Back to School Checklists

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back to school check lists

I love checklists! Back to school can be stressful and often we forget some of the most important, simple items.  Here are a few sample back to school checklists to cover your back to school needs.

Real simple back to school checklist

Real Simple Back to School Checklist

Real Simple Back to School Checklist

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/kids-parenting/back-school-essentials-checklist-00000000000242/index.html

mom agenda back to school check list

Mom Agenda Back to School Checklist

MomAgenda Back to School Checklist

http://www.momagenda.com/printable/back-to-school.pdf

Container Store College products

Container Store Back to College Checklist

Container Store College Checklist

http://www.containerstore.com/pdf/college/checklist-2009.pdf

professional-organizer.com back to school checklist

Professional-Organizer.com Back to School Checklist

Professional-Organizer.com Back to School Checklist

https://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/tag/school-checklist/

 

How do Professional Organizers Stay Organized? That is the question! Shared by Birdie Brennan, CPO

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I love the concept of sharing our inside secrets as organizers. Throughout the month of May I have asked my colleagues to share what works for them.  I know you will enjoy this guest post from Birdie Brennan, owner of Birdie Brennan Professional Organizers.

 

Birdie Brennan

 

It is usually a question that comes about when working with a client.  I tell them my house isn’t perfect but I do practice what I preach. I have always derived pleasure from putting things in order. So, I have created a home for everything. You know that old saying; A place for everything and everything in its place.  It may be cliché but it is true.  For me, once I have a “home” for everything life is easier. I recently found not only is life easier, but having a home is necessary when life throws you a curve ball.  I had an accident and was immobile for 5-6 weeks.  No major illness, nothing to worry about but I could not put any weight on my foot.  We had to bring someone in to help me get through the day.  It was perfect because they had no idea where anything was.  Instead of hunting, they could ask me “Where is the pitcher for the tea?” I could answer the cabinet all the way to the left on the third shelf!

Having a “home” for everything also helps when I have a busy week and I let things slide. I can spend a few minutes after the craziness and quickly put things away.

I recently downsized with a move. Before the move, I continually pared down my belongings. I wanted to create a space that held items that I used and loved and leave the unnecessary items behind.  It’s funny; I remember looking at my cookbooks several times before the move. Each time I could let a few more go.

I think organizing space and belongings is easy.  It is how I’m wired but I have to work on organizing my time.  That is a struggle. With my time struggle, I have put some systems in place to streamline the paperwork that goes with having a business. We have created a calendar with specific projects for week 1-4 every month. Systems help create calm because you know things will get done and will not fall through the cracks.

I have found that technology is a great way to save time. I love finding and sharing apps that save time! I love using Google calendar with all of the recurring events and special dates along with reminders.

I also have learned that delegation is necessary.  I have even given up some of the jobs that I enjoy doing because it frees up my time to do the tasks that are my responsibility.

To live an organized life, I practice what I preach with my home and office, am aware of my time management issues and continue to improve with life balance!

www.getorganizedcolumbus.com

www.facebook.com/BirdieBrennanFan

www.twitter.com/birdiebrennan

www.pinterest.com/organizecols

Travel Lists Make Life Easier and Travel Better

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Birdie Brennan travel lists

 

Travel is supposed to be fun and relaxing but getting ready to take a trip can be stressful!  Being organized, can take the stress out of your preparation.

Lists can help!  Make a list of what needs done before you go, what you are taking with you and what you want to see and do while you are gone.

I always like to leave for vacation feeling like I’ve dotted all my “I’s” and crossed all my “T’s”, but this is a time when you have to be realistic about what needs done.  Only do what needs done and delegate when you can.  When you are creating the list, add deadlines to it and add the tasks to your calendar so you have a time to do them!  Examples of things for this list are stop mail, wash vacation clothes.  Both of these items can be done well in advance.

Create a generic list of what you take on most trips.  I use a clothing list and a toiletry list. It makes it easy to pack and gives you piece of mind that you are not forgetting anything!

