Working from home is a dream for many women, but it comes with its own set of challenges—juggling deadlines, virtual meetings, household chores, and, of course, kids. The good news is that there are tools for working moms designed to make this balancing act a lot easier. Here’s a revised and tested list of 10 essential tools every work-from-home mom should have in her toolkit, all based on real-life experience and practical advice from moms who have been there.
10 Essential Tools For Working Moms:
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
When you’re trying to focus, even the slightest background noise can be a huge distraction. A pair of noise-canceling headphones can create that much-needed “quiet zone,” even in a bustling household. They’re perfect for drowning out everything from chatty kids to the whirr of household appliances. Look for a model that’s comfortable for long wear, wireless, and has a long battery life.
We recommend:
- Beats Studio Pro
- Bose (our team’s favorite) Quiet Comfort
- JBR Tune
- We do not rate earbuds (!)
- Google Calendar
Keeping track of family and work commitments can get overwhelming, but Google Calendar simplifies it. You can create color-coded calendars for work, family, and personal time, set reminders, and share schedules with other family members. This helps everyone stay on the same page, reducing scheduling conflicts and stress.
- Trello for Task Management
If you like visual organization, Trello is a lifesaver. It uses boards, lists, and cards to keep all your tasks in one place. Whether you’re managing a work project, planning a family vacation, or just keeping track of to-dos, Trello’s easy-to-use format makes it simple to move tasks from “To-Do” to “Done.”
- Cozi Family Organizer
Cozi is a family management app that helps you organize your hectic household schedule. It has shared calendars, to-do lists, meal planners, and a family journal. It’s a one-stop shop for keeping everyone’s activities in order and making sure you don’t miss a school event or dentist appointment.
- Slack for Communication
When you’re collaborating with colleagues or clients, communication needs to be clear and efficient. Slack is a messaging platform that allows you to set up channels for different projects, direct message individuals, and share files. It integrates with tools like Google Drive and Zoom, keeping all your communication in one place.
- A Good Planner
Sometimes, nothing beats the old-fashioned pen and paper. A dedicated planner specifically designed for work-from-home moms can help you keep track of your schedule, goals, and to-do lists. Look for one with customizable sections for work and family tasks, goal-setting pages, and habit trackers to keep you on top of everything.
Our team’s favorite for usability and esthetics: Bloom Daily Planner
- Evernote for Note-Taking
Evernote is your digital notebook for everything. From grocery lists to work project ideas, you can organize notes, set reminders, and sync them across all devices. It’s perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes and you need a place to jot it down quickly.
- RescueTime for Time Management
Ever feel like the day slips away, and you’re not sure where your time went? RescueTime tracks how you spend your time online, helping you identify distractions and time-wasters. It’s a great way to see how you can optimize your workday, ensuring you have enough time for both work and family.
- Zoom for Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings are a staple of remote work, and Zoom has become the go-to app for video calls. Its screen-sharing and breakout room features make it ideal for team meetings, webinars, or even virtual playdates with your kids’ friends. Keep a set time for meetings, so they don’t spill over into family time.
- A Reliable Coffee Maker
Let’s face it—coffee is fuel for many moms. A reliable coffee maker is an essential tool that provides that much-needed energy boost. Whether you prefer a quick single-serve pod or a classic drip coffee maker, having a steady supply of coffee can make even the busiest days manageable.
Find What Works for You
Every mom’s situation is unique, so finding the right tools can take a bit of trial and error. The goal is to create a toolkit that reduces your stress, boosts productivity, and makes balancing work, life, and kids just a little bit easier. There are many tools working moms can and should be using. Whether it’s the structured organization of Trello, the seamless communication of Slack, or the focus brought by noise-canceling headphones, choose the tools that best fit your lifestyle.
Share your favorite tools in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
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