It happens every year. School lets out, the kids come home, and summer is upon us. Keeping your sanity during summer break requires a mix of planning, organizing, setting realistic expectations and prioritizing self-care.

The key is to establish a routine that balances structured activities and downtime, giving children the stimulation they need while ensuring you have moments to recharge.

First, set a flexible but consistent weekly schedule. This helps manage kids' expectations and reduces chaos. Plan a mix of outings, educational activities, and creative projects to keep them engaged. Keep activities simple and manageable. It’s okay not to fill every moment of the day. Allowing kids to have unstructured playtime fosters creativity and independence, giving you a breather.

Prioritize self-care. Allocate time for your hobbies, exercise, or simple relaxation. Even short breaks can make a significant difference. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—swap babysitting duties with other parents or involve the grandparents for a day or two.

Remember to embrace imperfections. Things rarely go according to plan. Summer is about making memories, not about achieving perfection. By staying flexible and prioritizing everyone's well-being, you can both enjoy a more relaxed and fulfilling summer break.

Cleaning out your child's backpack and organizing paperwork at the end of the school year is essential. You don't want all that stuff kicking around until the start of the new school year. By then you might have inadvertently started a science experiment.

Start out by completely emptying your child's backpack and any extra bags that they have brought home. Lay everything out on a flat surface. This gives you a clear view of what needs sorting.

Divide the contents into categories: papers, supplies, personal items, and trash. Recycle old worksheets, tests, and projects that are no longer needed.

Keep important documents such as report cards, art work or awards in a designated pile. Store the important papers in a "School Memories" bin. All you need is a tote that holds hanging files and some hanging folder tabs. You use one file per school year and you can add a file for preschool as well. This keeps everything organized and accessible. Ensure it’s easily accessible for reference but out of the way of everyday activities.

Assess the condition of school supplies and discard any broken or worn-out items. Save things that are in good condition for next year.

If the backpack is in good condition and your child is open to using it next year, now is a great time to give it a good clean. Shake out crumbs and dirt, then wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. If it's machine washable, follow the care instructions for a thorough clean.

Once everything is put away in a designated area, you'll be ready to move on to the next step.

Establishing rules for summer break is crucial for maintaining structure and harmony in the household. Believe it or not, kids actually thrive on rules. Rules create a predictable routine, helping children understand expectations. This consistency reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of security.

With more free time, children might be tempted to overindulge in screens. Setting limits on screen time ensures they engage in a wide variety of activities, promoting physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.

Don't hesitate to incorporate daily reading time to keep academic skills sharp and foster a love for books.

The rules can also include no TV time until chores are completed. More about that later!

Set clear rules about curfews and outdoor activities in order to protect children and set boundaries that ensure their safety.

While summer is a time for relaxation and fun, by establishing (and enforcing) some simple rules, parents can create an environment that balances freedom and fun with structure and responsibility. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the summer break.

Creating a summer break command center can transform your home into an organized hub of activity, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable break for the entire family.

Here’s how to set one up:

Find a central spot in your home, such as the kitchen or a hallway, where everyone frequently passes by. This ensures that information is easily accessible.

Equip your command center with a large wall calendar, a bulletin board, and storage bins or shelves. The calendar is crucial for tracking family events, activities, and appointments. Use the bulletin board for notes, reminders, and important contacts. This keeps all crucial information in one place.

Use colour coded markers or stickers on the calendar to designate activities for each family member. This visual separation helps everyone see their responsibilities and plans at a glance.

Have a designated area for essential supplies like pens, markers, sticky notes, and a basket for incoming mail.

Include a section for fun activities and outings. Keep a list of summer camps, play dates, and family trips, so everyone knows what exciting plans are coming up.

By setting up a summer break command center, you create a central organization point that helps manage schedules, responsibilities, and activities efficiently, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable summer for the whole family.

Creating a summer activity wish list with your kids is a fun and engaging way to ensure everyone has a memorable and exciting break.

Here’s how to get started:

Gather the family for a brainstorming session. Explain that everyone’s ideas are valuable and encourage each member to share their dream activities for the summer.

