by Jayme Radomski | Oct 8, 2023 | Cleaning, Closets, Organizing, Wardrobe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
by Jayme Radomski | Sep 11, 2023 | Cleaning, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing, Pantry
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:
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.
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.
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.
Give your oven, stovetop, and microwave a deep clean to ensure they’re ready for more frequent use during the fall cooking season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
by Jayme Radomski | Jul 10, 2023 | Cleaning, Clutter, Organizing, Productivity
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
by Jayme Radomski | Jun 9, 2023 | Cleaning, Garage, Organizing
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
by Jayme Radomski | May 1, 2023 | Cleaning, Garage, Organizing
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
by Jayme Radomski | Apr 3, 2023 | Clutter, Organizing
Whether you are a neat and tidy person or more of a free spirit, there are benefits to being organized. Educated as an engineer, I know I don’t know anything about the medical field. What I do know is how getting organized has health benefits. All of the busy people we have worked with have reported the following benefit of getting their homes and offices organized:
Having clutter drains energy. Stagnant energy builds up around clutter and causes tiredness and lethargy.
People with limited clutter look and feel better. They are typically more active and have a fresh face. Clutter congests your home and your body.
Stagnant energy surrounding clutter pulls you down. Feelings of hopelessness can be relieved by clearing the clutter. Clearing the clutter allows you to make room for something new and fresh.
When you are organized:
You’ll be able to relax more
You’ll have more time for yourself
You’ll have more time for your loved ones
You’ll feel good about your environment
You’ll be an even better role model
You’ll be healthier, as well as your family
You’ll breathe better
You’ll do better professionally
You’ll save more
You’ll achieve more
Organizing is a process, not a destination. Top Shelf Home Organizing can help you on your journey. Let’s chat about how Top Shelf Home Organizing can help you feel the benefits of getting organized.
by Jayme Radomski | Mar 9, 2023 | Clutter, Organizing
JAYME RADOMSKI
Owner and Organizer
Jayme has a passion for developing efficiencies, systems and organization for busy people. As a child, organizing toys and craft items was fun. As the neighborhood babysitter, families always came home to nicely organized kids’ spaces and rooms. Jayme looks forward to making an enormous change in your home, office and life. She has degrees in engineering and business management. Attention to detail and passion for helping others led to leadership roles in Jayme’s engineering career. In the past she designed commercial fire suppression systems, and spent years in retail and restaurant industries while in college.
JACKIE L.
Organizer
Jackie is the ultimate organizer for busy families. As a mom of four active children, she knows the importance of keeping a busy family organized. Jackie understands the functionality of kitchens, she knows and understands all the kids toys, and is a whiz at closets, basements and garages. You will love to see Jackie’s wisdom and talent in action.
SUSAN K.
Organizer
Susan made her way into professional organizing after many years as an IT Project Manager. She enjoys helping clients streamline their home and work spaces so they can spend time on the things that matter most to them. For Susan, it’s collaborating with clients to identify their needs, and then devise and execute organization projects. Nothing beats seeing the “after” of a space that was previously a source of client discomfort and distraction! Susan is a champ at making decisions and keeping projects moving forward.
by Jayme Radomski | Feb 7, 2023 | Clutter, Digital, Money & Paper Management, Organizing, Work & Home Office
Are you stressed by unmanaged paperwork around your home and office? Searching for important documents may seem hopeless. Interest charges and late fees can pile up quickly on misplaced bills. Deadlines are easily overlooked. Getting on top of your papers and developing a good paper management system will reduce stress. Here are some tips on how to get your paperwork organized, and regain control of your home and office.
Where you manage your paperwork should be convenient. Going to a secluded area of your home may not encourage you to manage your paperwork. If it is not an area you enjoy being in, you won’t go there.
The workspace should have ample surface area, basic office supplies (envelopes, pens, address labels), computer and printer, paper recycle bin and shredder.
Remove the
unnecessary, immediately
Sort your mail as soon as it comes in, with a recycle bin and shredder within an arm’s reach. Junk mail should be recycled immediately. Refer to a document retention guideline for guidance on what documents to keep and for how long.
Create a temporary, simple filing system for the initial sorting of your paperwork. This file system could include files labeled:
File – for files to be filed
Pay – for bills to be paid
To Do – for items that require attention within the next month
Read – for documents that will required your dedicated attention
Regularly go through and pay, sort and file
Set up a weekly time to go through the temporary files. Coordinate your bill paying with your pay dates. File papers from the ‘File’ file. Review your ‘To Do’ file for items needing attention within the next week. Take some time to read through the files from your ‘Read’ file.
It is important to always be aware of what papers, documents and receipts enter your home. Receipts can be sent via email or not retained at all. Be selective of what documents are collected at trade shows, conventions and seminars. Only accept the documents that are relevant to you. Be mindful of the mailing lists, marketing emails and promotional lists you sign up for.
