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!

4 Key Areas to Organize Before the Holidays

4 Key Areas to Organize Before the Holidays

by | Dec 8, 2024 | Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing, Pantry

Preparing your home for December holidays can make the season more joyful and stress-free. Having a plan can help you prepare and avoid procrastination and last minute, unnecessary purchases. Top Shelf Home Organizing has four areas to plan and focus on to keep you focused on the reasons for this busy season.

Decorations

Sort and Declutter: Go through your holiday decorations and discard or donate broken or unused items.

Plan Placement: Decide where your tree, lights, and other decorations will go to avoid last-minute rearranging.

Store Smartly: Keep unused decor in labeled bins for easy access. Purge the décor you repeatedly decide not to use.

Kitchen and Pantry

Clean and Stock: Clear out expired items and stock up on baking essentials and festive staples (e.g., spices, flour, and beverages).

Plan Serving Ware: Ensure you have enough plates, glasses, and serving dishes for guests.

Prep in Advance: Organize your recipes and ingredients for holiday meals to save time later.

Living and Guest Spaces

Declutter Common Areas: Tidy up living rooms and clear surfaces for decorations or entertaining.

Guest Room Prep: If hosting guests, freshen up linens, clean closets, and add festive touches like candles or small gifts.

Seating Arrangement: Plan seating for larger gatherings to avoid scrambling for chairs.

Gifts and Wrapping Supplies

Inventory: Take stock of gifts already purchased and make a list of remaining items to buy.

Set a Wrapping Station: Keep wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and tags in one area for easy access. Have a plan to use the wrapping supplies you already have. This will help avoid storing excess holiday wrap supplies the remainder of the year.

Hide Gifts: Choose designated hiding spots for gifts to avoid clutter or surprises being found too early.

Planning ahead and scheduling out all of your holiday preparations will help save you stress, time and money. If preparing for a holiday brings too much stress, Top Shelf Home Organizing can help. Reach out to Jayme to see how we can help you during these busy times.

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!

8 Areas to Organize Before Thanksgiving

8 Areas to Organize Before Thanksgiving

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Bathroom, Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing, Pantry

Getting your home ready for Thanksgiving can make the holiday feel more enjoyable and less stressful. Top Shelf Home Organizing has eight key areas to focus on:

Declutter Common Areas

Clear surfaces in the living room, kitchen, dining area, and entryway. Remove unnecessary items to create an inviting, open space for guests to gather.

Deep Clean the Kitchen

This includes cleaning appliances like the oven, stove, fridge, and microwave. Make sure you have enough counter space and clean tools for all your cooking and serving needs.

Organize the Pantry

Sort through your pantry to ensure you have the essentials like spices, flour, sugar, and canned goods. Toss out expired items to make room for Thanksgiving ingredients.

Set Up the Dining Area

If you have a separate dining room, set the table with plates, napkins, and cutlery ahead of time. Consider adding a table centerpiece or festive decorations to bring a holiday feel.

Prepare Guest Rooms

If you have guests staying over, ensure the guest rooms are fresh and clean with extra towels, fresh sheets, and any essentials they may need.

Stock the Bathrooms

Make sure bathrooms are well-stocked with essentials like toilet paper, soap, hand towels, and any air fresheners. A small basket with extra amenities can make guests feel welcome.

Organize the Entryway

Clear any shoes, bags, or coats that might clutter the space where guests first arrive. You could also add hooks, a small rug, or a shoe rack to manage belongings.

Plan the Serving Area

Decide on a spot where guests can serve themselves food and drinks. It could be a kitchen counter, buffet table, or even a sideboard. Having this ready will make serving easier and keep the flow in the dining area relaxed.

Getting organized early will let you focus on enjoying the holiday and spending time with family and friends! If your busy schedule prevents you from organizing your home, Top Shelf Home Organizing is here to help. Reach out to Jayme to schedule 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.

Get Organized Today!

Five Areas to Get Your Kids Organized for Summer Break

Five Areas to Get Your Kids Organized for Summer Break

by | May 21, 2024 | Cleaning, Clutter, Managing Time, Money & Paper Management, Organizing

We have crafted five areas to get your kids organized for the end of the school year. Get your kids involved for organizing and planning for summer break.

Declutter and Purge

The end of the school year is an ideal time for kids to declutter their school supplies. Going through their backpacks, desks, and lockers to remove any old papers, broken items, and unused supplies helps create a fresh start for the next school year. Encourage kids to recycle or donate items they no longer need.

Organize and Store Supplies

Sorting and storing school supplies for the summer can save time and money when the new school year begins. Labeling bins or boxes for different items such as notebooks, art supplies, and textbooks can make it easier to find them later. This also helps kids learn the importance of organization and responsibility.

Review and Reflect

 Reviewing the school year’s work and reflecting on accomplishments and areas for improvement can be beneficial. This can involve going through graded assignments, reports, and projects to see what they did well and where they can improve. It’s a good opportunity for goal-setting for the next school year.

Plan for Summer Learning

Keeping kids engaged in learning over the summer can prevent the “summer slide.” Planning educational activities, such as reading lists, science experiments, or museum visits, can keep their minds active. A summer schedule that balances learning with fun activities can help maintain a routine.

Set Up a Summer Routine

Establishing a summer routine can help kids transition smoothly from the structure of the school year to the more relaxed summer months. This routine can include set times for chores, reading, outdoor play, and family activities. A consistent routine helps kids feel secure and can make it easier to return to school in the fall.

These strategies can make the end of the school year a positive and organized experience for kids, setting them up for success in the coming year. Top Shelf Home Organizing is happy to help you organize your home for the summer.

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!