my son’s football schedule, our local soccer club, Girl Scouts events, and even US holidays directly into mine.
Task Apps (Tasks, Asana, Todoist, or even Notes)
Perfect for recurring tasks, reminders, or delegating smaller to-do’s between family members. I track everything from changing air filters to scheduling HelloFresh deliveries in Google Tasks. It prompts me on every device, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Meal & Grocery Apps (AnyList, Instacart, Paprika, or even Keep)
No more random sticky notes floating around. At my house, we’ve used Google Keep for in-store shopping lists that can be shared with family members. Your local grocery store likely has a pick-up option via their mobile app, like HEB here in Texas. I use Instacart for grocery delivery, even when on vacation, by having food delivered straight to a rental when we arrived. 👉 Instacart link
2. Subscription & Automation Helpers
Amazon Subscribe & Save
Household essentials show up automatically — from paper towels to pet food. No more emergency store runs. I use it for everything: vitamins, diapers, cat litter, dish soap, protein drinks, and even collagen powder. When you add 5+ items to a delivery, you save up to 15%.👉 Amazon Subscribe & Save link
Meal Services (HelloFresh + Factor)
These two services cover me for different situations.
HelloFresh gives me fun variety when I want to cook without the mental energy of meal planning. (I even save the meal cards to recreate later with my own grocery order.) 👉 Hello Fresh share link
Factor is a great go-to when you need quick, healthy, ready-to-eat meals delivered to your door.
Stitch Fix
Shopping can be overwhelming. With Stitch Fix, a stylist curates options that fit my lifestyle. It’s helped me build a capsule-style wardrobe without the stress of shopping trips. Bonus: I’ve discovered pieces I’d never pick out on my own. 👉 Stitch Fix share link
3. Home Management Systems
Weekly Command Center (Free Download)
This is the one tool I couldn’t find anywhere, so I built it myself. In just 15 minutes, the Weekly Command Center helps me align meals, calendars, priorities, and tasks in a single snapshot. It’s the Sunday night reset that sets up my whole week.👉 Weekly Command Center download
Alexa or Google Home
Voice commands like “Add milk to the grocery list” keep my brain free from holding it all. My family uses it for everything from setting timers, to playing music, to asking “what year did…?”
Smart Plugs & Automations
Small automations (like lights or coffee makers) save time and make routines seamless. Connect your devices to services you already use to navigate your home more smoothly.
Digital Thermostats & Deadbolts
Save money on energy costs by linking your digital thermostat to your phone. Set schedules and automation to have it turn on when you arrive home. Electronic deadbolts are a great access option instead of sharing physical keys. Family members, pet sitters and home vendors can have their own codes so that you know who has entry to your home and when.
4. Simple, Old-School Tools That Still Work
Wall Calendar or Whiteboard → perfect for at-a-glance visibility.
Family Binder → all those school forms & papers live here.
Sticky Notes → sometimes, the simplest tools still pull their weight.
Managing a busy home isn’t about doing everything yourself — it’s about using the right tools and systems so your family runs smoothly without the mental overload. Some of these are digital, some are old-school, and some are subscription-based. Together, they free up your time and energy.
These are the ones that work for me — and I’d love to help you find the right toolkit for your family. If you want help building your family's toolkit, that’s exactly what we do in a Clarity Consult.👉 Book a Clarity Consult here
~Kara
This post contains affiliate/share links marked with 👉. I only recommend products I personally use and love. If you sign up through my links, I may receive a small credit or commission — at no extra cost to you.
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