Maycember Is Real, and We’re All Just Trying to Get Through It

Every year, I forget. Every single year. That’s why I’m sharing these Maycember organization tips to help remember everything during this busy time.

And then May hits me like a freight train. Teacher gifts, exams, field days, graduation parties, college tours, sports banquets. And that’s just the school stuff. Add in clients, travel, speaking gigs, and trying to squeeze in some semblance of real life (what’s for dinner again?)—and suddenly I’m wishing for the slower pace of December. Yes, December. If you’re wondering how to survive Maycember, you’re not alone. It’s a season of overwhelming chaos, and I’ve learned that a few simple steps can make a huge difference in managing the madness.

There’s a reason people call it Maycember. It has all the chaos of the holidays, but with better weather and zero warning. As a mom to identical twins in high school, my brain feels like it has 73 tabs open at once. This month is beautiful and exciting and also… a lot.

I’ve talked to so many women lately—friends, clients, team members—who all say the same thing: I feel like I’m drowning in logistics. If that’s you? Same.

But here’s the thing I come back to again and again, both personally and professionally: when your home is organized, everything else feels just a little more manageable. It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating pockets of calm in a season that feels like it’s running you over. If you’re wondering how to survive Maycember, I’ve found a few simple tips that really help.

So I wanted to share a few things that are actually helping me stay (mostly) sane this month. These aren’t major overhauls. Just small shifts that have made the mornings smoother, the afternoons less frantic, and the house feel more like a soft place to land.

How to Survive Maycember: 5 Tips for Staying Organized

1. The “Dump Basket” by the Door
We’re in and out all day long. Instead of letting permission slips, party invites, and random receipts pile up, I put a big basket by the door for all the incoming “stuff.” It buys me time to go through it on my schedule—not when I’m running out the door.

2. Pre-Packed “Go Bags”
Right now I basically live in my car. So I made little bags for each kind of event—one with snacks and water, one with a gift card and sunscreen, one with a few last-minute things like gum, hand wipes, or thank you notes. Total game-changer.

3. Seasonal Swaps at the Entryway
We ditched the winter coats and boots, and brought out baskets for sandals, beach towels, and baseball caps. When everything has a place, the mess doesn’t take over—and you’re not scrambling to find sunscreen when you’re already late.

4. One Zone a Night
Every night, I reset one space. Sometimes it’s just wiping down the kitchen counters. Other nights, it’s tossing clutter from the mudroom. Five minutes helps me feel like I’m still steering the ship (even if just barely).

5. Lowering the Bar a Bit
Real talk: not everything is going to get done. That’s okay. I’m letting go of the projects that can wait (sorry, garage!) and focusing on what makes this week easier. The rest can happen later—or not at all.

So if you’re in the thick of Maycember too—deep breath. You’re not alone

If you’re trying to figure out how to survive Maycember, a little organization won’t fix everything, but it can make the chaos feel just a bit more doable. And sometimes, that’s enough.

This season is wild, but it’s also full of meaning and moments we don’t want to miss. Here’s to surviving (and maybe even enjoying) the madness—one dump basket, go bag, and lowered bar at a time.

Looking for more ways to stay grounded and survive Maycember this season?

If Maycember has you feeling buried under all the mental tabs, you’re not alone. You might also love diving into these reads:

1. Declutter for the New Year: Make Space for Joy
   This post emphasizes the importance of decluttering not just physical spaces but also emotional baggage, setting the tone for a joyful and organized year ahead.
2. How Organization Boosts Mental Health
   Rachel delves into the profound connection between a well-organized environment and improved mental well-being, offering practical tips to achieve both.

Feel free to explore these articles for more insights on maintaining balance and clarity during busy seasons like Maycember.