Organize suggestions into categories such as outdoor adventures, creative projects, educational trips, and relaxation days. This helps in planning a balanced variety of activities.

Discuss any budget constraints and prioritize activities accordingly. Teach kids about planning within limits while still having fun. There are plenty of free activities in every community.

Use a large poster board or a dedicated wall space to display the wish list. It can become part of your command center if you like. Write each activity on coloured paper or sticky notes. This visual display keeps the excitement alive and serves as a reminder of upcoming adventures.

Don't forget to include educational activities like museum visits, library days, or science experiments. Balance these with fun outings to parks, beaches, or amusement parks.

Use the wish list to fill in your summer calendar. Decide on dates for major activities and leave space for spontaneous adventures.

Regularly revisit the wish list, checking off completed activities and adding new ones. This keeps everyone engaged and ensures no one’s wishes are overlooked.

Creating a summer activity wish list not only sparks excitement but also teaches children about planning and prioritizing. It ensures a diverse and enjoyable summer break, filled with both planned and spontaneous adventures.

Setting up a kids snack area is a great way to encourage healthy eating during the summer break. Promote independence by ensuring everything is within reach.

Here’s how to create an efficient and inviting snack station:

Find a spot in the kitchen or dining area that’s easily accessible for kids. A lower shelf in the pantry or fridge works well.

Use clear bins or baskets to store snacks. Label each container with the type of snack it holds—dried fruit, nuts, snack crackers, granola bars, etc.

Stock the fridge area with nutritious choices. Include fresh fruits, cut-up veggies, yogurt, cheese sticks and healthy dips like hummus.

Pre-portion snacks into small bags or containers. This helps kids grab a quick snack without overeating.

Include a spot for water bottles or a pitcher with colour coded cups. Encourage kids to drink water throughout the day.

By setting up a dedicated snack area, you create a convenient, organized space that encourages healthy eating habits and self-sufficiency during the summer break.

Setting up a road trip bag for summer break requires thoughtful planning to ensure your kids are amused during the journey. There's only so many times you can hear "are we there yet?".

 Here’s how to organize the perfect road trip bag:

Select a spacious, sturdy bag with multiple compartments for easy organization. A backpack or a large tote works well.

Include travel-sized toiletries such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, sunscreen, and a small first aid kit. Don’t forget any necessary medications.

You'll want to pack a variety of healthy snacks separately, in a cooler with an ice pack. Include items like fruit, Jell-o, granola bars, crackers, and cheese sticks. Don't forget to add an assortment of juice boxes and water bottles to keep everyone well hydrated.

Bring a mix of activities to keep kids entertained. Include coloring books, crayons, small toys, puzzles, and travel games. Load up a tablet with movies, audio books, and educational apps for screen time if all else fails.

Pack blankets, small pillows, and stuffed animals to keep kids comfortable and cozy during the ride.

Don't forget to pack a change of clothes for each child in case of spills or accidents. Include hats and sunglasses for sunny stops.

By thoughtfully organizing your road trip bag, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the journey, keeping kids happy and engaged throughout the trip.

There will be days during summer break where it will be too hot for the kids to be outside. When they come indoors to beat the heat, you need to be ready to keep them entertained! Setting up a craft cart is a fantastic way to foster creativity and keep them busy indoors.
 
Here’s how to create an organized and inspiring craft cart:
 
Select a multi-tiered, rolling cart with several shelves. Ikea has a nice option called "Raskog". You can find similar carts at various locations or online. The cart allows for easy mobility and visibility of items.
 
Use clear containers and bins to sort supplies by type. Label each container to make it easy for kids to find what they need. Include sections for markers, crayons, coloured pencils, paint, brushes, scissors, glue, and tape.
 
Stock a variety of paper types—construction paper, card stock, sketch pads, and coloring books. You can even include small canvases for painting projects.

Add pre-packaged craft kits for easy, mess-free projects. Stock up on essential materials like beads, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, felt, and foam sheets.
 
