As summer wraps up and back-to-school planning begins, Paige Carey of Paige Carey Organizing offers helpful tips to keep busy households running smoothly.
For a successful week of school lunch-making and for encouraging kids to prepare their lunches, preparation is key. Place an online grocery order Saturday for pickup Sunday. This timesaver sets the tone for an organized week of meal prep. Pre-cut vegetables and fruits kept in produce bins will last longer and be readily available for kids to pack in their lunches. Pasta salad and chicken salad are easy go-tos for kids to add to their lunches. By using bento boxes, kids can choose their portions, simplifying both lunch-packing and cleanup while encouraging balanced eating. Make the lunch-prep station height-friendly, using a lower counter, step-stool, and lower shelves in the pantry and fridge. Clear, labeled food storage containers allow kids to know what’s in them; be sure to keep them consistently stocked. “The key is making the healthy choice the easy choice, so kids feel proud of their independence, rather than overwhelmed by decisions.”
Regarding homework spaces, consider how your children learn best. Do they prefer lying on the floor, swinging in an egg chair, or sitting at a desk? What do they like to be surrounded by? Inspiring posters, pictures of them with friends? What tools do they need to be efficient? Colored pencils or markers? To prevent overwhelm, incorporate storage solutions so they can easily store supplies and keep their homework area organized and uncluttered. Choose lighting solutions that create a calm focus. Is the space loud and distracting, or is it a quiet place where they can concentrate?
One helpful habit is to create a file for each child to store school papers from their backpacks. Then, check the folder at the end of each week.
Sort sports equipment and winter gear by the child’s name rather than by category. This causes less stress. Giving everything a labeled home makes clean up less of a hassle as kids can pick up after themselves, having a designated zone for their belongings.
For the furry members of the family, make things easier by designating a feeding station that contains everything in one spot. A waterproof mat under bowls catches spills, and using airtight containers for food helps it last longer. Providing separate feeding areas for multiple pets will prevent mealtime squabbles. Small baskets work well for keeping treats or supplements.
Consistent sleeping spots give pets a familiar place to rest. Use washable bedding, and keep blankets or bed covers in large baskets or a storage ottoman for convenience.
Rotate toys so pets stay interested. Having a basket for toy-keeping helps maintain tidiness, especially when entertaining company. A puzzle toy or peanut butter on a lick mat can keep pets distracted so they aren’t greeting guests at the door.
A pet-care binder is handy for health and grooming management. For those who prefer a digital system, create a folder where electronic veterinary and vaccination records can be kept. Set reminders on your phone for appointments, flea prevention, or teeth brushing. Color code the reminders for each animal.
Finally, spend 15-20 minutes every Sunday resetting for the week, going through school papers kids have in their files and sorting through sports equipment to see what needs to be washed.
Make back-to-school time back-to-organization time by implementing these helpful tips.
Find Paige Carey Organizing at paigecareyorganizing.com, on Facebook/Instagram at @paigecareyorganizing, or email her at paige.carey@gmail.com.