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Off to College Essential Organizing Tips

August 14, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

It might seem a bit to share Off to College Essential Organizing Tips but there are still lots of folks planning, shopping and packing for their dorms. Whether you are happy, sad or have mixed emotions about the upcoming send off to college, these Essential Organizing tips will help you get a handle on planning for this life-changing event! This milestone is really two big events in one, a move and back to school. If you’re feeling overwhelmed already, break it down into smaller manageable tasks and be mindful of your emotions! It’s a big change (for your whole family) so don’t dismiss how you feel!

Productivity, Routines and Schedules

By now you should probably have the school year calendar and have a target date for college move in all squared away but if not there’s still time to get a handle on it. Here are some of the categories related to routines and schedules that may help make this a more mindful transition to managing college/life schedules and productivity.

Transportation-Will a car be available or will is it going to be transportation by bus or college shuttle? Is there a metro or other public transportation in their new city? Be sure to understand the best method of transportation and if cars are allowed on campus (not the case for many freshmen). Work out travel transportation arrangements ahead of time for upcoming school drop off, pick up and holidays (through the end of the year). This might include airfare so book ahead and know the rules and download any useful local aps for mass transit.
Planner or Calendar-Decide how to keep track of calendars so that everything needed is in one place, based on what works. Use either a digital or paper planner (there is a big trend to return to paper!) to keep track of important dates, orientation, move in, class schedule (and locations on campus), appointments, projects, finals and holidays. Consider something like a whiteboard (in the dorm/room) to track schedules while adjusting to this new way of life. If possible, do this ahead of time before heading off to school where the tendency will be to get caught up in the excitement of new campus life! Planners are only helpful if they are with you so keep it where it’s needed (in a backpack or purse etc).
Activities, sports and clubs-If your college students are planning to get involved in sports, clubs etc…get these activities booked on your master calendar along with the school schedule and decide on any necessary transportation. Cross reference these activities (especially intense sport/practice/games) with school schedule and keep it all in one place. It’s great to get involved, but be sure there’s a sense of balance between school work, activities and “play” or free time to be with friends, socialize, relax etc.
Productivity, routines and study time–Talk with them about to do lists and schedule planning (daily, weekly or monthly) so they will stay on top of important tasks, projects, classes and dates. Remind them of what routines and systems have worked for them so far and help them set up systems for successful focus on study while they are away. This will be different from situation to situation but consistency is key, especially simple things like waking up at the same time daily, making your bed, weekly shopping & laundry etc. When it comes to studying, if your kid is extra distracted by other people being around, help they seek out a quiet place on campus or in their dorm that they will be able to focus. Help them create their own rules, like pick up daily (5 min’s/day), keep your desk clean, empty/repack your backpack daily so you have what you need ready the next day. Have a plan for note taking, setting up binders and folders by class (color code etc) or other systems that have been successful for them so far. Find a routine for self discipline, this means getting 6-8hrs of sleep a night, eating regularly, taking necessary medications, self regulating screen time (games, apps etc) and generally acting like an adult! All the freedom is fun but when things spiral out of control have a plan to get back on track. Most of us thrive with routines and it’s even more important in transitions to implement them for our own success:)

Supplies and Shopping

This is always a big part of school preparation. If you need to order equipment, uniforms, supplies, books etc you may already been in the process of doing so. If your state (or the one the college is in) has a Tax Free Weekend (usually in August), plan accordingly so you can make major purchases over that weekend.

Supplies-Create a master list based upon all the supplies needed. “Shop” your house first, gathering anything on the list into one container (box or bag).
Budget-set a limit (realistic) on what you can and will spend so you don’t get sucked into extras.
Categorize-Break the shopping items into categories (see below). E.X. categories might include books, school/desk supplies, clothing, dorm room, meals, electronic’s etc.
Shopping-Do a little preliminary research online and either make the purchases online or decide where you will go for what.

