The Genius Home Organization Hack You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorite mom hacks—something that has seriously helped me clear the clutter, calm the chaos, and keep things moving in our home: the physical to-do list.

Yes, you read that right. A drawer. But not just any drawer, and technically it could also be a cabinet. Anyway.

This isn’t a junk drawer (though it might sound like one). It’s a purposeful space—a home for the random, unfinished tasks of motherhood that we just don’t have time to deal with right now. And it’s one of the best organization systems I’ve ever used.

What Is a Physical To-Do List?

This simple system lives in one easy-to-reach drawer or cabinet. It’s meant to stay mostly clean and clear so that you can actually use it.

In my home, here’s what’s allowed to “live” in the drawer full-time:

• Chapstick

• A few essential oils

• Kids’ name labels

• A lighter

• Scripture-based dinner conversation cards

• Hand sanitizer

• Fly trap refills

• Small flashlights

But the true magic of this drawer is its second job: it holds anything that needs my attention.

What Goes In the Physical To-Do List?

Think of this as your go-to catch-all with a purpose.

It’s not a place to shove clutter and forget about it. It’s a holding zone—a physical representation of your mental load.

Here’s what might end up in there:

• Invitations that need an RSVP

• School papers I need to sign or return

• Broken things that need repairing

• Items that haven’t found their "home" yet

• A small gift I need to wrap

• A return label and item I need to drop off

Instead of letting these things sit on the kitchen counter (guilty 🙋‍♀️), I tuck them into this space where I know they’ll get handled soon. My counters stay clear, and my mind stays clearer too.

The Secret to Making This Work

This won’t work if you treat it like a black hole. The key to this system is revisiting and emptying it regularly.

Make it a habit—maybe once a week or every few days—to check the drawer, take action on anything that’s ready, and declutter the clutter. If something’s been in there too long, it probably needs to be dealt with, thrown away, or relocated.

This space helps you avoid decision fatigue and delay—because you’ve already made one decision: this goes in the drawer for now.

Why Moms Need This OrganizationHack

Let’s be real—mom life is full of micro-tasks that never make it to a written to-do list. This drawer is your backup brain.

By giving those little tasks a physical “home,” you:

• Reduce visible clutter

• Avoid the overwhelm of scattered reminders

• Give yourself permission to wait without forgetting

• Feel more in control of your space and schedule

Try It in Your Home

Start simple. Find a deep drawer or a small cabinet you can dedicate to this purpose. Keep it mostly clear, allow only a few essentials to live there permanently, and give yourself permission to drop things in when life gets busy.

You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Want more mom hacks and home routines that actually work?
Follow me on Instagram @ElevateMotherhood for daily tips, ideas, and encouragement!

Until next time, let’s elevate motherhood. 
– Courtney