Prepare Your Home for Vacation

Prepare Your Home for Vacation

In addition to packing and making travel arrangements, preparing your home is also an important part of travel. Preparing your house for an extended vacation is crucial to ensure its security, safety, and proper maintenance while you’re away. Here is a checklist to help you prepare:

Secure Doors and Windows

Lock all doors and windows securely.

Consider installing deadbolts or additional locks for added security.

Check for any weak points in locks or windows and repair them.

Arrange for Mail and Deliveries

Put a hold on your mail and newspaper delivery or arrange for a neighbor to collect them.

Cancel any regular deliveries you receive.

Set up Timers for Lights

Install timers on lights inside and outside your home to give the appearance that someone is there.

Set timers to mimic your usual patterns of turning lights on and off.

Unplug Appliances

Unplug non-essential appliances and electronic devices to prevent any potential electrical hazards.

This also helps save energy while you’re away.

Adjust Thermostat and Water Heater

Adjust your thermostat to a suitable temperature to save energy but ensure it’s not too extreme to protect items like plants, pets, and certain electronic devices.

Alternatively, consider investing in a programmable thermostat that you can control remotely.

Turn water heater temperature down.

Arrange for Pet Care

If you have pets, arrange for a pet sitter, boarding, or a trusted friend or family member to take care of them.

Ensure they have enough food, water, and any necessary medication.

Notify Security Company

If you have a security system, inform the company of your vacation plans.

Provide them with emergency contact information.

Secure Valuables

Store valuables such as jewelry, important documents, and small electronics in a safe deposit box or a secure location within your home.

Arrange for Lawn Care

Arrange for someone to mow your lawn or shovel snow if needed to maintain the appearance of an occupied home.

Turn off Water Supply

Shut off the main water supply to prevent any potential leaks or flooding while you’re away.

Inspect for Potential Hazards

Check for any potential hazards such as gas leaks, faulty electrical wiring, or plumbing issues and address them before leaving.

Inform Trusted Neighbors and Police Department

Inform trusted neighbors about your vacation plans. They can keep an eye on your property and notify you of any suspicious activity.

Police departments may offer courtesy visits to check on your property.

Backup Important Data

Backup important files and data from your computer and store them securely.

Notify Credit Card Companies

If you’re traveling internationally, notify your credit card companies to prevent any potential issues with transactions.

Emergency Contacts

Leave emergency contact information with a trusted friend or neighbor in case they need to reach you.

By following this checklist, you can leave your home with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken necessary precautions to keep it safe and secure during your extended vacation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

8 Areas to Organize in February

8 Areas to Organize in February

Getting organized in February is a great idea as it can set a positive tone for the rest of the year. We love the idea of resetting your home before the warm spring air returns. Here are eight areas to focus on in February:

Home Office

Declutter and organize your home office. File away paperwork, clean up your desk, and declutter digital files.

Digital Organization

Declutter your digital life by organizing your computer files, emails, and apps. Delete unnecessary files and create a system for better organization.

Tax Preparation

Start organizing your financial documents for tax season. Create a system for keeping track of receipts, invoices, and important documents.

Valentine's Day Decorations

If you decorate for Valentine’s Day, take the time to organize and store those decorations once the holiday is over. Purge the decorations you don’t use.

Pantry and Refrigerator

Check the expiration dates of food items in your pantry and refrigerator. Discard any expired items and organize your shelves.

Linen Closet

Straighten up your linen closet. Fold and organize towels and sheets, and discard any worn-out or mismatched items.

Bedroom Closet

Tidy up your bedroom closet by decluttering clothes, shoes, and accessories. Donate or sell items you no longer need.

Winter Clothing

Sort through your winter wardrobe and donate or store items you won’t be needing for the remainder of the season. Organize coats, scarves, and gloves in a designated area for easy access.

