End-of-School Shuffle: Organize Now, Breathe Later

End-of-School Shuffle: Organize Now, Breathe Later

by | Jun 6, 2025 | Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Digital, Money & Paper Management, Organizing

Organizing kids’ school materials at the end of the school year helps reduce clutter and sets you up for a smoother start next year. Here’s step-by-step guide Top Shelf Home Organizing has put together to do it efficiently.

✅ 1. Gather Everything

Collect backpacks, binders, folders, notebooks, art projects, and loose papers.

Empty out desks, cubbies, and any “homework zones” through out your home.

🧹 2. Declutter Ruthlessly

Sort into categories:

  • Keep (report cards, standout work, art)
  • Recycle/Trash (doodles, used-up notebooks, old handouts)
  • Donate (unused supplies in good condition)

🔸 Tip: Let kids help decide what to keep so they feel included and learn decision-making.

📁 3. Create a Memory File

Label a file box or folder with your child’s name and school year.

Save only the best or most meaningful items:

  • One or two writing samples
  • Favorite artwork
  • Awards or certificates
  • Class photo

📦 Optional: Use an expandable accordion file to store year-by-year.

✂️ 4. Digitize the Rest

Snap photos or scan large artwork, bulky projects, or extra papers.

Store in a digital folder labeled by child and grade (e.g., Ava – Grade 3).

💡 Consider apps like Artkive, Keepy, or Google Photos to organize.

📝 5. Inventory and Store School Supplies

Test pens, markers, glue sticks, etc. (great job for kids to do)

Store usable items in a “school supply bin” for next year.

Donate extras or store in a community donation box.

📦 Optional: Find an organization accepting school supply donations. In southeast Wisconsin, Gals on the Go is hosting a school supply drive this June. Details here.

🧼 6. Clean Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Empty completely and vacuum crumbs.

Wash according to label instructions.

Store them or replace if needed for fall.

🗂️ 7. Store and Label

Use labeled bins or folders for:

  • Memory keepsakes
  • Extra school supplies
  • Summer learning materials

🎒 Optional: Set aside a few workbooks or reading materials for summer practice.

🔄 8. Reflect and Reset

Talk with your child about the school year—what they liked, learned, and look forward to next year.

Reset their study area to be clutter-free for summer activities or reading.

Top Shelf Home Organizing loves to help families reset after a busy school year. Reach out to Jayme to see how we can help.

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.

Get Organized Today!

5 Tips to Overcome Emotional Connection to Clutter

5 Tips to Overcome Emotional Connection to Clutter

by | May 12, 2025 | Cleaning, Closets, Digital, Organizing

Top Shelf Home Organizing is often asked how to overcome the emotional aspect of clutter and collections within a home. While we are great at getting items organized, the emotions questions are a bit more challenging. Here are our best thoughts on five effective ways to overcome an emotional connection to clutter in your home.

Identify Emotional Triggers

Reflect on why certain items are hard to let go of. Are they tied to memories, guilt, or a sense of security? Understanding these triggers can help you decide if the item truly brings value or is just a reminder of the past.

Use the "Memory Capsule" Technique

Create a small box or album for sentimental items that genuinely bring you joy. Limit the space so you are forced to prioritize the most meaningful pieces.

Practice the "One-In, One-Out" Rule

For every new item you bring into your home, remove one you no longer need. This helps maintain a balance and reduces the build-up of emotional clutter.

Photograph Sentimental Items

Take pictures of items you are emotionally attached to but no longer use. This allows you to keep the memory without holding onto the physical object.

Start Small and Gradual

Begin with an area that is less emotionally charged (like a bathroom or pantry). As you build confidence, move on to more sentimental areas, giving yourself permission to let go.

Overcoming emotional connections to items is complex. We hope this list helps to overcome some of the emotional connections. We always recommend a trained professional therapist to talk through the deep connections. Top Shelf Home Organizing is happy to help get you organized.

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.

Get Organized Today!

7 Essential Tips for Spring Wardrobe Organizing

7 Essential Tips for Spring Wardrobe Organizing

by | Mar 11, 2025 | Cleaning, Closets, Organizing, Wardrobe

Spring is the perfect time to give your wardrobe a fresh start! As the seasons change, so do our clothing needs, making it essential to declutter, reorganize, and refresh your closet. Top Shelf Home Organizing has seven simple steps to create a functional and stylish wardrobe that makes getting dressed a breeze.

Start with a Seasonal Swap

Pack away heavy winter clothing like thick sweaters, coats, and boots. Store them in labeled bins, vacuum-sealed bags, or under-bed storage to free up space for lighter spring essentials.

Declutter and Donate

Take a critical look at your clothing and remove anything that no longer fits, is damaged beyond repair, or hasn’t been worn in the past year. Donate gently used items to charity or sell them online for a fresh start.

Organize by Category

Sort your clothing into categories—tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. Within each category, consider organizing by color or frequency of use to make your daily routine more efficient.

Maximize Closet Space

Use space-saving hangers, shelf dividers, and storage bins to keep everything neat. Hanging organizers and shoe racks can help maximize vertical space, making it easier to find what you need.

Refresh with a Spring Palette

Spring is all about light and airy colors! If your wardrobe is feeling dull, incorporate pastel shades, floral prints, and breathable fabrics that match the season’s vibe.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Simplify your style with a capsule wardrobe—a curated collection of versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly. This helps reduce decision fatigue and keeps your closet clutter-free.