Now, while you are on vacation, is there a once in a lifetime experience awaiting you?  Make sure it is not sold out by doing some research and planning before you ever leave home. A little research ahead of time can open up a host of activities and restaurants that could easily be missed otherwise.

Now, relax and enjoy that much needed and deserved vacation!

 

Birdie Brennan has been simplifying people’s lives since 1998.  She is a member of NAPO, in the Inaugural class of Certified Professional Organizers, a Golden Circle member, is the current National NAPO Co-chair for the Golden Circle Committee and has held the position of National Chair for the Get Organized Month Committee for four years.  She is one of the founding members of the NAPO Ohio Chapter. She is a member of ICD.  She has participated in the A & E show, Hoarders and is her local NBC’s organizing expert.  Birdie loves giving her clients solutions for getting and staying organized!  Connect with Birdie through her website and social media. 

www.getorganizedcolumbus.com

www.facebook.com/BirdieBrennanFan

www.twitter.com/birdiebrennan

www.pinterest.com/organizecols

 

Organizing Your ADHD Family

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organizing your adhd family

 

Your family may have one or more family members who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  Diagnosis continues to grow each year. There’s clutter, time and stuff lost, and frustration.  Organizing is not the first thing anyone wants to do and those in your family with ADHD find organizing painful, tedious and unending.  Help is here! There are some basic strategies to help you and your family get organized and stay organized.

 

Building your Team

Families that work together and play together do better together on communication and cohesiveness.  Get started with a family meeting.  The family meeting is the time to model organizing skills with a month at a glance calendar.  Each member brings their own calendar too to update with dates and activities.  Write everything down on the calendar so everyone can see what is going on.  Be sure you can hang your calendar in the kitchen, even if you print out your digital calendar later.  Discuss your family mission at your family meeting. What do you stand for as a team? This creates a foundation for all you do as a family. End your meeting within 20 minutes with family fun.  Simple physical activities like bike riding, going to a park or making an ice cream sundae.  For an ADHD family, this meeting is where everyone pulls together.

 

Family Routines

Co-ordinate your ADHD family’s daily schedule by starting with routines. These are activities in sequence that help keep order throughout the day.  It includes getting up, getting ready,  picking up and getting to bed. A checklist is a great way to share these routines.  The checklist reminds everyone of their personal responsibilities and avoids nagging and negativity. Be specific with your routines to help your family understand expectations.  Being specific can mean setting a day for a responsibility or setting a time to have it complete.   Be sure to include specific times to get kids’ backpacks ready and pick up each evening to avoid being overwhelmed. For an ADHD family, including some white space with down time helps people feel more in balance.

 

Home Clutter

Clutter can be overwhelming in an ADHD family.  Start small and work together. Starting small may mean a small area or a small amount of time such as working on a drawer in a desk or setting a timer for 30 minutes.  Breaking decluttering into baby steps adds to your success.   Working with a partner means that someone is lending energy to the decision maker and withholding judgment on decisions.  That can be difficult for a parent or a child, but most important for eliminating items.   Add incentives for what matters most to your family.  Incentives can include money, time on a video game, or time to read.  For an ADHD family, be sure everything has a specific, labeled spot  and set a time daily to return it to that spot.

 

Paper Clutter

All too often the most difficult clutter is paper clutter.  Start by going digital with online bill pay and as many papers as you can.  Add a command center to consolidate papers and triage these daily to eliminate as much as possible.  At your command center, create a station with products for processing the mail and other papers that come to your home.  Use an expandable accordion file to keep papers longer term.

 

 

Tools and Tips

Organizing planners and products can make a difference for your ADHD family. Clear bins labeled with cute, uniform labels are great organizing products.  Uniform containers in shoe box, sweater box, and 66 quart sizes can be used throughout your home to corral stuff.  Consistent colored containers add fun too! Label all areas of your home, including inside drawers for clothes, in your pantry for food, and in your media area with boxes for videos, games and music.

Plan your work and work your plan with your ADHD family.  Making organizing a consistent priority with time spent daily will yield great organizing results.

 

What helps your ADHD family get organized?

