Finish December with Less Stress and More Calm ✨

Finish December with Less Stress and More Calm ✨

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Cleaning, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing, Pantry

December is one of the busiest, and most joyful, months of the year. Between holiday gatherings, gift shopping, school events, and year-end commitments, it’s easy for your home to feel a little less than organized. The good news? With a few intentional steps, you can maintain calm, create space for what matters most, and start the new year feeling refreshed instead of overwhelmed.

1. 🎄 Simplify Your Holiday Décor 

Before unpacking seasonal boxes, take a few minutes to review what you already have.
• Keep only décor you love and use every year.
• Donate items that no longer match your style or don’t fit your space.
• Store decorations by room or theme so next year’s setup is even easier.

A little editing now saves both time and storage space later. 

2. 🎀 Create a Gift-Wrapping Station

Instead of searching for tape or ribbon every time you wrap a gift, set up a small dedicated station. Use a basket, rolling cart, or drawer to store wrapping paper, gift bags and tags, tape, pens and ribbon, and tissue paper. Designating one spot saves time and prevents supplies from scattering through the house.

3. 💌 Manage Holiday Cards with Ease

Holiday cards are meaningful, but they can also create clutter.
• Open cards near your recycling bin.
• Display favorites on a mantle, entryway board, or ribbon display.
• At the end of the season, recycle the cards or save the ones with sentimental messages.
• If you keep addresses, update your digital address list as cards arrive.

4. 🍽️ Plan Your Holiday Meals and Shopping Lists

December is full of shared meals. A little planning goes a long way.
• Map out key events or gatherings.
• Create a master grocery list for commonly used ingredients.
• Prep ahead whenever possible, especially for freezable dishes.

This helps reduce last-minute stress and avoids multiple trips to the store.

5. 🏡 Tidy High-Traffic Areas

Guests and family members tend to gather in the same spaces. Focus quick decluttering on:
• Entryways
• Kitchen counters
• Living rooms
• Guest bathrooms

Even 10 minutes a day keeps these areas welcoming and functional during the busy season.

6. ✂️ Start a “Year-End Edit”

Before the new year arrives, take some time to review categories that tend to grow throughout the year:
• Kids’ toys
• Kitchen gadgets
• Linens
• Clothing
• Office supplies

Donate or recycle what you no longer use. This simple reset sets up your home for a fresh start in January.

7. 🧘‍♀️ Give Yourself the Gift of Space

December is full, but it doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Choose one small area to organize each week, and celebrate the progress you make. Organization is not about perfection; it’s about creating a home that supports your life and brings you peace.

If you’re ready to start the new year feeling lighter and more organized, Top Shelf Home Organizing can help. Whether you need support with decluttering, space planning, or whole-home organization, our team is here to make your home work beautifully for you and your family.

 

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!

Before Summer Ends: 5 Areas to Tidy, Plan, and Refresh

Before Summer Ends: 5 Areas to Tidy, Plan, and Refresh

by | Aug 11, 2025 | Busyness, Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Digital, Managing Time, Money & Paper Management, Organizing

As the final weeks of summer unfold, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set yourself up for a smooth transition into fall. Whether you’re preparing for a new school year, gearing up for a busy work season, or simply craving a more organized lifestyle, August offers a unique opportunity to reset. Before the routines of September return, take advantage of the slower pace and longer days to focus on these five areas of life that often need a little attention.

1. ⏰ Your Daily Routines
Summer often brings a welcome disruption to our usual schedules—but that flexibility can make it harder to return to structured routines in the fall. Use this month to gently realign your morning and evening habits:
• Start waking up and going to bed closer to your fall schedule.
• Review your current routines—what’s working, what’s not, and what can be simplified?
• Set time aside for planning your day or week ahead to reduce decision fatigue later.
Organizing your routines now will help you feel less overwhelmed when your calendar fills back up.

2. 💻 Your Digital Life
Digital clutter builds up fast—and unlike physical messes, it’s easy to ignore. Take a few hours this month to:
• Clear out your email inbox.
• Organize and back up your photos.
• Clean up your desktop, downloads folder, and apps you no longer use.
• Review subscriptions and delete what you don’t need.
A refreshed digital space can improve focus and help you feel more in control as you head into a busier season.

3. 🚪 Your Home Entry Points
The spaces that greet you when you enter or leave your home—like your mudroom, entryway, garage, or hallway closet—often get chaotic during the summer. Sandals, sunscreen, backpacks, and sports gear pile up. Take time to:
• Sort and store summer gear you won’t need daily.
• Designate spots for keys, bags, and shoes.
• Make room for back-to-school or fall essentials (think: jackets, lunch boxes, or umbrellas).
These high-traffic areas set the tone for your whole home—keeping them organized helps reduce stress.

