A Simple January Reset for Your Personal Business

A Simple January Reset for Your Personal Business

by | Jan 12, 2026 | Clutter, Digital, Money & Paper Management, Office, Organizing, Work & Home Office

Get Your Personal Business Organized This January

Simple. Life. Solutions.

January isn’t just for decluttering closets—it’s the perfect time to organize your personal business. When your finances, paperwork, schedules, and important documents are in order, everyday life runs more smoothly and stressful moments are easier to manage. Think of this as setting up the back-end systems of your life so you can focus on what really matters all year long.

💰 1. Organize Your Financial Information

A clear financial system gives you confidence and control.

Start with these steps:

• Gather bank statements, credit card information, loans, investment accounts, and insurance policies
• Create one financial binder or a secure digital folder
• Separate documents into simple categories: Banking, Credit cards, Loans & mortgages, Investments &  retirement, Insurance (home, auto, health, life)

Top Shelf Tip 🗂️ You don’t need years of paperwork. Keep only what’s necessary and shred the rest securely.

📄 2. Tame Paperwork & Household Documents

Paper piles quietly create mental clutter. What to organize: Bills and receipts, Tax documents, Home records (utilities, warranties, manuals), School, medical, and employment paperwork

Simple system ideas: A labeled file box or drawer, A “current year” folder plus an archive folder, A weekly paper-processing routine (10 minutes is enough!)

Top Shelf Tip ✨ If you don’t know where something belongs, the system is too complicated.

📅 3. Get Your Schedule Under Control

Your calendar is one of the most powerful organizing tools you have. January reset checklist: Choose one primary calendar system (digital, paper, or hybrid), Add: Work schedules, School calendars, Activities, Appointments, and Deadlines, Set reminders for: Bill payments, Renewals, Important annual dates

Top Shelf Tip 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A shared family calendar reduces miscommunication and decision fatigue.

📑 4. Review and Store Legal & Estate Documents

This is the category many people avoid—but it’s one of the most important. Documents to locate and organize: Will and trust documents, Power of attorney, Healthcare directives, Beneficiary information, Emergency contacts

Best practices: Store originals in a clearly labeled, secure location. Keep copies accessible to trusted family members. Make a note of where everything lives.

Top Shelf Tip 🤍 Peace of mind is a form of organization, too.

🗄️ 5. Create a “Personal Business Hub”

Instead of scattering systems throughout the house, designate one central place. This might be: A drawer in your home office, a portable file box, A digital folder structure paired with one physical binder

Your hub should include: Financial and legal documents, Current paperwork, A password list (stored securely), Notes and reference materials

🔄 6. Schedule a Monthly Maintenance Check

Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Once your systems are in place: Schedule a 20–30 minute monthly check-in, File papers, Update calendars, Review upcoming obligations

Small habits prevent overwhelm later.

🌿 Start the Year Organized, Not Overwhelmed

Getting your personal business organized in January sets the tone for the entire year. When systems are simple and intentional, you spend less time searching, worrying, and reacting—and more time living.

If you’d like help creating systems that actually work for your home and lifestyle, Top Shelf Home Organizing is here to help. Reach out to Jayme to see how we can work with you.

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!

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!

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!