 

Check out my monthly newsletter for more ideas on ADHD.

Family Meetings: Communication and Cohesiveness

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family meeting and organizing

Make the Most of Your Family Meeting

 

Join me on Organize to Revitalize about 5 Ways to Make the Most of your Family Meeting.

You will be glad you did!

http://dallisonlee.com/blog/2013/07/01/5-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-family-meeting/

Travel Time Organized

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travel time organized

 

Summer is when we hit the road by air, land and even sea! When you are organized and ready for your travel, it’s less stressful and more memorable.

Your destination information

  • Keep up with your travel papers with clear pocket folder.  Place information in the pocket folder asap so it you always have access to it. 
  • Set your sights on apps that help you with destination information.  Kayak.com and Hipmonk.com can help you get flights, hotels and more.
  • Get started with your packing with a list! Whether its a paper one from Container Store or online with TravelSmith.com, lists are the best way to be sure you have all you need.

Get packing

  • As busy as we are, we often leave packing to the last minute. Start well in advance of your trip just with the suitcase out. Drop in items throughout the week. A day before you travel, assess what you are taking and eliminate a little.  
  • Packing cubes make travel organizing easy. Place floppy bathing suits and cover ups in one, underwear in another, and even pants or dresses in a large one. Having your suitcase divided into units makes finding something much easier.
  • Create a travel medication kit for your holiday.  Include every day items like band aids, creams, aloe and other over the counter meds just in case.
  • Pack your kids clothes in Ziploc bags, set up by day.  It’s easy for them to get ready on the trip.
  • My favorite pre-packed item is my toiletry case. It has all my every day face and hair products in small size containers, always ready to go.

Hit the road

  • Healthy snacks are a must for travel.  Make it fun with small size containers or individually wrapped snacks for you and your family.   If you are travelling by car be sure to include a cooler with water and plenty of ice. 
  • Small crazy Dollar Store items keep everyone entertained.  Add to the fun with these on the trip.
  • My favorite souvenir is a photo at the destination with my family.  Help your kids make good souvenir choices by allowing a dollar amount or a single souvenir.
  • Double check that you have all electronic devices, cords and other accessories needed for everyone’s happiness. A Grid-It case makes it easy to keep it all together.

Getting back in the groove

  • Sadly all vacations end! Give yourself a extra time to sort mail, buy groceries and do laundry before getting back to work. You will be glad you did!

 

Join my newsletter for more organizing and productivity tips!

 

 

5 Fun Organizing Activities for Summer

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summer organizing

Its just a little too hot to get too excited about organizing. But what about those fun organizing projects you have been putting off?  Here are 5 fun summer organizing projects that will make you swell with pride that they are now off your list.

  • Remember that enormous stack of magazines you have not had time to read all year? Grab a handful and hang out by the pool or beach. Be sure to eliminate them as soon as you have read through them.  Once is enough for browsing!   Drop them off at a local emergency care room for those waiting. 
  • Love your family photos but not sure how well these digital treasures are organized?  Set up categories on  your computer to start with, then begin gathering them from all the iphones, ipads, digital cameras, and facebook. You will be so thrilled to have them in one spot. Now you are ready to make a picture book too!
  • Are recipes all over in your home, papers, or office? Now is the time to gather them together.  Sit with a tall glass of tea and be realistic what you will make. Does the recipe require too many ingredients, too much time, or no one but you will eat it? Time to toss the extra recipes and keep just what you want.  Set up categories, sort and decide if a notebook or recipe box will be better to keep these.
  • Get ahead for fall by creating your family command center. This fall you will be the most organized ever by setting up a calendar, corkboard, chalkboard and wall pockets to keep your family activities organized.  Browse on http://pinterest.com/EllenDelap/family-command-centers-communication-and-organizat/ to gather ideas. Then head to your favorite HomeGoods, Target, WalMart or other shop to pick up and install all the pieces.
  • Organize a ME day. This is a day just for you to regroup, relax, and rejuvenate.  Your family has lots going on and you will need time to “put on your own oxygen mask first.”  Set aside time throughout the summer for this important and precious time.