A-Z Dorm Essentials for Cleaning and Organizing

These are great resources to have on hand and will be helpful for a variety of uses in the dorm. I’ve created an Amazon Shopping list with suggested items here.

Backpack or bag
Bedside Caddy
Bed Risers (optional)
Command Hooks (a variety of sizes)
Drawer organizers (assorted sizes)
Hangers (check to see if you need to bring them)
Labels (a label maker or write on labels)
Laundry supplies (basket/bag, detergent
Over the door shoe organizer
Overnight bag
Permanent markers
Power Strip-surge protector
Small rolling Cart (with shelves or drawers)
Shelf &/or drawer dividers
Toiletry or shower caddy
Trash & recycling bins/bags (so many people don’t have them!)
Under bed storage bins (will fit with bed risers-wait if you don’t know)
Zip bags in assorted sizes
Zip ties (assorted sizes for cables, hanging items etc)

ABC’s of Dorm Packing Essentials

There are a ton of great resources and lists over on Pinterest, so I won’t recreate them but here are general packing categories. It’s best to wait on things like a mini-fridge, microwave, dishes (other than a cup/mug, plate and one set of silverware), Iron/Board (unless fashion is your thing!), vaccum (maybe a dustbuster and mini broom), TV and Printer. These are all things that others or the school will have. Besides, you might not need at all or you can get them later.

Bathroom-Toiletries
Cleaning Supplies
Clothing
Cooking & Dining Supplies
Desk Supplies
Dorm Room
Food
First Aid Kit
Electronics
Furniture & Decorations
Medications (Supplements, cold & Rx)
Personal Items
School Supplies
Sports Equipment

This is a lot of info in one place! I hope these Off to College Essential Organizing Tips will help prepare for schedule and lifestyle changes, supplies and shopping and finally packing before this next grand adventure begins!

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Back to School Prep | Toss & Tidy Up

August 2, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

It’s time for back to School prep and it’s a great to toss and tidy up before the school year begins. They’ve had a fun summer filled with play, maybe some camps projects and book reading assignments. I’m sure everyone is excited to be headed back to school, some more than others and before you head out to shop for supplies, lets get toys, rooms and supplies you already have in order first.

Did those notebooks, textbooks and book bags languishing in the closet, play room, kitchen or their bedrooms? If so, you never know what you might find growing by now, arm yourself if necessary!

This should take no more than 30 min’s for most grade and high school kids and I recommend doing it within the first week of school ending but if it didn’t happen at the end of school, it’s a great way to help get in the mindset for back to school now! Have them gather their book bag/backpack, any supplies and textbooks in their room or anywhere else they study. Put them all in a pile, on the floor, their bed (lots of kids like to work on their bed-it’s comforting) or a table/desk.

Back to School Prep | Pitch It

Remove the contents of bags and backpacks (if you didn’t do this at the beginning of the summer). Evaluate the condition of the bag and reusable supplies.
Go through notebooks and remove anything that you or your kids want to keep (for sentimental reasons or other), add these to a sentimental box (each child should have their own, separate from the parents).
Recycle papers, notes and notebooks no longer needed.
Gather books to return to the school, hand down to younger kids or donate to a library.
Save supplies that can be re-used in one area and before you shop for back to school, check here first!

Back to School Prep | Supplies

Shop school supplies you have on hand before you head to the store. It might not feel as exciting, but with younger kids you can create a “store” and offer to exchange some kind of reward for items “purchased” at home. This will help teach and reinforce the value of reuse and recycling. As kids get older, I find most of them are pretty keenly aware and want to re-use/not waste materials!

Shelves, cabinets, closets and basket systems, all work great depending on your space and needs. Just be sure it’s easy for you and your kids to get to. If they are older, they may want to keep some of their favorite supplies in their room, otherwise they can all go in one place.

Back to School Prep | Toys

This might not be something a lot of parents think about at back to school time but games, toys and crafts can collect and then languish in the lost corners once school begins. So it’s really the perfect time to asses what toys and games your kids are still using and donate what they have out grown. Craft and art projects can be stored in sentimental bins or just snap a photo (which you can always print later) and let it go! Keep only their favorites and rotate what is kept out because there won’t be as much time for games and toys.