Remember to take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to enlist the help of family members or roommates. Setting aside dedicated time each day or weekend can make the process more manageable and less overwhelming. The organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizing are happy to help. Reach out to Jayme for any questions you have on organizing your home and office.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

Organizing your home in January is a great way to start the year fresh and create a more comfortable and efficient living space. Here are some suggestions for areas you might consider organizing. Choose one or two impactful areas to start.

Living Room

  • Declutter by removing items that don’t belong or that you no longer need.
  • Clean and organize entertainment centers, shelves, and tables. Wipe furniture down while it’s emptied.

Kitchen

  • Clean out your pantry and discard expired items. Plan your meals based on remaining items.
  • Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers. Consider using containers for loose items if it makes sense.
  • Wipe down and clean appliances.

Bedroom

  • Rotate and flip your mattress.

  • Launder and store seasonal bedding and clothing.

  • Declutter bedside tables and dressers.

Closet

  • Go through your clothes and donate or sell items you no longer wear.
  • Organize clothes by category (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) and color.
  • Consider investing in storage solutions like bins, baskets, or closet organizers after you have gone through your clothes.

Bathroom

  • Dispose of expired medications, toiletries, and beauty products.
  • Remove products you do not like. Donate unopened items you do not want.
  • Organize cabinets and drawers, using containers or dividers.
  • Wipe down cabinets and drawers for a fresh start.
  • Scrub toilets and showers.
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Home Office

  • Declutter your workspace. Remove unnecessary items.
  • Organize cables and cords.
  • Clean your computer and backup important files.
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Paperwork

  • Sort through important documents. File or scan items you need. Shred or recycle documents you don’t need.
  • Set up an organized filing system for unopened mail, bills to pay, items to file and items to do. It is also good to have a tax file where you can dump any items you will need for preparing your taxes.

Digital Space

  • Clean up your computer desktop and organize files.
  • Back up important digital files and photos.
  • Clear unused apps from your smartphone.

Clean

  • Dust and clean all surfaces.
  • Clean windows and curtains.
  • Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Remember to set realistic goals and take it one step at a time. Breaking down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming. Consider involving other members of your household to make it a collaborative effort. Join an on-line decluttering group such as 30-Day Declutter Challenge to keep you motivated and accountable.

Being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

6 Things to Organize Right Before Christmas

6 Things to Organize Right Before Christmas

Organizing certain aspects of your life before Christmas can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable holiday season. Here are six things you might want to consider organizing right before Christmas.

Gifts and Wrapping

  • Make a list of people you need to buy gifts for.
  • Set a budget for each person.
  • Purchase or make the gifts well in advance.
  • Set aside time for wrapping presents. Organize wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags.

Decorations

  • Check your holiday decorations and assess if anything needs to be replaced or replenished.
  • Organize decorations by theme or room.
  • Set a day to decorate your home, involving family members if possible.

Meal Planning

  • Plan your Christmas menu, considering dietary restrictions and preferences.
  • Create a shopping list for all the ingredients you’ll need.
  • If you’re hosting a gathering, organize seating arrangements and any potluck contributions from guests.

Travel Arrangements

  • If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, organize your travel plans well in advance.
  • Confirm reservations for accommodations, flights, or any other transportation.
  • Make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need.

Clean and Decluttering

  • Plan a deep cleaning of your home before the holiday season.
  • Declutter common areas and guest spaces to create a welcoming environment.
  • Ensure that necessary cleaning supplies are on hand.

Family Calendar

  • Create a shared family calendar to keep everyone informed about holiday events and commitments.
  • Coordinate schedules for family gatherings, parties, and other festive activities.
  • Plan for any special traditions or activities you want to include.

Remember, the key to a stress-free holiday season is preparation. By organizing these aspects of your life before Christmas, you can create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for yourself and your loved ones.

Remember that being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

10 Things to Organize Right Before Thanksgiving

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this season? Are you helping a loved one put on the feast? We have brainstormed ten things to get organized right before Thanksgiving.

Menu Planning

Finalize your Thanksgiving menu, including appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need.

