Being a mom is a tornado of love, chaos, and creativity. You’re the captain of the ship but you might often feel like the court jester, juggling everything from nap schedules to school projects, all while making sure everyone is happy and fed. You’re already a boss, but what if I told you that there’s a secret weapon that could help you keep all those balls in the air while adding a dash of fun and a ton of organization? That’s right—I’m talking about a laminator, and how to use a laminator to make many of these tasks easier and more entertaining.
Now, you may be thinking: A laminator? Really? Yes, really! While laminators are often associated with office cubicles and school bulletin boards, they’re actually a busy mom’s best-kept secret. With a laminator by your side, you can preserve your little one’s precious artwork, create durable learning tools, and keep your household organized like a pro—all while looking like you’ve got everything under control, even on the days when you definitely don’t (and let’s be honest, that may be a lot of them!).
So, if you’ve ever found yourself drowning in a sea of crumpled papers, wrinkled paper crafts, or a cluttered calendar, this guide is for you. We’re diving into the world of laminators and showing you exactly how to use one to mom like a boss.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you decide to buy something through one of my links, it won’t cost you a penny more, and I may get a small commission. Thank you for reading and for supporting Belle Green!
You can’t laminate friendships, but you can show kids how to be better friends with the book I Am a Good Friend!
Laminator 101: What Is a Laminator and How Does It Work?
A laminator is a machine that applies a layer of plastic (a pouch) over paper or other materials, essentially sealing them in a protective cover. This process makes your documents, artwork, or labels more durable and resistant to spills, tears, and wear. For busy moms, this means you can turn everything from chore charts to precious keepsakes into long-lasting treasures because they will hold up better to the heavy hand of kids. (You know the phrase “man-handling”? Well, I call it “tot-handling” because kids can be rough!)
There are two main types of laminators:
Hot Laminators
These use heat to melt the adhesive on a laminating pouch which seals your document inside a clear plastic sheet. Hot laminators are great for most household projects, but it’s important to be cautious when using them around kids due to the high temperatures involved. However, you do get a much better seal and I’ve never had any concerns about using them around kids. (And trust me, I know how to worry about stuff like that!) This is the model I bought on Amazon and have used it heavily for a number of years and it still works great.
Cold Laminators
These machines use pressure instead of heat to seal the laminating pouch. They’re technically safer for use around children but might not provide as tight of a seal as a hot machine. Cold laminators are best for delicate items, like photos or heat-sensitive materials. Personally, I’ve not used a cold laminator, and this guide will mainly cover how to use hot laminators.
How to Use a Laminator: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Your Materials
Before you start laminating, make sure you have everything you need: your laminator, a laminating pouch, and the item you want to protect. Pouch packets come in various sizes, so be sure to select the right one for your project. These are the ones that fit my laminator. - Plug in and Warm Up Your Laminator
If you’re using a hot laminator, plug it in and wait for it to warm up. Your machine probably features a ready light that will let you know when it’s hot enough to start. This usually takes a few minutes, so be patient. While you wait, have a snack or visit the Belle Green YouTube channel. (While you’re there, please like and subscribe!) - Insert Your Document into the Laminating Pouch
Open the pouch and place your paper, coloring sheet, or other item inside. Double check that it’s centered and aligned properly. The sealed edge of the pouch will go into the machine first. Make sure you give it at least 1/8 inch around the pouch perimeter or it may not seal properly. It needs a sufficient edge for the pouch to seal. You can always cut away excess later if needed. - Feed the Pouch into the Laminator
Once your machine is hot and ready, carefully feed the pouch into the machine with the sealed edge first. The laminator will automatically pull the pouch through, applying heat and pressure to seal it. Make sure you feed the pouch straight to avoid wrinkles or jamming. - Wait for the Laminated Document to Cool
After the pouch has exited the laminator, let it cool for a few seconds. This allows the plastic to set and ensures a clean, wrinkle-free finish. Once it’s cool (you won’t have to wait long), you can cut and trim the edge if needed, but be sure to leave a small border around your item to maintain the seal.