Include child-safe scissors, hole punches, rulers, stencils, and stamps. Ensure these tools are stored safely and are easily accessible.
 
Add a few craft idea books or printouts with step-by-step instructions for various projects. This can spark creativity and provide guidance.
 
Let the kids personalize the cart with stickers or decorations. This makes it feel like their special creative space.
By setting up a well-organized craft cart, you provide a dedicated space for artistic expression, keeping kids engaged and inspired throughout the summer.

Organizing outdoor activity bins for summer break is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged, active, and entertained throughout the sunny season.

Here's a few ideas to help you create bins to keep your kids busy all summer:

Start by selecting durable, weather-resistant bins that can be easily moved and stored when they are out of season. Label each bin according to the type of activity it contains, such as "Sports," "Water Play," "Crafts," and "Nature Exploration."

For the "Sports" bin, include items like balls, flying disks, jump ropes, and cones for setting up obstacle courses. This encourages physical activity and can be used for solo or group play.

The "Water Play" bin might contain water balloons, bubble wands, squirt guns, sponges, and small buckets for fun and refreshing games on hot days. It could also include a sub-category containing beach toys.

The "Crafts" bin should have outdoor-friendly materials like chalk, washable paints, brushes, and nature-themed craft kits such as bird house kits. These items stimulate creativity and can be used to create art inspired by the surrounding environment.

Lastly, the "Nature Exploration" bin could include magnifying glasses, binoculars, bug catchers, field guides, and notebooks for jotting down observations. This fosters a sense of curiosity and learning about the natural world.

Ensure all bins are easily accessible to children and encourage them to mix and match activities from different bins. Regularly check and replenish supplies to keep the bins exciting and ready for spontaneous outdoor adventures.

Summer break can't be all fun & games. Well, it could, but that just means that you would have to shoulder a bigger load. Why not set up a chore chart for summer break and help maintain household order while teaching kids about responsibility?

Here’s how to create an effective chore chart:

Select a style that suits your family, such as a magnetic board, a whiteboard, or a printable template. I've made personalized charts on Canva and then had them laminated. This way my clients children can cross things off with a marker and then clean everything off to start a new week.

Identify age-appropriate chores for each child, such as making the bed, feeding pets, watering plants, tidying their room, or helping with dishes.

Designate days or times for each chore. Use a grid format to mark when tasks should be completed, and allow kids to check off chores once done.

Motivate kids with a reward system. Offer small incentives like extra screen time, a special treat, or a family outing for consistently completing chores.

Regularly review the chart with your kids. Adjust chores as needed to keep it balanced and ensure everyone’s participation.

By setting up a clear and structured chore chart, you instill a sense of responsibility and teamwork. It keeps the household running smoother and teaches kids valuable life skills.

Last but not least. Do not put yourself last!
 
Prioritizing self-care over the summer break is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Summer can be a busy time with kids at home, but taking time for yourself ensures you remain energized and balanced.

Engaging in self-care improves overall well-being, allowing you to be more present and attentive to your children's needs.

When you model healthy habits, you also teach your children the importance of self-care. Ultimately, prioritizing your well-being creates a happier, healthier environment for everyone.

If you would like to learn more about how to set your family up for success and how to keep  your sanity over the summer break, just give us a call to find out how we can help! Our goal as a professional organizing service is to give you the tools to streamline your daily routine. We believe that where there is less stress, there can be more fun! Get in touch today!

Despite garages being one of the most used spaces in homes, they are also commonly the most cluttered.

A survey conducted by Stanley Black & Decker found that 62% of homeowners named the garage as their home’s most disorganized area.

Even though it's April, many garages still have the remnants of Christmas strewn about as there is no logical system put in place to keep holiday ornaments organized. Also, the kids have likely been digging out their bikes and outdoor toys now that the weather has warmed up which only compounds the chaos.

People also feel embarrassed that they're so disorganized that they shy away from leaving their garage doors open for any amount of time.