I’ll share my tips about Back to school prep for your kids wardrobe and shopping for supplies in the next couple posts! Happy Back to School Prep!!

Learn to see like an organizer…

July 11, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Home, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Planning & Goals, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

How can you learn to see like an organizer? When an organizer a designer, space planner, realtor and others walk into a space they are trained to “see the possibilities”. By using this process yourself you can also begin to see your space with a fresh set of eyes. I co-presented on this topic at a local home and design show and along with a kitchen designer and another organizer, we shared how we have learned to cultivate the practice of seeing with a fresh set of eyes! It’s something that I hear over and over, “I just need a fresh set of eyes” and it’s something we can all cultivate!

So often we put things where we put them and forget about them. Sometimes we literally forget where we put things, sometimes we put things in certain spots out of habit and sometimes we just glaze over and stop seeing what’s right in front of us.

Practice cultivating the art of seeing by shaking things up! Click To Tweet

We get accustomed to seeing or rather, not seeing what surrounds us daily.
Be willing to try something different, be open to other peoples suggestions & ideas.
Seeing things with fresh eyes is a creative process, look for inspiring ideas (magazines, websites, experts).
The skill of seeing things differently can be cultivated.

Pausing and asking ourselves to take a fully conscious moment in our space to learn to cultivate the art of seeing can begin by asking ourselves a few questions.

How do you feel when you walk into a space?

What feelings are evoked when you walk into the space? Something pleasant, or stressful? How do you want the space to feel?
What do you do in the space and how do you use it?
What doesn’t need to be here?
How would you use the space differently?

Rethink how you use your space. Does a space feel uncomfortable or off somehow? Spend some time there and determine why you are unable or uncomfortable in the space. If you had a blank slate, how could you use the space differently? Sometimes it’s a simple matter of re-arranging the space, other times, replacing furniture with something more functional might be a simple solution. Now, close your eyes & Imagine the space transformed!

Learning to see like an organizer might mean de-cluttering and imagining a home for everything that is used in the space, or maybe it means completely re-imagining how the spaces are used. Practice envisioning your space transformed into exactly what you need and imagine how it feels.

Common pitfalls that can prevent us from achieving our newly envisioned organizing goals can include, lack of labels, lack of lighting, buying containers before the stuff has been purged and sorted and overfilling containers. Leave yourself a bit of extra space in each bin, overstuffed spaces are hard to maintain!

Organize by Category

Transform awkwardly defined spaces by determining specific uses first. Think about how you want to use the spaces. Determining your needs and assigning the space a specific category for use can lead you to unexpected surprising and successful solutions! Below, the solution started by defining a need for easy access snack storage!

Make the Most of Unused and small spaces

Go Vertical-Hang it! Look up in the Rafters, or store narrow items on the wall
Consider Inside/backs of cabinets & doors
Awkward spaces like under the stairs, unused closets or niches can create beautiful and functional storage

Store things where you can see them

Hang things like jewelry, accessories, small tools, hardware where you will see them and use them daily!

Create simple customized solutions

Tricky spaces sometimes need clever solutions. If you know what you need to store in a certain spot and can’t find an off the shelf solution, work with a handyman or carpenter to build something to your specifications. Custom doesn’t always mean expensive or complex! Above, a custom closet created just for overflow paper goods and ironing supplies-closer to the clothes, away from the laundry area)

Finally, Make it Easy + Make it Fun!

Aim for organized…not perfect
Repeat what works
No right or wrong way
Your space, your style
Have a friend help

If you have been able to cultivate the art of seeing like an organizer but have lost your momentum once you begin the process, head over to this post to check out how to maintain the momentum of your organizing project! Do you have examples of how you have transformed a space by re-organizing or design? I’d love you to join us and share them over in our Facebook group!