You can see this whole process from start to finish in this YouTube video starting at about the 3-minute mark. She does talk about the interesting smell that the machine makes. If this bothers you, only use your laminator in well-ventilated areas. It’s not just new laminators – they make this smell every time!
Common Laminating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though laminating is a pretty straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes that can happen. Here’s some helpful tips on how to avoid them:
- Air Bubbles:
Air bubbles are usually caused by misaligned sheets inside the pouch or feeding the pouch into the laminator too quickly. To avoid bubbles, make sure your paper is completely flat and properly centered in the pouch before laminating. Feed it slowly and carefully into the machine and let the automatic pull function (one of the features any good machine should have) do its job. - Wrinkling:
Wrinkling often occurs if the laminator isn’t hot enough or if the pouch isn’t fed in straight. Always wait for the ready light to come on, and try not to rush inserting the pouch. Your patience will be rewarded! - Overheating the Machine:
If you’re doing a lot of laminating in one session, your machine might overheat. Most machines have an automatic shutoff among their features to prevent damage from overheating, but it’s still a good idea to give it a break after heavy use.
With these steps and tips, you’re now ready to tackle any laminating project that comes your way, large or small! Whether it’s protecting important documents, preserving your child’s latest masterpiece, protecting extra special coloring sheets, or creating DIY crafts, you’ve got the basics covered. Speaking of those projects, let’s move into the fun part – everything you can do with your new machine!
From arts and crafts to friendship and fun, keep kids learning and engaged with the helpful book I Am a Good Friend! Check it out here!
Crafting With Your Laminator: Creative Projects for Moms and Kids
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of using your machine, it’s time to get creative. Laminating opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to fun, family-friendly projects for you to try. Get ready, because your laminator is about to become your new favorite crafting tool. Plus, it’s a great incentive to get your kids involved in hands-on activities that they’ll love. Kiddos love new toys, even if it this one is yours!
Preserve Kids’ Artwork for Life
Got a pint-sized Picasso? I know you do! As new parents quickly find out, kids produce an endless stream of new artwork. From finger paintings to crayon doodles, every piece feels like a treasure. A perfect way to preserve these precious memories while keeping them protected from spills, tears, and wear over time is to laminate them! Here are some tips and ideas to try out to create a library of childhood art.
Create a Rotating Art Gallery
After laminating your child’s latest masterpiece, use it to create a rotating gallery in your home. With some removable adhesive strips, you can easily swap out the artwork without damaging your walls. This method keeps the house looking fresh and allows your kids to feel proud of their creativity by displaying a whole library of creative visual arts.
Make a Family Art Album
Laminating and compiling your child’s artwork into an album can become a yearly tradition. You’ll love looking back at their early creations and seeing how their skills evolved over time. These albums make great keepsakes for future birthdays or even graduation gifts. And when the paper is laminated, they’ll last many years into the future.
Turn Art into Gifts
Laminating your child’s art makes it sturdy enough to be turned into a personalized gift. For example, you can turn a drawing on a simple piece of paper into a custom placemat, bookmark, card, or framed decoration to give to family members. It’s an affordable and meaningful way to share their talents. If they’ve created a true masterpiece and you’re looking for more than your pouch can deliver, take a high-quality digital photo, crop or edit, and upload it to Printful or Printify. You can then make mugs, t-shirts, tote bags, and all kinds of awesomeness that features that image. Imagine how excited your kiddo would be to see their art on a t-shirt!
