Back to School with CTO

How to Organize Your Home for Back-to-School and Fall.

As summer fades and the crisp air of fall approaches, it's time to gear up for the back-to-school season. This transition not only marks the beginning of a new school year but also signals a time to refresh and reorganize your home to make the coming months smoother and more enjoyable. Focusing on key areas like the entryway, kid’s closets and rooms, the kitchen pantry, and more can make a world of difference. 

Closets: Creating Order Amidst the Chaos

Closets often become a catch-all for everything from shoes to jackets, and they can quickly spiral out of control. Here's how to keep them organized:

- Purge First: Start by clearing out items that no longer fit or are no longer needed. Donate, sell, or store these items to make room for the essentials.

- Seasonal Swap: With fall approaching, swap out summer clothes for winter wear. Use clear bins or vacuum-sealed bags to store off-season items.

- Categorize and Label: Organize clothes by category—school uniforms, play clothes, outerwear, etc. Use labeled bins or shelves for shoes, accessories, and other smaller items.

- Daily Outfit Station: For a smoother morning routine, create a designated space in the closet where kids can pick out their clothes for the week. This not only saves time but also reduces the morning chaos.

Entryway Drop Zone: The Command Center of Your Home

The entryway is the first point of contact when you come home, and it can easily become a cluttered mess. Here’s how to keep it functional and tidy:

- Designate a Spot for Everything: Install hooks for backpacks, jackets, and keys. Use a bench with storage underneath for shoes or a cubby system for each family member.

- In-Out Bins: Set up small bins or baskets for items that need to go back out—like library books, school forms, or sports gear. This ensures nothing gets forgotten on the way out the door.

- Daily Clean-Up Routine: Make it a habit to tidy up the entryway each evening. Encourage kids to put their shoes away and hang up their backpacks as soon as they get home.

Backpacks: Keeping School Supplies in Check

Backpacks are essential for school but can quickly become disorganized with papers, snacks, and supplies. Here’s how to manage them:

- Weekly Clean-Out: Dedicate time each week to clean out backpacks. Remove any unnecessary items, check for important papers, and restock supplies as needed.

- Supply Station: Create a supply station near your entry drop zone where kids can easily access extra pencils, notebooks, or folders. This reduces the last-minute scramble in the morning.

- Label Everything: Use labels or name tags on lunchboxes, water bottles, and other personal items to prevent mix-ups and ensure everything makes it back home.

Kitchen Pantry: Stocking Up for School Lunches and Snacks

With school back in session, the pantry becomes a hub for lunch prep and after-school snacks. Here’s how to keep it organized:

- Clear Out Expired Items: Start by clearing out expired or stale items to make space for fresh groceries.

- Zone Organization: Designate specific zones in the pantry for different items—snacks, lunch supplies, breakfast foods, etc. Use clear containers or baskets to group items similar together.

- Easy Access for Kids: Place kid-friendly snacks and lunch supplies on lower shelves where they can easily reach them. This encourages independence and helps them make healthy choices.

- Meal Planning Station: Create a small area in or near the pantry for meal planning. Keep a chalkboard or whiteboard for jotting down lunch ideas and grocery lists.

Toys: Streamlining Playtime

Toys can quickly overrun your home if not properly managed. Here’s how to keep them under control:

- Rotate Toys: Instead of having all toys out at once, consider rotating them every few weeks. This keeps playtime fresh and prevents clutter.

- Designated Play Zones: Create specific areas in your home for different types of play—reading nook, building station, art corner. This helps keep toys contained and makes clean-up easier.

- Toy Bins and Labels: Use bins and labels to organize toys by category—blocks, dolls, art supplies, etc. Encourage kids to put toys back in their designated spots after playtime.

- Donate Regularly: Encourage your children to regularly choose toys they no longer play with to donate. This teaches them about giving and keeps the toy collection manageable.

Getting your home organized for back-to-school and fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on a few key areas, you can create a space that’s functional, tidy, and ready for the busy months ahead. With a little planning and some simple organizational strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy the season and make the transition back to school a breeze.

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Still feeling overwhelmed? Contact us today to chat about how we can help you get your home ready for Back-to-School season!

The CTO Maintenance Program

For today’s busy household, maintaining an organized home can often seem impossible. The initial excitement of a newly organized space can quickly be overshadowed by the demands of daily life, leading to clutter creeping back in. That's where our maintenance program can be a game-changer. Allow me to show you why this program might be the perfect solution for keeping your home in tip-top shape.

The Foundation:

Before diving into the benefits of a maintenance program, it's important to understand the first step: the initial organization overhaul. If we haven’t already worked together, we’ll start with a consultation to understand your specific needs, lifestyle, and the challenges you face in maintaining order. This personalized approach ensures that the organizational systems put in place are tailored to your unique situation.