Once your paperwork system is set up, plan to set aside time every week to maintain and manage your paperwork. Staying on top of your system will reduce stress and ensure you keep on top of your work and bills.
If setting up a paperwork management system is overwhelming, a professional organizer can help you started or guide you through the entire process. Top Shelf Home Organizing takes pride in working with people to organize and streamline their paperwork. Reach out to Jayme if you are ready to get your paperwork organized.
by Jayme Radomski | Jan 9, 2023 | Cleaning, Organizing
The new year brings a desire to clear out the old, bring in the new, focus on goals and be more productive. Making a clean sweep through your life and home will help you focus on all your new year goals and plans. Top Shelf Home Organizing has created a list of simple organizing projects to start the new year that will not cost you anything.
The new year brings a desire to clear out the old, bring in the new, focus on goals and be more productive. Making a clean sweep through your life and home will help you focus on all your new year goals and plans. Top Shelf Home Organizing has created a list of simple organizing projects to start the new year that will not cost you anything.
After weeks of celebrating and entertaining, your home likely needs a good cleaning. Set up a cleaning schedule that allows areas of your home to be cleaned regularly. Involve family members in the plan to share the workload. Keep cleaning supplies in a central location so everyone knows where to find them and you know when they are running low.
Assess your wardrobe and remove clothing items that do not fit, are worn out or do not make you feel fabulous. Reducing your clothing to what you love will lift your spirits and make mornings easy. Clothing items can be donated or sold.
A good pantry assessment will help plan meals and save money in the new year. Remove all items from the pantry, organize them by food type and plan your meals based on the food you have. Organizing your pantry will get you started on your healthy eating and money saving resolutions.
5. Take a Break from Buying
This month, as you plan for the new year and go through your stuff, don’t buy anything. As you remove items don’t rush out to purchase a replacement, take time to be without. You will be surprised how much less you can live with. Getting organized in the new year also does not mean that you need to spend on organizing gadgets. Reuse organizing items you currently have, or use boxes and containers from around your home. After you have fine-tuned your organizing system, then consider purchasing new storage products.
6. Don’t Ignore Your Feelings
Your home is where you rest and rejuvenate. Items in your home that cause sadness, stress and anxiety don’t belong. Consider keepsakes that bring bad memories all the way to items in disrepair that strike anxiety every time you think of them. As you clean and organize throughout your home, remove these items as they come up. The bad feelings need to go.
This list is enough to get you off to a great start this year. Decluttering is a process and cannot be done in one hour or one day. Start with areas with the biggest impact and start the snowball rolling. After years of working with busy families, we know where to focus. When organizing and decluttering overwhelms you, we are happy to help. Reach out to Jayme at Top Shelf Home Organizing to get you started on the right track.
by Jayme | Sep 21, 2022 | Digital, Organizing
When planning to organize an entire home, keepsakes and photos are typically the last category. These items are the most sentimental and slowest to organize. Photos in particular take time as they bring back memories of life’s most cherished moments. To make photo organizing manageable, break the project down into basic organizing steps.
1. Gather
Gather all photos together into a work area that can be dedicated to photo organizing for a long period of time. For digital photos, keep a notebook record of all the devices, websites, disks, drives, and apps you have photos stored to. Digital photos will be gathered in the organizing step.
2. Sort
Sort photos by date. When dealing with a large quantity of photos, you may want to sort by decade to start. Each decade can then be sorted further into years and then months. If you prefer to keep photos organized by events or holidays, you will still want to keep them chronological, but consider adding extra labels to the organizing to flag these events. For digital photos this should be relatively easy as they can be sorted by the date the photo was taken or stored.
The challenge of sorting digital photos is the multiple locations they are stored. Refer to your notes on where you have photos stored and sort photos one location at a time. Physical photos will take some time. Have some photo boxes, shoe boxes, or small bins on hand for sorting.
3. Purge
Choosing which photos to purge will be challenging. Some people will keep just good photos that represent events. Most people will take time to closely look at each photo and may not want to reduce any. The easiest photos to get rid of are duplicate photos. You may also consider reducing photos that are poor quality or blurry. With digital photos, it is easy to take many photos of the same pose. Try your best to select one or two of the best photos to keep.
4. Organize
Organize photos in a way they can be viewed the easiest. For physical photos, they should be neatly organized chronologically with tabs to note dates (years and months) and events. Photo boxes or bins work well for physical organization.
Digital photos should be stored in a common place, chronologically. Consider cloud-based storage for a central location for all digital photos. Understand this will take time to move files from all locations into a central location. You may also consider digitizing your physical photos and storing with the digital photos. Back up your photos to an external hard drive or other non-cloud-based storage method.
Break the Project Down
Organizing photos is not a weekend organizing project. It is a process that will take months or years to complete. Breaking the project down into small pieces will make it easier and more enjoyable. Keep your eye on the goal of having all your photos organized, easy to retrieve, and easy to share with others.
