Systems & Techniques Archives

A Household Binder can be a portable command center

August 8, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Organizing Projects, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

Using a household binder is a great way to keep lots of miscellaneous and commonly referenced loose papers in one place. It can be used anywhere you need, taken with you from room to room (or when you leave home), and is an easy way to share information with babysitters, family members, etc. It can be digital or physical, and can include as much or as little information as you find helpful.

What to Include in Your Household Binder

Emergency contacts such as doctors, family members, and neighbors.
Vital household information- Wi-Fi code, alarm, and utility company info, etc.
Important personal and medical information, such as allergies and medications
Schedules including school year, holidays, sports, and after-school activities, etc.
Invitations
Takeout food menus
Meal Planning
Grocery lists
To Do list
Action items-bills to be paid
Chore charts/Goal Charts, etc.
Pet Info
House Rules (for guests, etc.)

How to Set up your household binder

Gather physical or digital supplies including binder or digital word processor, clear sheet protectors, section dividers with tabs, labels (label maker) & markers, pens or pencils
Print blank forms for any of the information above, if you don’t have a source for this, contact me and see below.
Type out or hand write contact info, personal /household info
Gather menu’s, mail, lists, invitations and schedules
Create sections for Contact &/or Emergency Information, household member, Schedules, Chore charts, pet info. meals, To-Do etc.

This image is from the Table of Contents for my “Creatively Organized Everything” binder, which is more comprehensive and in-depth than a household binder. If you are a client and need access to this file, I have created a Comprehensive 50 page template for you to use for all your household and legacy planning needs. Contact me to learn more.

A household binder is a great system for households that don’t’ have a lot of space for a command center. It can also be used along with a more “Visual” command center.

Get Sentimental this summer

July 7, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Collections, Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset 2 Comments

Have a Sentimental Summer and use these tips for sorting school work and kids’ memorabilia.

Summer is perfect for getting a handle on all those sentimental school objects, papers, and artwork you and your kids are keeping. Perhaps you have a designated spot where you dump things throughout the year? Before you sit down to sort through the sentimental savings, it helps to understand how sentimental you are. Do you want to keep everything, are you detached, or somewhere in between?

Having an awareness of what we learned from our upbringing will be a great guide to your decision-making process moving forward!

Reflect on your childhood and how your parents handled your memorabilia. Sometimes, how our family “taught” us is how we respond, and other times, we want to do the direct opposite. Did your parents keep everything and then hand it over to you after college or when you moved out? Or did they dump it in the trash? What did you do with your sentimental treasures from childhood? Do you still have those things? When was the last time you looked through your memory albums, boxes, etc.? Be aware that what you do today will impact your kids’ behavior tomorrow, and they may already have a strong opinion about what they want to keep or discard (which might differ from yours).

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Curb Kitchen Chaos

January 23, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Health, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Kitchen organizing is a dream job for me. Here are quick tips to Curb Kitchen Chaos. I love to cook, so creating functional and easy-to-use storage systems is a joy!

A Kitchen Case Study

Here’s an excellent example of a kitchen with ample storage but lacks organizing and storage systems. This family didn’t see the potential for re-arranging items to maximize better the drawers, cabinets, and pullout storage they had.

We first tackled the family “command center,” a corner nook that seemed to capture everything from flower vases to cereal, kids’ medicine to keys. This area had become a “dumping ground” and looked and felt very cluttered.

Challenges of an Open-Concept Kitchen

We discussed how this space could best serve the family’s needs and started by moving the items that didn’t belong out. Many kitchens are part of an open floor plan or open to a great room (this example was), so keeping things orderly is vital since food prep is no longer out of sight. Kitchens often double as office spaces, family planning hubs, and play areas. It can be frustrating to have toys and paperwork strewn everywhere. This process will usually create a bigger mess than you have. The chaos of pulling things out and not yet having room to put them away can turn people off …but hang in there!