Grocery Shopping

Create a detailed shopping list based on your menu.

Shop for non-perishable items a few days in advance and perishable items a day or two before Thanksgiving.

Thaw the Turkey

If you have a frozen turkey, calculate the thawing time and start thawing it in the refrigerator in advance.

Prep Work

Complete as much prep work as possible in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Chop vegetables, make pie crusts, and prepare any dishes that can be stored in the refrigerator until cooking.

Clean and Organize the Kitchen

Ensure your kitchen is clean and organized before the cooking frenzy begins.

Empty the dishwasher, clean surfaces, and organize utensils and cookware.

Set the Table

Set the table a day or two before Thanksgiving.

Ensure you have enough place settings, napkins, and any special decorations you want to include.

Cooking Schedule

Create a cooking schedule for Thanksgiving day.

Assign specific times for cooking each dish to ensure everything is ready at the same time.

Check Cooking Equipment

Confirm that all your cooking equipment, such as the oven, stovetop, and kitchen appliances, is in good working order.

Prepare for Guests

Clean and organize common areas where guests will gather.

Set up a designated area for coats and bags.

Emergency Plan

Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

Know where to find local takeout options or have a few simple backup dishes that can be prepared quickly.

By organizing these aspects before Thanksgiving, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy the holiday with your people.

Remember that being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

5+ Organizing Ideas for Fall

Organizing your home for fall can help you transition smoothly into the new season and create a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. With fall being a busy season, Top Shelf Home Organizing created a simple list of five areas to organize your home.

Clothing and Seasonal Wardrobe Swap

Start by going through your wardrobe and transitioning from summer to fall clothing. Pack away lightweight summer clothes and bring out sweaters, jackets, scarves, and boots. Make sure everything is clean and in good condition. Consider donating items you no longer need.

Home Décor

Update your home decor to reflect the fall season. This may include changing out bright summer colors for warmer, autumnal hues, adding cozy throw blankets and pillows, and incorporating fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, leaves, and candles.

Cold-Weather Gear

Ensure your cold-weather gear is easily accessible. This includes checking your supply of gloves, hats, and scarves, and organizing them in a convenient spot near the front door. You might also want to prepare your snow shovels and salt for winter.

Pantry and Kitchen

With fall comes a change in culinary preferences. Take the time to organize your pantry, removing any expired items and making room for fall staples like canned soups, pumpkin puree, and spices for hearty meals. Consider creating a meal plan for the season to help you stay organized with your cooking.

Fall Cleaning

Fall is a great time for a deep cleaning of your home. Clean and inspect your heating system, change air filters, and ensure your home is well-insulated to keep it warm during the colder months. Also, clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and potential water damage.

*Bonus Tip: Outdoor Cleanup

Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces. Trim any overgrown bushes or trees, rake leaves, and prepare your garden for the colder months by covering or storing outdoor furniture and equipment.

By tackling these organizing tasks, you can create a comfortable and inviting environment for the fall season while ensuring your home is ready for the changing weather and activities that come with it.

Remember that organizing your home is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, declutter one area at a time, and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact it can have on your mental health. If organizing your home is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation. This article was written in collaboration with our friend, OpenAI.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

10 Ways to Prepare Your Kitchen for Fall

Preparing your kitchen for fall can make the transition to the cozier, colder months more enjoyable and efficient. Here are Top Shelf Home Organizing’s simple steps to help you get your kitchen ready for autumn:

Clean and Declutter

Start by giving your kitchen a thorough cleaning. This includes wiping down countertops, cleaning appliances, and scrubbing the floors. Declutter your kitchen by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Donate or store items that are taking up valuable space.

Inspect and Organize Your Pantry

Check the expiration dates on canned goods and dry goods. Dispose of anything that’s expired. Organize your pantry by grouping similar items together and making a list of what you need for fall recipes. Make a list of pantry essentials you are low on or out of.

