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!

Deck the Halls with Less Stress: A Busy Parent's Guide to Pre-Christmas Decluttering

The most wonderful time of year is here! But for busy, full-time working parents, the thought of adding one more task to the to-do list can be overwhelming. However, before you jump into the hustle and bustle of Christmas, consider taking a moment to declutter your home. An organized space not only creates a more inviting and serene atmosphere but also sets the stage for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. Let's explore some practical tips and tricks tailored specifically for moms and dads who are looking to simplify and streamline their homes before the festivities begin!

• Start Small and Set Realistic Goals: Begin your decluttering journey by setting achievable goals. Trying to tackle the entire house at once can be daunting, so break it down into smaller tasks. Focus on one room or even one area within a room at a time. This approach makes the process more manageable, allowing you to fit it into your busy schedule.

• Involve the Whole Family: Get your family on board with the decluttering mission. Assign specific tasks to each family member, making it a team effort. This not only lightens the load for you but also instills a sense of responsibility in your children. Turn on some holiday tunes, make it a festive activity, and share the joy of decluttering as a family.

• Donate and Declutter for a Cause: Use this opportunity to teach your children the importance of giving back during the holiday season. Encourage them to part with toys and clothes they no longer use by explaining that these items can bring joy to other children in need. Select a local charity or organization to donate to, making the decluttering process more purposeful and meaningful.

• Embrace a Minimalist Approach to Decor: Simplify holiday decorations by adopting a minimalist mindset. Choose a few meaningful and timeless decor pieces that bring joy without overwhelming your space. Consider rotating decorations each year to keep things fresh while avoiding clutter.

• Create a Gift-Wrapping Station: As a busy mom, you're likely juggling multiple tasks, including gift wrapping. Streamline this process by creating a designated gift-wrapping station. Organize wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags in one accessible location to save time and prevent a last-minute search for supplies.

• Digital Decluttering: In today's digital age, decluttering goes beyond physical spaces. Take some time to organize your digital life by deleting unnecessary emails, organizing files, and decluttering your phone. A clutter-free digital space can help you stay focused and reduce stress during the holiday season.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Remember to prioritize self-care during the busy holiday season. Decluttering isn't just about physical spaces; it's also about creating mental and emotional space. Take breaks, practice mindfulness, and celebrate small victories along the way. A calm and centered mom sets the tone for a harmonious holiday season for the entire family.

In the midst of the holiday season, decluttering may seem like just another task on the never-ending to-do list. However, by taking small, intentional steps, you can create a more organized and joyful environment for you and your family to enjoy this festive season. Embrace the spirit of simplicity, involve your loved ones, and make room for the true magic of Christmas – quality time spent with those who matter most.

Professional Unpacking Services: A Busy Summer for Clarity Through Organization

Summer has come and gone, leaving us at CTO feeling accomplished and fulfilled as we reflect on the numerous projects we undertook during the past month. As a professional organizing company, we take pride in assisting individuals and families in simplifying their lives, and this August, we were busier than ever, focusing on the often-overlooked art of unpacking and helping people move homes. The demand for our unpacking services has grown, and our team was eager and ready to rise to the occasion.

The Unpacking Experience

Unpacking boxes may sound like a straightforward task, but it can be a daunting and time-consuming endeavor, especially for those who are already overwhelmed by the moving process. This is where CTO steps in to make a difference. Our experienced team of professional organizers knows that the key to a successful move is not just getting belongings from point A to point B but ensuring that the transition is seamless and stress-free.

Our unpacking services encompass:

1. Efficiency: We pride ourselves on our ability to work swiftly and efficiently. Our team knows how to declutter, organize, and arrange items in a way that optimizes the available space.

2. Customization: Every client is unique, and so are their needs. We tailor our services to the specific requirements of each client, ensuring that their vision for their new home becomes a reality.

3. Organization: Our organizers have a keen eye for detail. We categorize items, arrange them neatly, and provide clients with systems to maintain their newfound organization.

4. Stress Reduction: Moving can be a stressful experience. Our goal is to alleviate that stress by handling the unpacking process from start to finish, allowing clients to settle into their new homes with ease.

Notable Summer Projects

During the month of August, we had the privilege of assisting numerous families in their moves. Here are a couple of noteworthy projects that stand out:

1. Pleasantville, NY - A beautiful new home was awaiting a sweet family of 4 in early August. We jumped right in and helped create systems in each space and unpack as quickly and efficiently as we could. Jackie worked with the client ahead of time to pick out any product needed, that not only would be functional for them based on their routines but also gave the house a beautiful aesthetic.

2. New York, NY - Michele and Jackie are no strangers to Manhattan jobs. CTO has done a plethora of projects in the past and we always enjoy the city views and fun vibe! We unpacked each box and decluttered with our client onsite. Michele worked on each closet and Jackie tackled the kitchen to make sure each drawer and cabinet made sense based on the flow of the kitchen and the client’s routines.

3. Bronxville, NY - Our team decluttered with our client prior to moving. We went through each room and purged any items that were no longer wanted or needed. This really helped to streamline the unpacking process! We were onsite the day

the movers arrived and our team directed them to the rooms that each box and piece of furniture belonged in. It took a team of three organizers, five full working days to ensure each space was organized and ready for the family to move in just before school started!

As the calendar flipped from August to September, we at Clarity Through Organization couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Helping people declutter and unpack their belongings is not just a job for us; it's a passion. We're committed to making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for our clients.

If you're planning a move or need assistance with unpacking and organizing your new space, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to make your transition a smooth and enjoyable experience!