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.

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6 Tips for Closet Organization this Spring

6 Tips for Closet Organization this Spring

by | Apr 8, 2024 | Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Organizing, Wardrobe

Organizing your closet for spring can be a refreshing way to welcome the season and make it easier to find your favorite clothes. An organized closet will help you rediscover your spring and summer wardrobe, and help you plan for any new clothing purchases you may need to make. Here are six tips to help you get started:

Declutter

Begin by going through your clothes and accessories to declutter. Get rid of items that you no longer wear or need. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. This step will help create more space in your closet for the items you love.

Rotate Seasonal Items

As you transition from winter to spring, store away heavy coats, sweaters, and other winter-specific items that you won’t need for the warmer months. This will free up space for lighter clothing such as dresses, shorts, and T-shirts. Consider using storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep off-season items organized and protected.

Categorize Clothing

Organize your clothing by category to make it easier to find what you need. You can group items such as tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear together. Within each category, you can further organize by color or type (e.g., sleeveless tops, long-sleeve shirts). This system will help you quickly locate specific items when getting dressed.

Maximize Storage Space

Make the most of your closet space by using storage solutions such as hanging organizers, shelves, and shoe racks. Utilize vertical space by installing hooks or hanging rods for accessories like scarves, belts, and purses. Consider investing in slim hangers to save space and keep clothes from slipping off.

Implement a System for Regular Maintenance

Establish a routine for maintaining your organized closet. Set aside time each month to go through your clothes and accessories, removing items that no longer serve you and tidying up the space. This will help prevent clutter from accumulating and make it easier to keep your closet organized year-round.

Add Personal Touches

Make your closet feel inviting and inspiring by adding personal touches such as decorative bins, artwork, or motivational quotes. Consider incorporating elements that reflect your personal style and make you feel good when you enter the space. A visually appealing closet can make the process of getting dressed more enjoyable.

By following these spring closet organizing tips, you can create a functional and stylish space that makes it easy to access your favorite clothes and accessories throughout the season. If organizing your clothes closet brings anxiety, Top Shelf Home Organizing would love to help. Organizing closets is our favorite space. Contact Jayme to chat about your closet.

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!

9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

9 Areas to Organize to Start the New Year

by | Jan 8, 2024 | Bathroom, Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Digital, Eating & Kitchen, Office, Organizing, Pantry, Self Care, Bathroom

Organizing your home in January is a great way to start the year fresh and create a more comfortable and efficient living space. Here are some suggestions for areas you might consider organizing. Choose one or two impactful areas to start.

Living Room

  • Declutter by removing items that don’t belong or that you no longer need.
  • Clean and organize entertainment centers, shelves, and tables. Wipe furniture down while it’s emptied.

Kitchen

  • Clean out your pantry and discard expired items. Plan your meals based on remaining items.
  • Organize kitchen cabinets and drawers. Consider using containers for loose items if it makes sense.
  • Wipe down and clean appliances.

Bedroom

  • Rotate and flip your mattress.

  • Launder and store seasonal bedding and clothing.

  • Declutter bedside tables and dressers.

Closet

  • Go through your clothes and donate or sell items you no longer wear.
  • Organize clothes by category (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) and color.
  • Consider investing in storage solutions like bins, baskets, or closet organizers after you have gone through your clothes.

Bathroom

  • Dispose of expired medications, toiletries, and beauty products.
  • Remove products you do not like. Donate unopened items you do not want.
  • Organize cabinets and drawers, using containers or dividers.
  • Wipe down cabinets and drawers for a fresh start.
  • Scrub toilets and showers.
n

Home Office

  • Declutter your workspace. Remove unnecessary items.
  • Organize cables and cords.
  • Clean your computer and backup important files.
i

Paperwork

  • Sort through important documents. File or scan items you need. Shred or recycle documents you don’t need.
  • Set up an organized filing system for unopened mail, bills to pay, items to file and items to do. It is also good to have a tax file where you can dump any items you will need for preparing your taxes.