Corral, Contain, and Decant

We transformed what remained by corralling small:

Kids’ art supplies went into cute glass jars
Keys went on command hooks
Medicine went in clear bins, like this high-sided, clear, lazy Suzan
Sun/glasses went into a small basket
Frequently used phone numbers (for the babysitter/nanny, etc.) went into a binder in a nearby desk drawer.
This drawer became a more practical storage space for everyday office supplies, such as pens, pencils, tape, scissors, the checkbook, and the family’s paper calendar, for quick reference. It made sense because it is part of the area that serves as a “command center.”

Efficient Kitchen Zones

If your kitchen needs a bit of order, try rethinking where you store items and creating zones for more efficient use of space. We tackled strategic zones, working our way from one end of the kitchen to the other, finishing with the fridge (no photo’s-sorry). We created specific zones for breakfast, baking, spices, kids, command center, and cooking.

Tips to Curb Kitchen Chaos

Kitchen Organizing-Before

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Often, people don’t label because they think they will remember what goes where. Still, if you have a housekeeper, nanny, babysitter, or family member who regularly uses the space, they will not know where things go unless you make it simple. Your logic might not be the same as other household members, so using labels will help everyone get on the same page. The primary person using the space should consider others’ needs. Ultimately, the space should be set up to serve those who use it most.
Quick tip: I have several “go-to” favorite containers that work well for various needs. However, I also consider what the client likes. If storage is visible, we will look for more decorative containers that fit the client’s decor.
Use labels and zones inside the fridge! Yes, we all tend to keep things like condiments together, but what about designating a lower shelf and container for kids’ snacks, another area for breakfast foods, and so on? Labels (as stated above) will make it easy for everyone in the house to remember where everything goes.

Kitchen Organizing-After

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In summary, create a system based on zones. This kitchen took two three-hour sessions (average for a mid-large kitchen). Consider what you like or have to do most (baking but not much cooking, making lunches, etc). In the end, the kitchen will function much more smoothly. Everyone knows where things belong, thanks to labels on all the shelves and drawers. Your time in the kitchen will be so much more enjoyable and efficient!

I love how this space turned out; it’s both beautiful and functional, and it gives the kids the freedom to have fun in their space but makes it super easy to clean up when needed.

Do you have a space that serves multiple functions? If you find these spaces challenging or need help with setup, I’d love to help you! Visit my contact page, and we can schedule a time for a free”get to know your organizing needs” call.

How to Reflect, Review, and Reboot for the New Year

January 2, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Planning & Goals, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reboot for the New Year with renewed organizational habits. Could your time management be improved? Does your home need decluttering?

No matter your organizational goals or habits, there’s always value in reviewing what worked well — and what didn’t. You can build on those successes by understanding the systems and strategies that supported you and continue improving. On the flip side, you can set intentions for improvement in the coming year by acknowledging the areas that fell short. All this reflection has you in good company!

Organization is one of the top New Year’s resolutions, goals, and intention-setting practices for the new year (every year). Because of this, many of us (organizers) in the trade refer to January as GO (Get Organized) Month. For anyone new here, hello and welcome! I have been a member of the National Association for Organizing and Productivity Professionals (NAPO) since I began my business in 2011. So, I’ve seen my share of New Year’s organizing resolutions! If the steps below don’t feel like enough, please reach out for support from a friend or a professional organizer like me!

Let’s dive into this process to help you Reboot for the New Year.

Step 1: Celebrate Your Wins

We’re quick to focus on what didn’t go well, but reflecting on what did is just as important. Take out a notebook or open a fresh document and ask yourself the following:

What organizational strategies or tools consistently worked for you this year?
- Did a specific planner, app, or routine help keep you on track?
When did you feel most in control of your schedule and environment?
- Perhaps you decluttered a tidy space or implemented a morning routine that set the tone for productive days.
What habits brought you joy or reduced stress?
- Maybe meal prepping on Sundays made weeknights less chaotic, or setting reminders for self-care helped you stay balanced.