 4. 📅 Your Calendar and Commitments
The shift from summer freedom to fall obligations can feel jarring. Avoid calendar chaos by getting ahead now:
• Block out important dates (school starts, work deadlines, holidays, appointments).
• Reassess commitments—do they align with your goals and values?
• Make room for downtime, too.
An organized calendar empowers you to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what drains you.

5. 🎯 Your Personal Goals
Remember those goals you set in January? Now’s a great time to check in and refocus:
• Review what you’ve accomplished and what still feels meaningful.
• Choose 1–2 realistic goals to work on before the end of the year.
• Break them into small steps and schedule time to act on them.
Organizing your goals keeps you motivated and intentional—especially before the rush of the holiday season begins.

The last month of summer doesn’t have to be all about winding down—it can be a launchpad. With a little time and intention, organizing these key areas will help you feel more grounded, productive, and ready for what’s ahead. So pour a glass of iced tea, grab a notebook, and give your life a little summer tune-up—you’ll thank yourself in September. Top Shelf Home Organizing would love help you finish the summer with peace.

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!

15 Ways to Get Organized Before Your Child Heads to College

15 Ways to Get Organized Before Your Child Heads to College

by | Jul 14, 2025 | Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Digital, Money & Paper Management, Organizing

Preparing your child to head off to college is an exciting and emotional season for any family. At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we understand that a smooth transition starts with thoughtful planning and organization. From packing essentials to preparing for new routines, taking the time to get organized now will ease the stress of move-in day and help your student start their college journey with confidence. This list will guide you through the 15 most important things to organize before your child moves to campus this fall.

🧳 1. Dorm Essentials Checklist

Make a list of must-haves like bedding (XL twin), storage bins, toiletries, laundry supplies, and a desk lamp. Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplicates.

🧾 2. Important Documents Folder

Gather and organize items like:

  • Driver’s license/state ID
  • Health insurance card
  • Immunization records
  • Financial aid documents
  • Banking info

🏦 3. Banking & Budget Plan

Open a student-friendly bank account (if needed), and talk about a monthly budget—include meals, gas, entertainment, and emergency savings.

📦 4. Packing Plan & Storage Solutions

Create a packing schedule and storage strategy, especially if they’re far from home. Consider vacuum-seal bags or collapsible crates.

🛏️ 5. Dorm Room Layout & Rules

Review the college’s dorm policies (what’s allowed/not allowed) and review floor plans to help plan what to bring.

🗓️ 6. Academic Calendar & Deadlines

Note key dates like:

  • Move-in day
  • Orientation
  • Registration deadlines
  • Holiday breaks
    Sync with your family calendar.

🩺 7. Health & Wellness Plan

Schedule medical/dental appointments, refill prescriptions, and discuss how to handle illness on campus. Consider a basic first aid kit.

🧼 8. Laundry & Cleaning 101

Teach how to sort clothes, use a washer/dryer, and manage basic dorm cleaning. Provide supplies like detergent pods and disinfecting wipes.

💳 9. Meal Plan Strategy

Go over campus dining options, meal plans, and how to plan for snacks or grocery shopping. Include food allergies or dietary needs.

📱 10. Tech Setup

Ensure their laptop, phone, and chargers are ready to go. Set up campus Wi-Fi, school email, and any academic platforms or apps.

🚗 11. Transportation Plan

Figure out how they’ll get around:

  • Will they bring a car?
  • Need a bike?
  • Use public transit?
    Also, make sure they know how to get home for breaks.

📦 12. Shipping or Move-in Logistics

Confirm how to get everything to campus:

  • Are you driving together?
  • Are you shipping items in advance?
  • Do you need a cart or move-in time slot?

💬 13. Communication Expectations

Discuss how often you’ll check in—text, calls, or FaceTime—and find a balance that respects their independence.

📚 14. Course Materials & Supplies

Buy or rent textbooks early and stock up on school supplies—backpack, notebooks, calculator, pens, etc.

❤️ 15. Emotional Prep & Support System

Talk openly about homesickness, mental health resources, and how to ask for help. Create a list of support contacts—RA, counseling center, roommates, advisors.

Sending your child to college is a major milestone—for both of you. With these 15 areas thoughtfully planned and organized, you’ll not only reduce last-minute stress but also help your child feel prepared, supported, and ready for their next big adventure. At Top Shelf Home Organizing, we’re here to help you navigate life transitions with ease and clarity. You’ve done the hard work raising them—now let organization carry you both through this exciting new chapter. Reach out to Jayme if you need some help getting 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!

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.

e

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!