Digital Space

  • Clean up your computer desktop and organize files.
  • Back up important digital files and photos.
  • Clear unused apps from your smartphone.

Clean

  • Dust and clean all surfaces.
  • Clean windows and curtains.
  • Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Remember to set realistic goals and take it one step at a time. Breaking down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming. Consider involving other members of your household to make it a collaborative effort. Join an on-line decluttering group such as 30-Day Declutter Challenge to keep you motivated and accountable.

Being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for 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!

6 Things to Organize Right Before Christmas

6 Things to Organize Right Before Christmas

by | Dec 11, 2023 | Cleaning, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing

Organizing certain aspects of your life before Christmas can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable holiday season. Here are six things you might want to consider organizing right before Christmas.

Gifts and Wrapping

  • Make a list of people you need to buy gifts for.
  • Set a budget for each person.
  • Purchase or make the gifts well in advance.
  • Set aside time for wrapping presents. Organize wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags.

Decorations

  • Check your holiday decorations and assess if anything needs to be replaced or replenished.
  • Organize decorations by theme or room.
  • Set a day to decorate your home, involving family members if possible.

Meal Planning

  • Plan your Christmas menu, considering dietary restrictions and preferences.
  • Create a shopping list for all the ingredients you’ll need.
  • If you’re hosting a gathering, organize seating arrangements and any potluck contributions from guests.

Travel Arrangements

  • If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, organize your travel plans well in advance.
  • Confirm reservations for accommodations, flights, or any other transportation.
  • Make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need.

Clean and Decluttering

  • Plan a deep cleaning of your home before the holiday season.
  • Declutter common areas and guest spaces to create a welcoming environment.
  • Ensure that necessary cleaning supplies are on hand.

Family Calendar

  • Create a shared family calendar to keep everyone informed about holiday events and commitments.
  • Coordinate schedules for family gatherings, parties, and other festive activities.
  • Plan for any special traditions or activities you want to include.

Remember, the key to a stress-free holiday season is preparation. By organizing these aspects of your life before Christmas, you can create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for yourself and your loved ones.

Remember that being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for 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!

10 Things to Organize Right Before Thanksgiving

by | Nov 13, 2023 | Cleaning, Closets, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Gratitude, Organizing, Pantry

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this season? Are you helping a loved one put on the feast? We have brainstormed ten things to get organized right before Thanksgiving.

Menu Planning

Finalize your Thanksgiving menu, including appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need.

Grocery Shopping

Create a detailed shopping list based on your menu.

Shop for non-perishable items a few days in advance and perishable items a day or two before Thanksgiving.

Thaw the Turkey

If you have a frozen turkey, calculate the thawing time and start thawing it in the refrigerator in advance.

Prep Work

Complete as much prep work as possible in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Chop vegetables, make pie crusts, and prepare any dishes that can be stored in the refrigerator until cooking.

Clean and Organize the Kitchen

Ensure your kitchen is clean and organized before the cooking frenzy begins.

Empty the dishwasher, clean surfaces, and organize utensils and cookware.

Set the Table

Set the table a day or two before Thanksgiving.

Ensure you have enough place settings, napkins, and any special decorations you want to include.

Cooking Schedule

Create a cooking schedule for Thanksgiving day.

Assign specific times for cooking each dish to ensure everything is ready at the same time.

Check Cooking Equipment

Confirm that all your cooking equipment, such as the oven, stovetop, and kitchen appliances, is in good working order.

Prepare for Guests

Clean and organize common areas where guests will gather.

Set up a designated area for coats and bags.

Emergency Plan

Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

Know where to find local takeout options or have a few simple backup dishes that can be prepared quickly.

By organizing these aspects before Thanksgiving, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy the holiday with your people.

Remember that being organized is a process, and it’s important to approach it at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Start small, plan one event at a time and develop systems to maintain organization. Gradually, you’ll experience the positive impact and being organized will come naturally. If organizing is daunting task, the professional organizers at Top Shelf Home Organizers are happy to help. Contact Jayme for 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!