During our first visit, we’ll declutter, categorize, and find a home for every item. We’ll implement systems that are not only functional but also easy for you to maintain. This thorough, customized approach sets the stage for long-term success.

If you’ve worked with us before, you’re familiar with this process!

The Maintenance: 

Our maintenance program provides consistent support for ongoing order. Here’s how it works:

1. Seasonal Check-ins

These check-ins are designed to keep your space in order and address any issues that may have arisen since the last visit. We offer a flat day rate to address spaces we’ve already organized.

2. Re-evaluation and Adjustment

 Life is dynamic, and so are your needs. A maintenance program allows for ongoing re-evaluation and adjustment of organizational systems to ensure they continue to meet your evolving lifestyle. This might include seasonal changes, new hobbies, or life events like moving or having a baby.

3. Update/create systems

We’ll look at your systems and review what’s working/what’s not working. We’ll adjust as needed from there. We’ll always work with you to purge one carload of donations and purchase new products if needed.

The Benefits:

The advantages of our maintenance program extend far beyond a neat and tidy home:

- Reduced Stress

Clutter can be a significant source of stress. Regular maintenance helps keep your environment calm and serene, contributing to overall well-being.

- Increased Productivity

An organized space enhances productivity. You’ll spend less time searching for items and more time focusing on what matters.

- Enhanced Aesthetics

Maintaining an organized home means your space always looks its best, creating a welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests.

- Improved Habits

Regular check-ins and guidance from our team of professionals can help instill good organizational habits that become second nature over time.

- Accountability and Motivation

 Knowing that a professional will be checking in regularly provides a level of accountability that can be highly motivating. 

Is a Maintenance Program Right for You?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the prospect of maintaining an organized home or found that clutter quickly returns after an initial clean-out, a maintenance program might be the perfect solution. It offers ongoing support, personalized adjustments, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home will remain a sanctuary of order.

Ready to get your home back in order? Excited for a solution that will continue to keep you organized in the future? Contact us today to learn more about how our maintenance program can keep your space beautifully organized for the long haul.

Our Maintenance package includes: 

• 1-2 professional organizers for approximately 5 hours

• phone consultation

• space planning and product shopping (cost of products is additional)

• decluttering of each space

• custom labels

• donation removal and drop off (one carload)

*Space(s) will be discussed during consultation. If multiple or larger spaces, more days may be required at an additional cost. 

Contact Us!

Organizing for the New Year

We’ve heard a lot of chatter in our community from busy, working parents on how overwhelmed they are by their cluttered homes after the holidays. We’ve been busy at work getting our client’s organized and thought we’d share a few tips for the three areas that seem to cause the most stress: the pantry, the kid’s rooms, and the playroom!

Let’s explore some practical tips and creative solutions to help you organize these spaces, and create a stress-free environment for your family.

The Pantry

An organized pantry is the key to efficient meal planning and stress-free cooking. Try these tips to keep your pantry in top shape:

• Clear Containers

Transfer dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereals into clear containers. This not only keeps them fresh longer but also makes it easy to see when supplies are running low.

• Categorize and Label

Arrange items by category and label shelves accordingly. This makes it simple to locate ingredients and helps family members maintain the organization when putting items away.

• Check Expiry Dates

Regularly check and declutter your pantry by removing expired items. This ensures that you're only keeping fresh and usable ingredients on hand.

The Kid's Rooms

A well-organized bedroom fosters a sense of calm for both children and parents. Here are some ideas to make the most out of their space:

• Functional Furniture

Choose multi-functional furniture, such as beds with built-in storage or desks that double as play tables. This maximizes space and reduces clutter.

• Personalized Storage

Incorporate personalized storage solutions, like labeled bins or baskets, to help children keep their belongings organized. Teach them the importance of putting items back in their designated spots.

• Create a Homework Station

If your child is of school age, designate a quiet corner for a homework station. Stock it with necessary supplies like pens, pencils, and notebooks to encourage a focused study environment.

The Playroom

The playroom is the heart of childhood creativity and imagination. However, it can quickly become chaotic without proper organization. Check out these suggestions to transform your kid’s play space:

• Zone Your Space

Divide the playroom into different zones, such as a reading nook, art corner, and toy area. This makes it easier for kids to navigate and encourages them to engage in various activities.

• Open Shelving

Invest in open shelving units to store toys and games. Clearly labeled bins or baskets help keep similar items together, making it easy for kids to find and put away their toys independently.

• Rotate Toys

To prevent boredom and keep the playroom feeling fresh, consider rotating toys. Store some toys away and switch them out periodically to maintain excitement and interest.

It may seem daunting but don’t feel overwhelmed! Take it slowly and one step at a time. We find that it’s so much more efficient to tackle without the distraction of your family members - so if that means giving the kiddos a little extra screen time for a few days, give it a try! We hope this is helpful!