DIY Leaf Placemats: A Fun Fall Project
Autumn offers a perfect opportunity for a laminator-friendly crafting project—leaf placemats! This activity combines nature and creativity, letting your kids collect vibrant leaves and create beautiful, functional pieces that can last throughout the season. We make leaf placemats every fall, and they are genuinely beautiful additions to our table all year long. (Plus the main supplies are free – just go outside!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, head outside with your kids to gather colorful leaves. Try to gather all sizes – small, medium and large. (No leaves? Cut out paper ones and you’ll have exactly what you want.) Once you’ve selected the perfect leaves, arrange them on sheets of paper. I recommend using yellow, orange, or red construction paper for maximum autumnal impact. Adhere them in place using a very small amount of glue, or maybe double-sided tape. Add features like stickers and doodles, and have your kiddo write their name and the year somewhere on the paper. (Markers with fine tips work well for this.) Very carefully slide the paper into a pouch. Be sure to leave enough space around the pouch edges to maintain a tight seal. Run the sheets through the laminator, trim any excess material, and voila—custom fall placemats for your table!
Variations for Other Seasons
You can easily adapt this project for other seasons. For spring or summer, consider using pressed flowers, while for winter, you could laminate paper snowflakes that your kids cut out themselves. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a fantastic approach to help kids connect with the changing seasons. It’s also a fun way to support homeschool or preschool lessons and give the kids a creative outlet.
Involve the Whole Family
Turn this into a fun family project by having each family member get creative with a placemat that features their own unique creations. You’ll end up with a set of personalized, durable placemats that you can use year after year, while also creating lasting memories with your kids. It’s 100% win-win! For more placemat ideas hit up Google or YouTube!
Want to See This Project on YouTube?
Speaking of YouTube, do you prefer visual tutorials? I get it! I’m thinking of making a YouTube video that features details on exactly how we do this project and the lovely results we’re getting each and every time. Email me and let me know if you’d like to see this on my YouTube channel! [linktocontactpage]
Create Your Own Family Calendars
A family calendar can keep everyone on track and support your busy schedule, but why settle for a generic store-bought version when you can create one that’s uniquely yours? And one you can reuse month after month? Using a laminator, you can design personalized family calendars that not only look great but are also durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Here are some tips to turn this idea into a plastic-coated reality.
Designing Your Calendar
Start by selecting photos or artwork for each month. You can have fun by choosing pictures of the family, seasonal artwork created by your kids, or even try theme-based designs. You can also create calendar art using these months of the year coloring sheets! Print out a calendar template (easy to find on Google or bring one up in a Word document), add the designs, and laminate each page to keep it safe from spills or accidental tears.
Incorporating Special Dates
The great thing about DIYing it is that your calendar features dates and events that are specific to you and your family. Highlight birthdays, anniversaries, and family events directly on the laminated pages. You can also laminate small icons that your kids can help you move around to mark special occasions or activities, making the calendar interactive and fun. Try using Blu Tack as a quick reusable method to adhere and move around. Blu Tack features prominently in many of our household projects!
Reusable Year After Year
By laminating a dry-erase calendar, you can make it reusable for years to come. Write in dates, to-dos, and family activities with dry-erase markers (use the ones with fine tips), and simply wipe it clean each month. This not only saves paper but also makes it easy to adjust plans as needed. (And that happens a lot, am I right?)
DIY Memory Books
Memory books are a wonderful way to re-live the best moments from vacations, birthdays, or holidays. Laminating the pages of a memory book ensures that the photos, ticket stubs, or handwritten notes last for years, creating a durable keepsake that holds up to being sat on, slept on, used as an airplane, and any other thing your kids dream up to do with it. (Except if they cut it. Cutting will definitely destroy the seal!)
Assembling the Memory Book
Start by selecting the items you want to include, like photos (be careful with photos – see the quick tips below), postcards, or event tickets. Lay them out on sheets of paper, and adhere just enough to keep them from moving around. Feel free to doodle, write notes, include special dates, and so on. Insert each sheet into a pouch, laminate, then punch holes (as long as it doesn’t cut through your keepsakes!) and bind them together using a binder or rings. You can even add captions or short stories next to each item, turning the book into a real family journal.
