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!

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!

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.

i

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.

S

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!