Take Control Organizing

It’s fall, which means not only do the leaves change color but in many homes, schedules will be turned upside down with kids returning to school! Here are some tips when trying to maintain a calm household rather than the hurry and stress that can occur!

1. Go through closets and drawers. Take an inventory of clothing. Sort in 3 ways; 1) Throw away (too stained or ripped to donate), 2) donate to a local charity (resources above) 3) Store and keep for other children in your family or for friends. (Immediately store clothing in a large container and label, for example; Boys- 5T)
2. Keep a Family Calendar- one calendar where you put everyone’s information from soccer practice, doctor’s appointments, field trips etc.
3. Prepare for the paperwork. Find containers like a dishpan, file boxes, expandable folders, whatever you prefer and have one for each child. So everyday, all papers go to this area. Sort through each day. Keep what you need and throw away the rest. Put on your family calendar any dates that you need to know. Do it that day!
4. Artwork can be tricky- display what you want to display and have an area where you put other artwork during the year. You can buy large art folders or have a container that goes under the child’s bed. I suggest not waiting until the end of the year to purge. Go through it every couple of months, keep what you want and throw out the rest. Some pieces you could photograph so you will always remember but not have to actually keep it.
5. Prepare as much as you can the night before – Have lunches packed, backpacks ready with all homework and any papers that need to be signed or returned to school. Have clothes laid out on dresser, and go over the next days schedule with children at bedtime, this way they know what’s coming the next day. Get your kids involved and have them do what is appropriate for their age.
6. Wake up 15 minutes earlier, it can really make a difference!