Adding Personal Touches
Encourage your kids to become involved by adding their drawings, handwritten captions, or other mementos from the event. Their personal touches will make the memory book even more special, creating something the whole family can look back on. Feel free to give them as gifts, too! Grandparents love them!
Helpful Quick Tips
Do a test run on photos by putting a photo you don’t mind losing into a pouch and put that through your machine first. Some laminators are too hot for photos and may ruin them. Also, avoid using crayons with hot laminators, as the heat will melt the wax and can destroy your child’s creative hard work. (We learned this one the hard way!) Lastly, when using glue to adhere ticket stubs, images, or artwork to sheets before putting them in a pouch, use a very small amount – just enough to get it to stick. Excessive glue will squeeze out of the edge of the pouch during the pressing process and can gum up your machine. (Ask me how I know!)
Personalized Bookmarks and Labels
Laminating isn’t just for big projects. One of the easiest ways to get started with your new machine is by creating small, personalized bookmarks and labels that will add a touch of creativity to everyday tasks. You can also look up free templates to try starting with on Google (just be careful to only download free files from safe and reliable sources).
Custom Bookmarks
Have your child try designing their own bookmarks, which you can then laminate for durability. They make for a great addition to your child’s favorite books and can even be given as gifts to family and friends, especially when you need to mail a gift but want to keep costs down. These gifts can easily be mailed in a regular envelope. Let your kids explore their artistic side with markers, stickers, and drawings before laminating the finished product. (Double check the tips listed above and avoid using crayon!) Plus you can get multiple bookmarks out of a single pouch – just keep them separated inside the pouch, leave enough of an edge, and cut them apart when cooled.
Organizing with Labels
Laminated labels are a practical and fun way to keep things organized at home, but with kids they get banged up and shredded without proper support. You know where this is going! Yep, use your machine to create labels for toy bins, school supplies, or pantry items that are both functional and decorative. You can even make color-coded labels for each kid, ones that match your home’s décor, or add fun illustrations to make tidying up more enjoyable for your kids. Because cleaning up is their favorite, right?
Personalize for Special Occasions
I like laminating personalized name tags or place cards for birthday parties or family gatherings. These laminated pieces will last long after the event and can be reused for future celebrations. Depending on size, you can squeeze six or eight tags out of a single pouch and save a little money. If you want a nametag that hangs, when you cut them apart you can leave a bigger edge at the top and use a hole punch to cut a hole. Then use yarn or ribbon as a lanyard.
Crafting with your laminator not only unlocks endless creative possibilities but also allows you to bond with your children through hands-on projects. Whether you’re preserving their artwork, designing custom home decor, or making thoughtful gifts, your laminator will help you turn ordinary materials into physical memories that will survive the childhood years! Give these ideas a try and see what brilliant things you can do with your new machine.
Laminators make artwork last, and interpersonal skills make friendships last! Show kids how to be a good friend with this sweet book for preschoolers.
Educational and Homeschool Use: Making Learning Fun and Durable
Your laminator can become a powerful tool to support a more engaging and effective learning environment at home. Whether you’re homeschooling, honing preschool skills before they head off to kindergarten or just working on challenges specific to your kiddo’s education, laminating learning materials (and library or museum membership cards, if you still have a paper ones) makes them more durable, reusable, and interactive. With a little creativity, you can turn ordinary educational tasks into fun, hands-on activities that your kids will love. Grab a pouch and some paper and get ready, because here are some ideas and tips to get started with.
Laminate Flashcards and Learning Tools
Flashcards are a tried-and-true method for helping children learn everything from letters and numbers to sight words and math facts. Laminating them not only makes them more durable but also turns them into reusable tools that can be passed down to younger siblings or given to friends.
Creating Custom Flashcards
Start by designing flashcards tailored to your child’s learning needs. For small children, you can make flashcards for colors, shapes, or letters. For older kids, consider creating math flashcards, vocabulary words, foreign language words, or history facts. Once designed, simply print them out and laminate each card to ensure they withstand frequent use. You can put four flashcards in a pouch, securing them independently with a very small amount of glue or double sided tape, then cut them apart after they’re sealed. This saves quite a bit on pouch use. Just make sure there’s sufficient space between the cards and enough of an edge to get a solid seal.
