Hello! Today I have a few ideas to share with you to help you to get organized and get out the door on time.  I think the most stressful thing about having kids in any extra curricular activity is getting out the door with everything you need.   I have four kids (ages 12, 10, 7, and 5 ) and it seems like it takes us FOREVER to get into the car when we have anywhere to go.  I don't like to be late.  I'm not saying I always get to soccer on time but I have figured out a few things that help our family get out the door and help me feel a little less stressed.  So here we go!

5 Tips to Get You out the Door On Time

1. Get Organized:  

This is a no brainer, you can always get out the door faster if you can find what you need.  Here's how we keep track of our Soccer gear.

Sock/Uniform Bin:

I keep all of our Soccer socks and uniforms in a bin on our laundry room shelf.

I like my kids to be independent when it comes to getting themselves ready.  I just don't have the time to help everyone.  They just pull the bin down and grab their stuff.  It can be easily dumped out when they can't find something and easily put back when they're finished. I used to put their socks and uniforms in each kid's dresser but inevitably they wouldn't be able to find something and the drawer would end up a a sea of unfolded clothing in a flash.  The bin works WAAAAY better.

Shoe Basket:  

All soccer shoes and shin guards go outside in the garage in a basket.  It has nice big holes on  the sides for airing out smelly soccer shoes.

Ball Bag:  

We keep all the soccer balls in a huge net bag.  We found this bag here.  My husband coaches and he takes all the balls with him and meets us at the field.  Nice that it's one thing I don't have to worry about.

2. Get Ready Early:  

When they come home from school I have them put on whatever they are wearing to soccer before they have a snack or do homework. I have them fill up their water bottles and find their gear before it's time to get in the car.  I have to make sure I'm ready early too.  It's a bad sign if I'm still trying to put something together for dinner when it's time to get in the car.

3. Watch the clock:

Decide on the time you need to be driving away to get there on time.  I tell my kids to get in the car 10 minutes before we actually have to drive away.  This allows them go the bathroom if they forgot to, and have time to drag their feet a little without making us late. If I do this we can actually get out the door on time!

4. Practice what you preach:

This is probable the best soccer mom tip! My kids follow my example.  If I tell them to get in the car but then go into the other room and finish getting ready myself, they don't take me seriously.  They won't get in the car sometimes until they see me grabbing my keys and getting in there myself.

5. Take a deep breath:

Ultimately if you get to soccer a few minutes late it's not the end of the world. I just sometimes have to remember that when I'm yelling at my kids to hurry up!! Yelling and screaming to get everyone to cooperate just makes my blood boil and that's not good for me or them. You'll feel better if you are a few minutes late and keep your cool. 

Okay that's it for today!  What did I forget?? What works for you?  I would love to hear your ideas so feel free to share your them in the comments below.  And join me for the rest of my Soccer Mom Sereis as I share tips and tutorials to get you through the soccer season. 

Want to see more tips and tutorials in my Soccer Mom Series? Follow the links below!

• 5 Tips to get you out the door ON TIME!
• Waterproof Blanket Tutorial
• Sideline Survival Activities
• Soccer/Camping Chair Cover
• Meal Prep with Ducks in a Row
• Drawstring Backpack Tutorial
• Super Easy Sleeve Ties Tutorial

Over and out!