Remember—be kind to yourself! We’re looking for progress, not perfection. Small improvements are something to celebrate because we can build on their knowledge. For example, maybe you hung a hook for your keys, and now you always know where to find them, whereas you used to scramble to find them daily. How can we apply that principle to other spaces?

But before we move to the next step, please take a moment to appreciate the effort you put into your successes. These wins will serve as the foundation for building even better systems.

Step 2: Acknowledge Your Challenges

Now, it’s time to turn to the areas that didn’t go as planned. Remember, this isn’t about self-criticism—it’s about growth. Reflect on these questions:

What organizational habits or tools didn’t serve you well?
- Maybe you bought a planner you barely used or tried an app that didn’t fit your style.
When did you feel overwhelmed or disorganized?
- Were there specific times of the year or types of tasks that felt particularly challenging?
What habits or systems added stress instead of alleviating it?
- Perhaps you overcommitted to too many responsibilities or struggled to maintain a tidy workspace.

Be honest and compassionate with yourself. Identifying these areas isn’t about finding fault; it’s about pinpointing opportunities for improvement.

Step 3: Consider the Lessons

With your wins and challenges laid out, look for patterns and insights. Consider these:

What made the successful strategies work?
- If your meal prep habit stuck, was it because you kept it simple or enjoyed the results?
What hindered the less successful systems?
- If you didn’t use a planner, was it too complex, or did you forget to keep it handy?
How can you adjust your approach moving forward?
- You might want to try a different app, simplify your routines, or involve others in your organizational efforts.

This analysis will help refine your systems, ensuring they align with your lifestyle and needs.

Step 4: Set Intentions for the Year Ahead

With clarity on what worked and what didn’t, you’re ready to set intentions for the coming year. Intentions differ from resolutions; they’re more about guiding principles than rigid goals. Here are some examples:

For Time Management:
- “I intend to honor my schedule while leaving room for flexibility.”
For Physical Organization:
- “I intend to maintain a clutter-free workspace that inspires productivity.”
For Emotional Well-being:
- “I intend to prioritize systems that reduce stress and create balance in my life.”

Write down your intentions and keep them somewhere visible. They will serve as gentle reminders of the direction you want to take.

Remember to start small and be realistic. You can always add more later. Building momentum feels much better than falling short of your lofty intentions.

Step 5: Create a Plan of Action

Intentions are powerful but even more effective when paired with action steps.

For each intention, brainstorm practical ways to bring it to life. For example:

If you intend to “streamline my morning routine,” you might:
- Lay out clothes the night before.
- Prep breakfast ingredients ahead of time.
- Use an app to organize your daily priorities.
If you intend to “stay on top of household tasks,” you could:
- Implement a simple weekly cleaning schedule.
- Delegate chores to family members.
- Set up automatic reminders for recurring tasks.

Start small, focusing on one or two intentions at a time, and build from there.

Step 6: Celebrate Progress Along the Way

Finally, remember that lasting change takes time and doesn’t happen overnight when trying to improve habits we’ve had for decades!

As you implement your new systems and habits, celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step forward is a win, and recognizing that will keep you motivated.

Cheers to the New Year!

Reflecting on your organizational habits is an empowering process. It’s an opportunity to learn about yourself, acknowledge your strengths, and address areas for growth with compassion and intention. As you review your past year and set your sights on the next, remember that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Here’s to a more organized, joyful, and fulfilling year ahead!

Simple Ways to Get Organized for the Holidays: A Stress-Free Guide

November 14, 2024 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

It’s the same story every year…as the holiday season approaches, we dream of cozy evenings by the fireplace, quality time with family, and flawless festive events. But then, November and December arrive, and suddenly, we’re thrown into a tailspin of planning, prep, and stress! There has to be a better way, right? Try a few simple ways to get organized for the holidays.

Quick Pre-Holiday Decluttering

It’s hard to organize anything without decluttering first, but who has that time during the holidays? That’s why a quick declutter is essential!

