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!

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!

7 Things to Get Organized for a Family Trip This Summer

7 Things to Get Organized for a Family Trip This Summer

by | Jun 11, 2024 | Money & Paper Management, Organizing, Travel, Wardrobe

Planning a family trip can be exciting but requires careful organization to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are some ways to organize for a successful family trip this summer:

Budget and Finances:

Budget Planning: Set a realistic budget for the trip, including accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs.

Cash and Cards: Carry a mix of cash and credit/debit cards. Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Expense Tracking: Use an app or a simple notebook to track daily expenses and stay within budget.

Travel Documents and Reservations:

Passports and IDs: Ensure all passports and IDs are up-to-date and valid for the duration of the trip.

Tickets and Reservations: Book flights, trains, or other transportation. Confirm hotel or rental accommodations and print or save digital copies of all reservations.

Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers health, cancellations, and emergencies.

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Itinerary and Activities:

Daily Schedule: Plan a loose itinerary with activities and sightseeing for each day. Include a mix of structured activities and free time.

Tickets and Reservations: Pre-book tickets for popular attractions, tours, and events to avoid long lines and sold-out situations.

Local Research: Research local restaurants, parks, and other points of interest suitable for families.

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Packing Lists:

Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing for the weather and planned activities. Include swimwear, casual wear, and a few dressier options if needed.

Essentials: Toiletries, medications, first-aid supplies, and any special items like glasses or contact lenses.

Entertainment and Comfort Items: Bring books, toys, games, and electronics to keep children entertained during travel and downtime.

Transportation and Navigation:

Car Rentals and Public Transport: Arrange for car rentals if necessary and research local public transportation options.

GPS and Maps: Ensure your phone’s GPS is functional, and consider downloading offline maps. Bring physical maps as a backup.

Parking and Directions: Look up parking options at your destination and note directions to key places.

Health and Safety

Medical Needs: Pack any necessary prescription medications and basic first aid supplies. Check if vaccinations are needed.

Safety Precautions: Make sure everyone is aware of basic safety rules for traveling, such as staying together and not talking to strangers.

Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency numbers and contact information for your country’s embassy.

House Preparation

Home Security: Arrange for a neighbor or friend to check on your home, collect mail, and water plants.

Utilities: Set lights on timers, and adjust thermostats for energy efficiency.

Pets: Make arrangements for pet care, through a pet sitter, kennel, or a friend.

By organizing these aspects in advance, you’ll ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free family trip. Plan ahead so your family travel is more relaxing.

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!

8 Areas to Organize in February

8 Areas to Organize in February

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Cleaning, Closets, Digital, Eating & Kitchen, Money & Paper Management, Office, Organizing

Getting organized in February is a great idea as it can set a positive tone for the rest of the year. We love the idea of resetting your home before the warm spring air returns. Here are eight areas to focus on in February:

Home Office

Declutter and organize your home office. File away paperwork, clean up your desk, and declutter digital files.

Digital Organization

Declutter your digital life by organizing your computer files, emails, and apps. Delete unnecessary files and create a system for better organization.

Tax Preparation

Start organizing your financial documents for tax season. Create a system for keeping track of receipts, invoices, and important documents.

Valentine's Day Decorations

If you decorate for Valentine’s Day, take the time to organize and store those decorations once the holiday is over. Purge the decorations you don’t use.

Pantry and Refrigerator

Check the expiration dates of food items in your pantry and refrigerator. Discard any expired items and organize your shelves.

Linen Closet

Straighten up your linen closet. Fold and organize towels and sheets, and discard any worn-out or mismatched items.

Bedroom Closet

Tidy up your bedroom closet by decluttering clothes, shoes, and accessories. Donate or sell items you no longer need.

Winter Clothing

Sort through your winter wardrobe and donate or store items you won’t be needing for the remainder of the season. Organize coats, scarves, and gloves in a designated area for easy access.

Remember to take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to enlist the help of family members or roommates. Setting aside dedicated time each day or weekend can make the process more manageable and less overwhelming. The organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizing are happy to help. Reach out to Jayme for any questions you have on organizing your home and office.

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!