Make Learning More Interactive with Dry-Erase Markers
One of the best parts of laminating flashcards is that they become dry-erase friendly. Kids can write their answers directly on the laminated surface and then wipe it clean to try again. This is especially useful for math problems, spelling practice, or fill-in-the-blank activities. We did this with times tables charts. We also had fun with a teeth brushing activity like this one. Kids use a dry erase marker to color in the teeth, then an old toothbrush to simulate brushing the teeth on the sheet!
Turn Flashcards into Games
If your house is anything like ours, anything that can be gamified does. After all, learning happens best when it’s fun! Laminate game cards to make memory match or bingo games that reinforce educational topics like letters, numbers, or sight words. By turning learning into a game, you make it more enjoyable for your kids (and, let’s be honest, for you too!) and keep them engaged for longer periods of time.
Reusable Worksheets and Activity Pages
Printing out worksheets and activity pages can be wasteful, especially if your child needs repetitive practice. Laminating these sheets makes them reusable, which is a great way to cut down on paper waste and provide a fun way for your child to interact with their lessons using dry-erase markers. Everything is more fun with markers! Try putting two sheets back to back inside one pouch so you end up with a double-sided worksheet, a nice way to condense and free up a little more space.
Create a Worksheet Binder
Make a binder filled with laminated worksheets that your kiddo can work on again and again. From practicing math equations to tracing letters or shapes, a reusable binder gives them the ability to practice skills without running out of paper (or wasting paper). Once they’ve completed a worksheet, simply wipe it clean, and it’s ready for next time. Give it a try!
Make Learning Travel-Friendly
Laminated activity pages are perfect for on-the-go learning. Taking a long car ride? Waiting for an appointment? Sitting in a restaurant? Pack a few laminated worksheets and some dry-erase markers to keep the kids entertained while they wait. Plus they can always turn it around and draw a work of art on the back side!
Design Your Own Activities
You can also create your own custom activity pages based on your child’s interests or learning needs. For example, you might make a laminated maze for younger kids or crossword puzzles for older children. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily adapt the activities as your child grows to support them in whatever stage they are in. And there will be many! Google for ideas on their flavor of the month and you’ll be amazed how many resources there are available for free or low-cost.
Laminated Maps and Charts
Visual aids are an important part of learning, especially for subjects like geography and science. They also make lessons less boring! Laminating maps, charts, and other visual aids that are small enough to fit into a pouch allows them to withstand heavy use and makes it easier to incorporate them into hands-on learning activities.
Laminating World Maps for Geography Lessons
Small-scale world maps and geography charts are perfect for laminating. Kids can use dry-erase markers to trace routes, highlight countries, or label continents. The laminated sheets allow them to mark up the map without worrying about damaging it. This is especially useful for teaching basic geography, states and regions of the United States, or for older kids learning about world history or current events.
Create Science Charts
Science subjects like astronomy, biology, or the water cycle can benefit from laminated charts. You can create star charts for stargazing, diagrams of plant or animal life cycles (the life cycle of a chicken and a butterfly seem to pop up constantly), or periodic tables that will last for years of use. Laminating these charts ensures that your child can refer back to them during experiments or lessons without worrying about spills or tears. (And when it comes to science experiments, spills happen…a lot!)
Make Learning Posters
Laminated learning posters, such as alphabet charts, multiplication tables, or weather charts, are great for homeschooling spaces or even just as visual reminders around the house. These sheets can be mounted on the wall, allowing your child to reference them as needed, while the strong surface protects them from wear and tear.