Here’s what I recommend:

Grab a trash bag for garbage and a box for donations.
Go from room to room and grab anything you know can go.
Get the family involved if possible!
Remind your family that to make space for new items, it’s time to let go of some old ones.

It’s also important to remember to declutter as you begin getting out your holiday decorations. When you can see everything in one place, it’s easier to realize that you may have more than you need. You may also notice a few items you no longer love, and this is a perfect time to donate them or let them go.

Organizing Holiday Decor

After you’ve done a quick declutter, it’s time to get out the holiday decorations! If you’re like most of my clients (before we worked together), you haul out the boxes each year and grumble about the tangled jumble of items. Maybe you’ll swear that this is the year you’ll get them organized. Then, January rolls around, and you’re in a rush, so everything gets dumped back in the boxes.

When organizing holiday decor, start by categorizing items into groups like lights, ornaments, wreaths, and garlands. Store each category in clear, labeled bins for easy identification, and consider using divided containers or padding for fragile items.

Take an extra few minutes to untangle and neatly wrap lights and garlands before storing them, saving time and reducing frustration next year. Label each box by location (living room tree ornaments, outdoor lights, etc.) to make next year’s setup a breeze. Well-organized holiday decor simplifies decorating and preserves items so they last for seasons to come.

Take an extra few minutes to untangle and neatly wrap lights and garlands before storing them, saving time and reducing frustration next year. See my post [insert title here and hyperlink] for a more detailed approach to organizing your decorations.

Create a Holiday Command Center

When the holidays arrive, our brains are overloaded because we have a variety of schedules to juggle, tasks to complete, errands to run, and lists to keep track of. No wonder we begin missing details, and our stress level goes up.

Creating one space where you keep all the information improves your chances of maintaining everything. Choose something that works for your family, whether a digital hub, a three-ring binder, or a small corner of your kitchen.

After choosing a space for your holiday command center, use it to keep essential lists, reminders, and schedules so everything you need is in one central location. Keeping track of holiday tasks, such as shopping lists, baking schedules, and party plans, becomes much easier when they’re all visible in one place.

Organized Gift Giving

A significant contributor to holiday stress is keeping everything in your head. When you’re setting up your holiday command center, be sure to include a place for tracking gifts. Create a spreadsheet to note who’s receiving what, costs, and if the gift needs to be purchased, wrapped, or mailed. This helps you avoid forgetting anyone or accidentally double-gifting.

It’s also helpful to set up a dedicated gift-wrapping area and stock it with essentials like wrapping paper, tape, scissors, gift tags, and ribbon. Keeping everything together saves time and prevents the dreaded search for missing tape or scissors right when needed.

Make a Holiday Bucket List with the Family

It’s always disappointing when the holidays are over, and you suddenly remember a favorite movie you forgot to watch or a community event you missed. Spend ten minutes during dinner asking the whole family for input on a family holiday bucket list and write it all down.

Remember to divide roles and responsibilities so they don’t all fall on your shoulders. Asking kids to look up events and add them to the calendar helps them begin learning these skills while taking some pressure off you!

This ensures making the most of the holiday season and helps organize plans so everyone knows what to expect.

Don’t Forget Your Holiday Self-Care

Psychologists recommend making time for relaxation and self-care to manage stress levels and maintain mental well-being during the holidays. Remember to schedule small moments for yourself, such as coffee breaks, short walks, or quiet reading time. Taking a few minutes each day to recharge can help prevent burnout during this busy season.

Wrapping Up

The holidays are joyful and less stressful with thoughtful planning and organized systems. From setting up a command center to tracking gifts and creating a self-care routine, these organizational strategies can help you quickly tackle the holiday season. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s to create a holiday season that feels meaningful and joyful.

Even with these tips, you may need extra support. I love helping you get organized and prepared for the holidays! Contact me for a quick chat to learn how it works. If we’re a good fit, we can schedule your first session before the holidays arrive!

Happy Pre-Holiday Organizing!