Family Friday::Kid-friendly kitchen organizing

June 29, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Home, Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Systems & Techniques

Our kitchens are becoming increasingly multi-functional so it makes sense to have some kid-friendly kitchen organizing system to manage multiple schedules and all of our busy lifestyles.

10 kid-friendly organizing tips to keep your kids and kitchen happy and healthy!

1. A Household Command Center might include the following items:

A weekly or monthly calendar
Menu’s, shopping lists
Meal planning tools
Coupons (these can also be kept in the car)
A drawer or cabinet with a few basic office supplies (scissors, tape, envelopes, stamps, pens & pencils)
A contacts list or
A “household management binder”, see my post here on what to include
An area to keep keys (hooks or a tray)
A white/blackboard or note pad jot down notes or ideas

2. Create a “perpetual” calendar and utilizing insides of cabinets or a Household Binder, especially if you do not have space or want to create a full command center. Include menu’s, shopping lists and household management info.

Source: bhg.com via AHG on Pinterest

Source: simplifiedbee.blogspot.com via HKpowerStudio on Pinterest

3. Use over the door accessory organizers. Here they are put to use holding snacks.

Source: indulgy.com via Lois on Pinterest

4. Use low drawers, shelves and baskets for kid-friendly foods and lunch-meal making supplies. This will make it easier for your kids to help out in the kitchen with small tasks like putting things away. It also makes lower cabinets safe for kids to access for play and snacktime.

kid-friendly kitchen organizing

5. Label it! This includes shelves, drawers and containers so that everyone knows where things go. Picture labels can be a great solution for smaller children.

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Source: google.com via Jen on Pinterest

Smart companies are starting to market to this need with low drawer refrigerators and “Kid-Zone” cabinet options!6. Keep cleaning products up high, especially if you have very little kids and keep only kid-safe items like clean rags, extra paper products, a stool, drying rack etc. under the sink (use kid proof cabinet locks too). kid-friendly kitchen organizing

7. Portion out snacks into small containers that are stored in a basket or bin in a kid accessible area so they can help themselves.

Capture

Source: bhg.com via Ashley on Pinterest8. Corral small items into a mesh bags when it comes to cleaning (or baskets) to throw into the dishwasher so they don’t get lost!

9. Keep an island or open counter space where you can have your kids participate will surely keep them more interested in cooking and eating healthy.10. Incorporating kids artwork using chalkboard paint or another display area makes your kids feel they are a part of the household activities that probably center around the kitchen.

Source: designismine.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Bonus! If your kids like to participate (or you want them to) be sure to have a safe step stool (10) that gives them access to counter space (or a stool they can sit at) and kid safe tools they will want to use!

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Sporty Space Organizing

June 21, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Almost every sport we play involves some type of special clothing, footwear or equipment. It’s hard to keep up with it all especially if you or your family all play different sports. Sports equipment takes up time, money and precious space in your home which some people might not be able to give up. That’s why it’s important to take your time to create a system for your sporty space organizing needs.

Organizing sports equipment can be tricky the variety of sizes and shapes such as balls, sticks, rackets, board, clubs, fishing rods and bikes. A popular place to store sports equipment is the garage. There are many storage systems available such as Elfa, Organize It and Store Wall that help keep everything in its place. For those who enjoy DIY projects, you can create a unique storage system for your sports equipment. Pinterest has many great examples that range from complete wall organizers to custom lockers.

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In Car Organizing Tips-Happy Kids & Happy Parents

June 14, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Having a system for In Car Organizing means you’re more likely to keep your sanity on the road.

This is especially true when you spend a ton of time in your car, to and from work, carpool, errands or before you head out for a road trip vacation! Before you hit the road, give your car a quick clean out with these In Car Organizing Tips.

Estimated time needed, 30-45 min’s.