Hands-On Educational Games
Another advantage of using a laminator for educational purposes is that you can create hands-on learning games that reinforce learning concepts in a reusable way. Try these on for size:
Laminated Memory Games
It’s super easy to create your own memory match games using sight words, letters, or math problems. Print out matching pairs and laminate them to ensure the cards last through repeated use. This activity helps improve memory and cognitive skills while reinforcing learning concepts. Plus it’s easy to clean up!
DIY Board Games
Try using your laminator to create custom board games that focus on educational topics like math or language arts. For example, design a math race game where players roll dice and solve math problems to move forward. Laminating the game board and pieces ensures that it will last, even with frequent use. Hit up Google and YouTube for more ideas on educational DIY board games.
By using your laminator to create durable and interactive learning tools, you can make homeschooling or supplemental education more interesting and effective. Not only will these materials stand the test of time, but they’ll also add an element of fun to your child’s learning journey and cut down on your use of paper!
Kids often struggle when starting to make friends. I Am a Good Friend gives them the skills and confidence to be a friendship super star! Learn more here.
Household Organizing: To Preserve and Protect
When you’re juggling kids, schedules (allll the activities), and housework, keeping things organized can feel like an uphill battle. But with a laminator in your toolbox and a pouch in your hand, you can create durable, reusable solutions to help streamline and support your household routine. Think keeping track of chores, uniquely labeling storage bins, and maintaining meal planning in a flexible way. Creative use of your new machine adds a touch of practicality and creativity to household management, helping you stay on top of it all with ease. Well, maybe not with total ease…more like better controlled chaos! Here are some ideas to more effectively herd cats, so to speak!
Create a Family Command Center
A well-organized family command center is the heartbeat of any busy household. By laminating key documents and schedules, you can ensure everything stays neat, legible, and reusable, while also minimizing paper waste. Let’s cover how you can create a system that keeps the whole family on track, all in one central location, without an endless stack of paper flying all over the place.
Protect the Family Schedule
A dry-erase laminated family calendar is perfect for keeping everyone on the same page. Print out a weekly or monthly calendar template, laminate it, and then use dry-erase markers to write in activities, appointments, and reminders. (We use these fine point markers.) As the week progresses, you can easily update the calendar with new plans or changes. It’s reusable, sustainable, and a great option to make sure no one misses soccer practice or that dentist appointment. I always have our school calendars laminated because they always seem to get crushed in the paper piles!
Chore Charts That Stick – and Motivate!
A laminated chore chart not only makes it durable but also reusable, you can assign and check off tasks as they’re completed. Personalize the chart with your child’s name and daily or weekly tasks, then let them use dry-erase markers to mark their progress. By laminating the chart, you avoid the hassle of constantly printing new ones while encouraging responsibility in your little ones. Plus, if you’ve got kids that like to check things off (these are my people!) or that are competitive (that’s my son!) a re-usable checklist can satisfy those desires week after week as they make checkmarks and see who can complete their weekly tasks first. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back, Mom.
Meal Planning Made Easy(ish)
Meal planning is another area where a laminator can save the day. Create a weekly meal planner that you can write on and wipe off each week. This way, you’ll have a clear plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without the need to shuffle through paper lists. You can even put a clear seal on frequently used recipe cards and keep them handy in your command center for easy reference. You can quickly pivot and change plans without having to start your plan from scratch. (Forget to thaw the chicken? Too tired to cook? I feel you. Have a backup plan!)
Labeling Everything: From Toy Bins to Pantry Jars
Keeping everything in its place can be challenging when there are kids around, especially when not a one of them knows how to put something back where they got it. Laminating labels for storage bins, shelves, and pantry jars helps bring a sense of order to your home and makes tidying up easier for everyone. Plus, the labels are sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of daily use. And they make you look like you’ve got your stuff together, which is a definite morale boost on those harder days.