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Maintain the System

To keep your wardrobe organized year-round, commit to a one-in, one-out rule—when you buy something new, donate or remove an old item. Regularly reassess your closet to prevent clutter from piling up.

With these easy steps, you can step into spring with a fresh, organized wardrobe that reflects your style and keeps your space tidy. What’s the first item you’ll declutter this season? Top Shelf Home Organizing loves to assist with wardrobe organizing. Let us know how we can help.

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.

Get Organized Today!

10 Essential Steps to Organize Your Finances This Month

10 Essential Steps to Organize Your Finances This Month

by | Feb 15, 2025 | Digital, Money & Paper Management, Organizing, Work & Home Office

Like many of us, getting your personal finances organized may have been one of your 2025 goals. Organizing personal finances in February (or any month) is a great way to stay on top of your money and work toward your financial goals. Top Shelf Home Organizing has ten items that will help you get on top of organizing your finances this year.

Review January’s Financial Activity

Reconcile Accounts: Ensure all transactions from January are accurately recorded.

Analyze Spending: Identify areas where you may have overspent or saved more than expected.

Check Progress: Compare your financial activity to your monthly or yearly budget.

Set February Goals

Decide what you want to achieve this month: paying down debt, saving a specific amount, or spending less in certain categories.

Create realistic and measurable goals.

Update Your Budget

Adjust for February’s Unique Expenses: Plan for one-time costs like Valentine’s Day, tax preparation, or winter utilities.

Allocate Funds for Savings: Prioritize emergency funds or sinking funds for upcoming larger expenses.

Pay Bills on Time

List all bills due in February.

Automate payments when possible to avoid late fees.

Check for annual or semi-annual expenses due this month.

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Plan for Tax Season

Gather tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, childcare expenses, receipts for deductions).

Schedule time to start preparing or filing taxes.

Consider whether you’ll owe taxes or expect a refund and plan accordingly.

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Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Identify subscriptions or memberships you no longer use.

Opt for free or lower-cost alternatives for entertainment or dining.

Review Debt Payments

Make at least the minimum payments on all debts.

Consider focusing on paying of the smallest debt to get the ball rolling.

Evaluate Investments

Check the performance of your investment portfolio.

Contribute to retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRA) if you haven’t yet.

Look for opportunities to invest spare cash if your emergency fund is solid.

Prepare for Upcoming Expenses

Think about March expenses: spring break, quarterly bills, or seasonal changes.

Start saving now for any large March financial commitments.

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Track Progress Weekly

Check in with your budget at least once a week.

Adjust for unexpected expenses or changes in income.

Organizing your finances, planning where your money will go and tracking expenses will greatly help you feel more organized in your personal finances. Top Shelf Home Organizing can help you get organized to stay on top of your budget and finances. Contact Jayme to see how we can help.

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.

Get Organized Today!

Start Fresh in 2025: Your Month-by-Month Organization Plan

Start Fresh in 2025: Your Month-by-Month Organization Plan

by | Jan 9, 2025 | Cleaning, Digital, Money & Paper Management, Organizing, Self Care, Bathroom, Work & Home Office

The new year is a great time to organize various aspects of your life and start fresh. Here’s a list of ideas to help you get started. Don’t expect to tackle the entire list in January, but maybe pick one topic for each month. At the beginning of each month, develop a plan on how you will organize one area.

Personal Goals

Set Resolutions: Define specific, achievable goals for the year.

Health & Fitness: Plan routines, set fitness goals, and book annual health check-ups.

Hobbies & Skills: Schedule time to learn something new or pursue interests.

Financial Organization

Budget: Review last year’s expenses and create a budget for the new year.

Savings & Investments: Set savings goals and review your investment portfolio.

Taxes: Prepare for tax season by gathering necessary documents.

Debt Management: Plan repayments and track your progress.

Home Organization

Decluttering: Go through closets, pantry, and other spaces to donate or discard unused items.

Cleaning Schedule: Create a weekly or monthly plan to maintain your space.

Repairs & Upgrades: List and prioritize home maintenance tasks.

Work & Professional Growth

Career Goals: Identify skills to improve or new responsibilities to take on.

Networking: Connect with colleagues and expand your professional network.

Workspace: Organize your desk and digital files for efficiency.

Family & Social Life

Calendar: Coordinate birthdays, anniversaries, and important events.

Vacations & Trips: Plan holidays or weekends away (e.g., your March family trip).

Traditions: Set plans for family rituals or start new ones.

Wellness & Mindfulness

Mental Health: Schedule self-care routines or therapy sessions if needed.

Mindfulness Practices: Start journaling, meditation, or gratitude exercises.

Time Management: Assess priorities and set boundaries to avoid burnout.

Digital Cleanup

Photos & Files: Organize digital photos and documents, and back them up.

Unsubscribe: Clear out email clutter and cancel unused subscriptions.

Password Update: Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

Community & Giving Back

Volunteer: Choose causes to support with time or donations.

Social Engagements: Join local groups or participate in community events.

Top Shelf Home Organizing takes pride in helping busy families get organized. Reach out to Jayme to see how Top Shelf can help you plan and get organized in 2025.

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.

Get Organized Today!