Zone by Zone In Car Organizing

Doors (interior pockets)-Keep a small umbrella and items you need frequently like coupon a caddy.
Center Dashboard-All cars are different, most have some small storage compartment, for glasses, chap stick, gum, hand sanitizes and your charger. Just the basic’s here folks.
Corral the cords-Use a cord organizer to keep your chargers untangled.
Center Console- Go Vertical! Group small items in small bags bins and line them up vertically so you do not have to dig to the bottom to find what you need. Keep toiletry items, a note pad, pen, wipes (hand & car), change for meters (in an old Rx bottle), pain reliever, first aid etc.
Glove Compartment-Store extra napkins in a plastic envelope or ziploc to keep tidy. Keep your car manual with insurance card and registration/inspection, a copy of drivers license, and maybe your coupon caddie? Other possibilities if you have room, a lint roller, fold up extra bags.
Tidy Toss-A plastic cereal storage bin with a flip top (with or without a bag) is a great trash “can”. Other options a trash bag (hang from hook on back of passenger side) or place on floor in back.
Back Seat– Reusable bags, hang behind driver or passenger seat (folded inside a bag).
Kid Tip-keep an empty cleaning bin (like supplies are stored in) in the back seat to hold snacks and drinks and prevent messes-just brilliant!
Constant Clean-Wipe down all surface. Do this while pumping gas or waiting in carpool (safe times when you are not moving). Keep a small duster (fuzzy microfiber or even a paint brush!) for light cleaning in a door pocket or console.
Trunk/hatch back– An elastic trunk net keeps things from sliding out and creates extra vertical storage. Use collapsible fabric bins, either cubes or a hanging sweater “shelf” that expands. These are great to hold items like grocery bags and sport gear. The can be folded up when not in use. Keep a towel or small blanket for warmth, protect seats etc.
Caddie or organizing bin-Keep this in the trunk for other essentials including a tape measure, plastic trash bags, rope/bungees, flash light, tire pressure tool and optional pet supplies.
Safety Kit – Include a multi-knife tool, matches or lighter, thermal blanket, hand/foot warmers, window scraper, flare light, first aid kit, emergency food (bars), water in glass or metal (won’t go bad as quickly). Also keep a life hammer (window break tool) in a door pocket or your center console. This can be mounted with velcro or command tape. Be sure it’s easy to access in case of an flooding-not in trunk!

If you can pull it all out and sort it on the driveway, in the garage or even in the street!

Once it’s empty, take your car for a Spa Day! Get it cleaned, detailed, feeling and smelling great before you return only what you need.

What did I miss? Everyone’s different, this list covers the basics for In Car Organizing, including safety but you might need other essentials. If you have tips or questions please share them in the comments below!

Looking for more kid-friendly organizing tips? Check out how to create a Practical Command Center.

Get Sentimental this summertime

June 7, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Get Sentimental this Summertime 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. Maybe you have a designated spot and you just dump things in one place 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 totally 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!

Think back to your childhood and how your parents treated your memorabilia. Sometimes how our family “taught” us is how we respond and other times we want to do the direct opposite. Did you parents keep everything and then dump it in your hands 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 is the last time you looked through your memory albums, boxes etc. Beware 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 toss (which might differ from your’s).

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Why do I need a Home Inventory?

May 23, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Organizing Projects, Planning & Goals, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Do you have a plan for disasters and know you need a home inventory? Whether you have one started or have nothing at all read on to learn why you need a home inventory and how to protect your assets. If your looking at this and scratching your head wondering what I’m even talking about, just stick with it and see what you learn…

Almost all of us need a home inventory, whether we are renting or own our homes or businesses. If you have insurance, you need an inventory. Sadly, a lot of people have the attitude that they pay insurance so who cares and why would they need a home inventory!?! But there are so many irreplaceable things and all the little stuff really adds up. By having a home inventory your saving yourself a huge potential headache, hours of time or worse out of pocket expenses lost down the drain.