Swap Out Seasonal Décor and Linens

Replace any summer-themed kitchen decor with items that have an autumnal feel. Think about adding fall-colored dish towels, tablecloths, and decorative pumpkins or leaves if you desire. Swap out lightweight kitchen towels and potholders for thicker, cozier options to keep you warm while cooking.

Deep Clean Appliances

Give your oven, stovetop, and microwave a deep clean to ensure they’re ready for more frequent use during the fall cooking season.

Stock Up on Fall Ingredients

If you enjoy baking during the fall, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including flour, sugar, baking soda, and pie crust ingredients. Make a list of fall-specific ingredients like canned pumpkin, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.), apples, and root vegetables. Ensure you have these items on hand for fall recipes. Consider having a variety of teas, hot chocolate, and coffee on hand for those chilly fall mornings and evenings.

Organize Your Spice Rack

Check the freshness of your spices and herbs. Replace any that are past their prime. Organize your spices for easy access when you’re cooking.

Prepare Your Slow Cooker and Soup Pots

Dust off your slow cooker and other large pots you use for making soups, stews, and chili. Ensure they’re clean and in good working order.

Prepare for Canning and Preserving

If you plan to can or preserve fall fruits and vegetables, make sure you have all the necessary canning supplies, such as jars, lids, and a canning pot.

Update Your Kitchen Lighting

As the days get shorter, consider adding some cozy lighting options to your kitchen. This could be in the form of warm-toned light bulbs or decorative candles.

Create a Menu Plan

Plan some fall-inspired meals and recipes to enjoy throughout the season. Having a menu plan can make grocery shopping and meal preparation more organized.

By following these simple steps, you can create a warm and welcoming kitchen environment that’s ready to embrace the flavors and activities of the fall season. Remember organizing your home is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If organizing your home is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation. This article was written in collaboration with our friend, OpenAI.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

7 Reasons Having An Organized Home is Good for Your Mental Health

Have you ever felt overwhelmed walking into a messy house after a long day of work or felt suffocated walking into your kid’s bedroom? There is a reason a messy, cluttered home is stressful. Having an organized home can have several positive effects on your mental health. Here are some reasons why:

Reduced Stress

Clutter and disorganization can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. When your home is clutter-free and well-organized, it creates a calming and peaceful environment. It allows you to easily find what you need and minimizes the time and effort spent searching for things, reducing stress levels.

Increased Productivity

An organized home can enhance your productivity and focus. When everything has its designated place and is easily accessible, you can accomplish tasks more efficiently. A tidy environment helps you stay focused and prevents distractions, allowing you to concentrate on important tasks.

Enhanced Mental Clarity

A cluttered home can lead to mental clutter. It can be overwhelming to have a constant visual reminder of unfinished tasks or disorganized spaces. By decluttering and organizing your home, you create a clear and ordered space that can promote mental clarity and reduce mental fatigue.

Improved Mood

Living in a tidy and organized environment can positively impact your mood. A neat home can evoke a sense of pride, accomplishment, and satisfaction. It can also create a visually pleasing atmosphere that can boost your mood and create a sense of calm and harmony.

Better Sleep Quality

Your home environment can significantly affect your sleep quality. An organized bedroom free from clutter can create a serene and relaxing atmosphere that promotes better sleep. When your bedroom is organized, it becomes easier to unwind, both physically and mentally, leading to improved sleep patterns.

Sense of Control

Having an organized home gives you a sense of control over your environment. It can provide a feeling of mastery and empowerment, as you are able to manage and maintain your living space effectively. This sense of control can translate into increased confidence and overall well-being.

