For those of you who don’t know – organization is my passion. I could organize all day. From my classroom, to my closet, to my cupboard, I am that person who makes a list to make a list. With that being said, April is National Organization month, and what better time to organize then now – when we are all #stayinghome and #socialdistancing.
I am going to share some of my top organization tips and hacks that can help guide your day of organization. Use what you’d like, edit and modify as needed, and let me know any tips that work for you! While we are all home, social distancing, this is a family bonding experience.
Please note – this is NOT spring cleaning. There should be no cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, etc. The sole
purpose is to go through what you have, and make it more accessible!
Here is the overview:
- Pick a day, and devote that day to family time. At this unprecedented time, we are LOOKING for things to do. Everything has slowed down, if not, come to a complete halt, and we are looking for ways to be productive. Schedule this day out and make it something exciting that your family will look forward to.
- Create a board (or poster) where together as a family you brainstorm what needs to be done. Think of all of the rooms in the house – make a list of them to start. Then make a list of what needs to be done. Do not prioritize, make everything of “equal” importance. This will help ensure that everything is done!
- Check it off and set goals! Decide together a family reward for getting it all done! Maybe a fire pit? Make your own pizza night? Possibly a movie marathon? Whatever it is – make sure that it serves as motivation for everyone!
- Divide and conquer. Most areas of the house (other than shared spaces) “belong” to that person. Decide for each room/task whether it is a single persons job or your significant other/child needs help. For the younger kids, this may take longer as they don’t know what they have and will absolutely need the assistance.
- Save it, donate it, trash it. That is my dad’s motto when it comes to “stuff.” Make the decision, in under 3 seconds (your first impulse is usually always correct). Have I used this in the past 6 months? The past 3? Could someone else benefit from it?
- Have piles. A yes, maybe, no pile. Yes and no are the easy ones. Maybe will be tough and you can come back to it at the end. But as noted above, make your decision quickly and stick with it!
- Ensure the environment is right. Open the windows, let the fresh air in, play some uplifting music, and schedule snack breaks! Smile and have fun – this will make you feel like the next Marie Kondo.
Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Of course we want to be that pinterest family, but it’s not real life. This is a simple way to organize the pantry so your kids can grab and go and you can can see what needs to be replenished for the next trip to the grocery store. The key here is labeling!
- Small closet spaces can be put to great use with these hacks! An over the door organizer is the best way to see what you have and put the “adult supplies up high. The paper town and TP holder is genius. Theses easy shoe racks from amazon are life changers!
- I use this for my classroom, but IKEA cardboard book holders are the BEST! You can use them for all of your book needs. Your kids can decorate with stickers and washi tape, use labels to make them colorful, and this is the best when searching for a book!
Live.Love.Learn,
Jennifer
Have an organizational hack that works? We’d love to hear from you!