Today’s
back-to-school tips and tricks is a fun one – it’s all about organizing. Here
are a few simple tips to get you started right now.
“I think just in general people do well, do better in an organized space,” says
professional organizer Leigh Genkinger.
Genkinger is also a mother to three busy kids.
“The first is to create a family calendar,” says Genkinger.
Activities,
carpools, appointments -- it's all in there. Next up, have a catch all bin.
“That
way each person has one right next to the kitchen counter and obviously right
next to the garbage,” says Genkinger. “I think a lot of people struggle with
what to keep and what to toss but if it's not super emotional or tug at your
heartstrings, we recommend tossing it and just keep the super important
stuff.”
Also,
if you don't have a mud room, no problem -- just make one.
“So it's super easy,” says Genkinger. “We added shiplap to this wall and added
five hooks for everyone in our family. All the backpacks get hung here. So,
they come home, empty out their stuff and
backpacks and jackets come here.”
Let's
talk clothes and color-coding.
“It's
so easy for them to put stuff away when they know red goes with red and blue
goes with blue,” says Genkinger.
Before you go back-to-school shopping, take
inventory. See what fits and what doesn't. Add baskets and make labels. One
last thing.
“So,
I think it's important for each kid in the family to have a separate place to
do their homework,” says Genkinger.