Reduced Anxiety

Living in a chaotic and disorganized environment can contribute to feelings of anxiety. The uncertainty and constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks or clutter can be overwhelming. Organizing your home can create a sense of order and structure, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

Remember that organizing your home is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, declutter one area at a time, and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact it can have on your mental health. If organizing your home is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for a consultation. This article was written in collaboration with our friend, OpenAI.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

5 Ways to Use Vertical Storage in Your Garage

 The warm weather is here and we are in full garage organizing mode. Wisconsin garages serve many purposes. They store our yard maintenance equipment, snow removal equipment, toys, tools, bicycles, vehicles and even serve as entertaining space. That is a big responsibility for a small space. Utilizing vertical space to store as much as we can is necessary. Here are five tips on how to get the most out of your vertical space, keep the floors clear and have space for your vehicles.

1. Overhead Storage

Install overhead storage racks or shelves to take advantage of the vertical space in your garage. These racks can be used to store items such as seasonal decorations, sports equipment, or rarely used items. Be sure to securely fasten the racks to the ceiling or wall to ensure safety.

2. Wall-Mounted Shelving

Install wall-mounted shelves or cabinets to maximize vertical storage space. These can be used to store smaller items, tools, or gardening supplies. Use hooks or pegboards on the walls to hang frequently used tools or accessories, keeping them easily accessible.

3. Hanging Bins and Baskets

Hang plastic bins or wire baskets from the ceiling or walls of your garage. These are great for storing lightweight items such as balls, camping gear, or automotive accessories. Use hooks or a hanging system to suspend the bins or baskets at various heights, making use of the vertical space.

4. Pegboard Organization

Install a pegboard on the walls of your garage to create a versatile storage system. Attach hooks, hangers, or specialized pegboard accessories to hang tools, power cords, and other items. This not only keeps your belongings organized but also saves space by utilizing the vertical area.

5. Vertical Tool Storage

Utilize vertical tool storage solutions to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. For example, you can mount a pegboard or a magnetic strip on a wall to hang and display your tools. Alternatively, invest in a tool cabinet or a vertical tool rack specifically designed for vertical storage of various tools.

The engineer in me reminds you to consider the weight-bearing capacity of your garage walls, ceiling, or overhead structure when implementing any vertical storage solutions. Properly secure shelves, racks, and cabinets to ensure safety and stability. At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we take pride in our ability to organize garages to make them the best use of space for you and your vehicles. If getting your garage summer-ready is overwhelming, please reach out to Jayme for a consultation.

 

This article was written in collaboration with our newest organizing expert, Open A. I. 

 

6 Steps to Organizing Your Garage

The warm weather is here and we have been thinking about organizing the garage. The patio furniture, lawn mower and bicycles need to be more accessible, and the snow shovels, sleds and road salt can be packed away. Organizing a garage can be a daunting task but breaking it down into smaller steps can make the process more manageable. We share six steps to organizing your garage:

1. Declutter

The first step is to sort through all the items in your garage and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. You may want to categorize items into piles based on their function or purpose.

2. Clean and prepare

Before you begin organizing, it is essential to clean the garage thoroughly. Sweep the floors, wipe down shelves and cabinets, and dust off any cobwebs. Make any necessary repairs, such as fixing broken shelves or repairing damaged walls. It is ideal to completely empty a space to thoroughly clean it.

3. Group by Category

Sort the items you have decided to keep into categories such as sports equipment, gardening tools, automotive supplies, etc. Grouping similar items together will make it easier to find what you need.

4. Storage solutions

Based on the items you have and the space available, decide on the type of storage solutions you need. Consider using shelves, cabinets, pegboards, or hooks to maximize space and keep items organized. Clear bins are helpful for finding and putting away items.

5. Label and arrange

Once you have your storage solutions in place, label each container or shelf so that you know what goes where. Arrange your items by category or frequency of use, with frequently used items easily accessible.

6. Maintain

Maintaining an organized garage requires ongoing effort. Regularly assess whether items are still needed and adjust your storage solutions as needed. Try to put things back in their designated spots after use, so they don’t accumulate and clutter the space again.

At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we take pride in our ability to organize garages to make them the best use of space for you and your vehicles. If getting your garage summer-ready is overwhelming, please reach out to Jayme for a consultation.

This article was written in collaboration with our newest organizing expert, Open A. I.