Back to School: Organize Your Home

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Monday, August 30, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL by GoLocalProv Features Team

School life can take a toll on a family. To make things run more smoothly as the school year gets underway, take some advice from Candita Clayton, founder of Your Life Organized.

Weed it out

Now is a good time to weed out closets and drawers to accommodate new school clothing. Create systems for helping your child easily find clothing for stress-free mornings. Clear plastic bins with labels or picture labels will help keep things where they belong.

Set a stage

Take a little time with your child to define a fun and creative work space. A magnetic or fabric board for organizing schedules, invitations and school papers creates a good visual to help keep your child on track.

Think ahead

The three most important words in an organizing strategy (in my opinion) are THE NIGHT BEFORE. Everything is easier when you have a plan of action. Gather up all items and fill backpacks. Have lunch boxes and supplies at the ready for easy assembly in the morning. Make head-to-toe clothing choices and have at the ready.

Keep on schedule

Children respond to routine, so get kids in the habit of doing homework and organizing supplies and backpacks at the same time daily.

Make small ones accountable

To  keep your systems running smoothly get your kids involved. Even a kindergartener can pitch in with small chores like setting the table or putting away laundry. Let go of perfection and let the family participate. The benefit will be having more self sufficient children in the long run.

Don't stress the fashion

Don't panic about back to school shopping.  A few fresh pieces will do for a couple of weeks. You can then revisit stores when the crowds have died down and fill in the rest.

What's for dinner?

Sit down with your family and a blank pad and come up with six or seven dinners that are acceptable for the whole family. Having the necessary supplies on hand for these dinners will make life a lot easier.

Review

Take a long hard look at your current systems to evaluate what might not be working. If you're always running late or digging through a laundry basket for clean socks, this could be an opportunity to make some positive changes.

Remember: Organization is always a work in progress!

Candita Clayton is the founder of Your Life Organized. For more information on her other services, visit her Web site, here.

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