Toy Bin Labels for Easy Clean-Up
Labeling toy bins is a great for teaching kids where things go, help developing those early reading skills, and making clean-up time (hopefully) a little less chaotic. Print out and seal up labels with words or images (for younger kids who can’t read yet, do both!) of the toys that belong in each bin—blocks, dolls, cars, etc. Once laminated, these labels will be durable and reusable, ensuring they last for years. Attaching them with Velcro or double-sided tape allows you to change them out as needed when toys rotate in and out of play. I love double sided tape. I could write a poem about double sided tape. I only recommend Scotch brand double sided tape. But a word to the wise, mama. This tape is for YOU. Do not let the kids have access unless you want to be crying, trying to remove it from walls, cabinets, etc. because it IS sticky. Hide it in a locked box with your secret stash of snacks.
Organizing the Pantry
Laminating labels for your pantry items is a simple yet effective approach to keep things tidy. You can label jars, baskets, or storage containers with the contents—flour, sugar, snacks, etc.—making it easy for everyone to find what they need. Laminated labels are especially helpful for maintaining a neat and visually appealing pantry, while also ensuring your organization system lasts longer than those snack bars no one likes.
School and Craft Supplies
If you’ve got kids who love crafts, you’ve got piles of supplies that have to go somewhere. Keeping school and craft supplies organized is key to a stress-free home, especially when kids are involved in multiple activities. Laminated labels can be used on storage bins or drawers to help categorize supplies like markers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, and paper. This helps your child develop independence as they learn where to find and put away their materials. (We hope.)
Laminated Cleaning Schedules and Grocery Lists
Keeping your household clean and stocked with groceries is a full-time job in itself. Laminating reusable cleaning schedules and grocery lists can make these tasks easier to manage and maintain. You’ll have a clear, durable system for keeping track of chores and shopping needs without constantly printing new lists and using up paper. Try these organizing ideas:
Daily or Weekly Cleaning Schedules
Create a laminated cleaning schedule that outlines daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. You can break it down by room (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms) or by chore (e.g., dusting, vacuuming, mopping). Once laminated, this schedule can be hung up in a visible location, and you can check off tasks with a dry-erase marker as they’re completed. It’s a great idea to help stay on top of housework without feeling too overwhelmed, and it reminds the whole family to pitch in. Not sure which chores are right for your kids? Here’s an awesome age-by-age chore list! Use this one to DIY it or try looking up a pre-made chore chart on Google.
Reusable Grocery Lists
Keep a laminated grocery list on your fridge or in your command center. This is especially good for things that tend to run out and then are forgotten about until you need the soy sauce, maple syrup, or peanut butter. You can use a dry-erase marker to add items as you run out, and then wipe the list clean after each shopping trip. Having a reusable grocery list not only saves paper but also ensures you never forget what you need, as you can easily update it throughout the week.
Specialized Checklists for Household Tasks
You can also create specialized checklists for occasional tasks, such as packing for a family trip, spring cleaning, or preparing for holiday gatherings. By laminating these checklists, you can reuse them year after year, making sure nothing gets overlooked when it gets crazy leading up to vacation time.
Laminating household organizing tools not only helps you create a more efficient home but also turns your everyday routines into something manageable and visually appealing (or at least sweet and creative!). From keeping track of chores to labeling storage, your laminator will help you transform your home into a well-organized, stress free space (okay, probably more like stress less) that works for the whole family. Don’t wait – add a laminator to your life now and you’ll thank me later!
Laminating Your Way to Boss-Mom Status
By now, you’ve seen just how much a laminator can revolutionize your daily mom duties. From preserving your kids’ artwork and organizing your household to creating reusable learning tools and crafting memorable DIY projects, the possibilities really are endless. (Google it or hit YouTube and you’ll see what I mean!) A laminator isn’t just a gadget—it’s a game-changer for any mom looking to stay on top of the chaos while injecting a little extra fun and creativity into the mix. (And no, just because you’re the new boss in town doesn’t mean you have to form an LLC!)
Give this simple machine a try and you’ll find yourself more organized, less stressed, and ready to take on whatever motherhood throws your direction—all while having a little fun along the way. It’s time to break free, embrace your inner boss mom, and start laminating like a pro!