When I became a professional organizer, I began to learn all about the different home inventory systems and tools available. I also began to assist clients with creating inventory systems both before and after disasters (unfortunately, mostly flooding, some theft). Trust me when I say, you do not want to have to inventory your stuff after it’s been damaged or try to remember what’s missing! It’s not the insurance companies duty to take your word for all your expensive assets. If you can’t prove you owned it (meaning tracking down receipts or charges, photo’s or other documentation) you may loose it all together.

What do you need to inventory? The quick answer is everything! You are probably thinking this will take ages and depending on how much detail you want to include, it could be a significant undertaking but really not so bad if you take it step by step, room by room.

Without an inventory you could end up with a mess on your hands! Don’t get stuck sorting toilet plungers from kitchen utensils, holiday decor and more to figure out how much you’ve got and what needs to be replaced!

Since I’ve worked extensively on creating inventory for insurance claims here’s what you need to know. Photo’s are your friends! Spread sheets are super helpful and may prevent you from having to fill out additional information in the event of an insurance claim. But there are other systems out there that are super helpful and can do more for you than just a home inventory.

As the well known Sheryl Sandberg quote goes “Done is better than perfect.” So true in the case of an inventory! Just having photo’s is better than nothing!

Home Zada is one of the most comprehensive home management tools out there and does everything from home maintenance reminders to home inventory. If your on the serious side of protecting your valuable assets, I can’t recommend a better way to manage it all in one place! This is a cloud based option so you won’t loose it if you loose your computer!

Another great comprehensive but inexpensive system is Liberty Street Home Manage software (also cloud based). It’s under $50 and allows you to enter all the important documentation and photo’s for all your assets (at multiple locations).

Several insurance companies have their own systems, so ask your insurance agent what they offer! It will probably be free and give them everything needed if you ever had to make a claim.

If you like tech options, Encircle Inventory for Homeowners is a free app (for the 1st property) you can use on your phone or tablet, taking pictures and uploading info as you go. Home Contents is another (UK Based) app that makes home inventory a snap with your digital camera in phone. And finally in the app department, My Stuff has several free and paid options with great features for adding items to folders, tagging etc for easier sorting and organizing.

If you prefer to stick with a spreadsheet style inventory, just do a quick search for Home Inventory Checklist to find quite a few good options available for free. Most of these are templates that you can download and use on your computer/device.

Home inventory Checklists hekp you to understand what information will be most valuable in the case of an insurance claim. A good idea of the information insurance companies would like to have follows. The more info you can provide, the more accurate your claim and reimbursement will be. But it may not be necessary to have all the information below. Again, “Done is better than perfect!”

List items by room- This will help qualify content damage when structural damage has been done
Include a basic description
Make/model
Serial or ID number
Quantity
Assign value (replacement value will be paid-based on current market value-ex. electronics that may have cost you $500 might be replaceable for $200 today)
Date purchased
Receipt if available
Reference photo’s

Spreadsheet systems (I’ve used comprehensively with insurance agents to recover contents lost) can be clunky and its difficult to quickly see photo’s of items with their description. Another drawback is that unless you backup your computer or device, you run the risk of loosing your inventory (photo’s and checklist) along with your contents in case of a disaster!

If a home inventory is something you want help setting up, let me know and I’d be glad to assist!

No matter what system you choose, I hope you will make a plan, schedule it on your calendar and start your home inventory today!

Get Organized “Just in Case”

May 9, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

No matter where you live, it’s practically impossible to ignore natural disasters and the change in our climate, especially for those of us who live along the coastlines. It pays to get organized, ‘Just in Case’ there’s a natural disaster!

On cue for Hurricane season, it’s time to talk Emergency Preparedness.

Do you have a plan in place, know your evacuation route, have supplies ready?

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Essential Documents for Everyone

May 5, 2018 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 2 Comments

Being prepared for the unexpected means having essential documents (and copies of them) in order and easy to find. Some people call these their Vital Documents. Whatever you call them they are really important! I recently learned that 98% of all South Carolina residents have no will! If that’s your situation and you don’t know where to start, let me know and I can guide you in the right direction!