My 4 Best "Back to School/Real Life" Hacks
Does your household go haywire in September? Mine does.
Here are the best household hacks I have discovered to make things run more smoothly.
Expect chaos:
Everyone is “back to work” and all kids are “back to school.” There is no way to avoid that sense of overwhelm. Lean in!
2. Make sure rituals that work are in place.
There should be written morning and evening routines for every family member. Checklists to check off, lists to review. Anything you are trying to remember (what goes in a lunch box, school supply orders, brushing teeth, sunscreen, shopping lists, charging your phone) should be on a list you can look at and follow.
If you are trying to remember any of it (vs. writing it down), it is a misuse (a clogging) of your brain function.
Other great rituals include: family dinner, when/how shopping happens, spiritual practices, family logistics meetings, etc. etc. Read more about rituals here.
3. Make sure your division of labor, among the members of the household, is all set.
It’s not fair to leave it all to one person to manage. See last week’s blog for more on that!
4. And finally, number four out of three: Less is more.
In September, in regards to anything that is optional: DON’T DO IT!! Just focus on stabilizing your household with all the new routines and transitions! Thank me later for your sanity.
Want to stop feeling like the default CEO of your household and start feeling like a partner in love?
Watch my free webinar, “3 Secrets to Finding and Maintaining Healthy Love,” to learn how to create real teamwork, communicate clearly, and stop doing everything alone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Managing Household Chaos with Love
Why is September so stressful for relationships and families?
Because it’s full of transitions—new routines, new schedules, and a spike in responsibilities. Without structure, communication, and shared workload, the stress can lead to conflict and resentment.
What’s the benefit of writing down routines instead of winging it?
Written checklists reduce mental clutter and make expectations clear for everyone. They also allow you to delegate more easily and stop repeating yourself ten times a day.
How do I get my partner to share the household responsibilities?
Start by having a calm logistics meeting. Lay out what’s on your plate and ask for support—not in a blaming tone, but from a place of partnership. Be specific about what needs doing and invite them into the solution.
What if I feel guilty saying no to optional things?
Remind yourself that sanity is the priority. “Less is more” is not about being lazy—it’s about protecting your time, energy, and relationships from unnecessary burnout during transition-heavy times.
How do I keep my romantic connection strong during busy seasons?
Design it in! Even ten minutes of uninterrupted connection each night, or a weekly check-in over coffee, can keep love alive. Don’t let chaos crowd out intimacy—make space for both.
