The Temporary Shelf: A Simple Home Organization Hack for Busy Moms

Moms NEED Simple Home Organization Hacks

If you’re a busy mom, you know that life comes with constant moving parts... sports schedules, school events, birthday parties, and family gatherings. With so much going on, it’s easy for items to pile up in random spots around the house, creating clutter and frustration. 

One of the most effective (and surprisingly easy) strategies I’ve discovered is what I call the “temporary shelf.”

(See Related Instagram Post!)

What Is a Temporary Shelf?

A temporary shelf is a designated space in your home that’s meant to stay empty until you need it. It’s not for permanent storage, but rather for those in-between items that don’t have a long-term home. Think of it as your family’s landing zone for temporary needs.

Examples of what goes on the temporary shelf:

• Sports snacks for the team you’re signed up to bring this week

• Party supplies for a birthday you’re hosting soon

• Gifts for upcoming friends’ or kids’ birthday parties

• Seasonal event items like Valentine’s class treats

Instead of stuffing these things into already-full closets or leaving them scattered on countertops, the temporary shelf becomes their short-term home.

Why the Temporary Shelf Works

This simple organization hack for moms works because it creates structure for the things that don’t yet have a place. It:

• Reduces clutter by keeping temporary items out of sight but still accessible

• Prevents lost items (no more last-minute panic searching for the party gift you bought weeks ago!)

• Simplifies routines because everyone in the family knows where to look for “upcoming” items

• Saves mental energy—one less decision to make, one less pile to manage

It’s a small shift that has a big impact on how organized your home feels.

How to Create a Temporary Shelf in Your Home

You don’t need anything fancy to get started. A temporary shelf can be:

• An actual open shelf in a closet or pantry

• A basket or bin labeled “temporary”

• A section of a cabinet you dedicate for short-term storage

The key is keeping it mostly empty so it’s always ready for the next temporary need.

Why This Mom Hack Really Helps

As moms, we’re constantly managing the flow of “stuff” in our homes. By creating intentional spaces like a temporary shelf, we’re not just organizing things, we’re creating peace of mind. Organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming or perfect. It just has to make your daily life easier.

So the next time you’re juggling snacks, party favors, or sports gear, remember: give it a temporary home until it’s needed. This one small system can help you feel calmer, more in control, and ready for whatever life throws your way.

Additional Simple Home Tips for Moms

While the temporary shelf is a game-changer, here are a few other home organization hacks for moms you can try:

1. Create our favorite, "Physical To-Do List"
2. Establish your own, "Nightly Reset"

Permission to Find Ways to "Let it Be Easy" with Elevate Motherhood

At the end of the day, home organization isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating systems that actually work for your real life as a mom. Your “temporary shelf” might not look Pinterest-worthy, but it will save you time, stress, and clutter. And that’s the point.

Give yourself permission to let it be easy.

If you love simple organization tips like this one, join me over on Instagram where I share daily hacks, routines, and real-life mom solutions. Together, we can make home and life feel lighter, more efficient, and more joyful.

Thanks for being here!

Until next time, let's Elevate Motherhood!

- Courtney