What fun organizing activities do you have planned this summer?

Hugs and Happy Organizing! Teen Organizing

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Hugs and Happy Organizing posts are about client successes. Here you will find a happy organizing story about teen organizing.

organize your teen's room

 

Teens crave organization, but often are too busy to work through the challenges of creating systems and routines that work.

  • Offer an incentive and find what is important for your teen. Set a time to work together on the project that works for both you and them.
  • Together purge and eliminate items that are no longer useful or needed.  Allow your teen the opportunity to let go of items, even if you are not comfortable with that. 
  • Group items together that are used together, such as media, books, and supplies.  Think of this as stations within the room.
  • With less items in the space, it is much easier to maintain.  Help your teen establish times to get items back into order.  Our kids are very busy but it is always important to get organized.

What ways have your helped your teen get organized?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hugs and Happy Organizing: Organizing your Storage

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Hugs and Happy Organizing posts are about client successes. Here you will find a happy organizing story about storage.

 

storage and organizing

 

If you are fortunate enough to have additional storage, you are truly blessed! Even storage can be in total disarray when we have too much.

  • Group items together that are alike. In storage that may be clothes, games, office supplies or furniture. Once gathered, decide what to keep and what to donate, sell or trash.  Storage is usually filled with items that you have not made a decision about… so make a decision! 
  • Take items away immediately.  You won’t regret this.
  • Place the items on shelving depending on the access you need to the item.  Frequently used items need to be near the door and easy to access. If you want your kids to access items, be sure these are low enough.
  • Label where the item goes so everyone knows where to put it back.

Hugs and happy organizing!

 

 

 

Summer Organizing for Families

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summer organizing

Summer time is fun time!  It’s the time we think about letting go of all the routines and the responsibilities and building lots of memories.  However, summer fun is best when there is a little organization and preparation.  With lots of fun scheduled for your family, you’ll want to get organized!

Family calendar

Family fun begins by knowing all the dates and commitments you  and your family have this summer.  Start by adding all the upcoming dates on a master month at a glance calendar.  Host a family meeting so everyone can add their dates, including holidays, camps, vacations, vacation bible school, birthdays, Father’s Day and more.  Be sure each family member has their one most important summer activity on the calendar.  Once you see the dates, now its time to set dates to prepare and pack.  It’s tempting to have back to back fun, but it can also create a lot of disorganization if your camp stuff is not gathered together or you feel frazzled when setting off on a trip.  Make a list and set a time to pack, gather together what is needed, and finalize plans.  It takes just a few minutes but is well worth your time.   With each summer activity you will  have less stress and  more fun!

 

Family routines

Summer is a time to set simple routines in place.  You and your kids can collaborate on technology limits, summer bedtimes and family chores.   It can be a time to start new partnerships for responsibilities such as cooking, clean up, laundry and grocery shopping.  Examples of easy routines include:

  • Lights out for everyone by 10:30 pm.
  • Each person does one load of laundry twice a week, including putting their laundry away.
  • Sunday night is family dinner night.
  • One hour of technology a day for everyone.
  • No one is left in the kitchen alone to clean up.

Be specific so everyone is on board with the routine.  Establish deadlines so everyone knows when chores should be complete.  Work together as a team on family responsibilities means chores get done quicker!

Family Organizing

Team work is a top priority for family organizing.  Think about what needs to be done as a group and schedule a day and time for you to work together.  Small projects broken down into baby steps is an easy way organize.  Some of these projects include

  • Pantry organizing (toss what is expired, group like the grocery store or by breakfast, snacks, dinner)
  • Kids clothes organizing (donate what is too small, place one category of clothes in one drawer, then label the drawer.)
  • Toy organizing (one shelf or basket per toy, then label the basket)

A parent and one child can work on these together for an hour and feel a sense of accomplishment.  If one hour is too long, set a timer for 20 minutes, three times, and you have accomplished your goal.  Set up a reward at the end of your work time to congratulate your team on their successes!

What’s on your list for family fun this summer?