Many homeowners would love to enjoy the benefits of parking in their garage. One benefit to parking inside is that your vehicle is more secure from theft or vandalism. Your personal safety is another great reason to move inside. The vehicle's exterior is also protected from UV exposure, bird droppings, and tree sap. My favourite is that you can avoid looking like a drowned rat when it's raining cats and dogs and you're unloading your groceries!

Start your garage organizing project with a plan! Ask yourself how you would like the space to function. Would you like to park your car inside? Do you want the space to function as a workshop as well? Are you an avid outdoors person with a bunch of camping or fishing gear? Should you have an area for your children's outdoor toys that's easily accessible? Do you need an area to store back stock from those Costco runs?
 
It's a great idea to get some graph paper and sketch out the space. Measure the space and transfer the measurements to your graph paper. Take note as to where the plugs and switches are. Also, note the location of the electrical panel as you'll want to keep that area unobstructed. Be sure to plot the location of any windows or heaters as well.

Now it's time to create "zones". Zones are macro categories meant to keep like items together.
 
Here are seven zones to help you organize your garage:

Don't forget that part of the plan includes purchasing cardboard boxes for donations and sorting items, heavy duty garbage bags for trash and cleaning supplies to freshen up your garage.

As with any organizing project, it's crucial to go through your belongings.
I recommend that you create an area in your garage (if you can find any room) or perhaps haul stuff out onto the driveway if it's a warm spring day and start sorting through things and group items into the following categories:

If you have some items that you can monetize, then by all means go ahead and turn them into cash! They can help offset the purchase of some new bins or much needed shelving. Some great options for selling your unwanted items include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay or even your local Facebook Garage Sale group.

Finally, the time has come for you to let go of things that no longer have value to you or anyone else. This is the stuff we can label trash! We can place it in the trash bin, take it to the dump or hire a junk removal company to dispose of it. However you decide to get rid of it the important thing is that the junk must leave the premises!

An essential step in garage organization is to sort items into well-defined categories. By systematically categorizing items in your garage, you not only make the space more orderly but efficient as well, as you will save time when looking for specific items. This methodical approach ensures everything has a designated place, making maintenance straightforward.

Here's how to effectively categorize items in your garage:

Once you have removed the trash, identified the items that you would like to sell or donate, you will be left with the items that you would like to keep.
Using your "zones" from Step 1, you can then create sub-categories and start containerizing things. For tools, this might mean separating hand tools, power tools, and hardware. For sports equipment, differentiate between items used in different sports or activities—like cycling gear separate from fishing gear. 
You get the idea.

Once you see what items you actually want to keep you'll have a better idea of which storage solution will work best. This is the reason why I recommend waiting until you've had a chance to declutter and group things into categories before purchasing a bunch of storage items. If you're great at returning purchases that you end up not needing then go ahead and buy some bins to get you started. Just don't go crazy! You don't want to add clutter to your space.

Investing in the right storage solutions is crucial for maintaining a functional and organized garage. Quality storage systems such as shelving units, cabinets, and overhead bins help to maximize space, reduce clutter, and improve accessibility. By choosing durable, tailored options that fit the specific dimensions and demands of your garage, you can ensure that every item has a designated spot, making it easier to locate tools, sporting equipment, and other essentials.

Garage shelving and storage totes are essential for maximizing storage and maintaining order in a space often susceptible to clutter. Shelving units enable vertical storage solutions, making use of the garage's height to keep the floor space clear for vehicles and activities. Bins work hand-in-hand with shelves, providing a way to group similar items together, protect them from dust and pests, and can be labelled for quick identification. Decide whether you prefer see thru bins or if you prefer to hide your stuff. Opt for sturdy, adjustable shelving that can handle heavy items and choose bins that stack securely and are made of durable materials to withstand the garage environment. Together, these tools dramatically improve the functionality and organization of any garage.

Don't forget that proper storage solutions also safeguard your belongings from damage and wear, which can be caused by poor organization or exposure to garage environmental conditions like dampness and temperature fluctuations. Ultimately, selecting the right storage options enhances the efficiency of your space, making daily routines smoother and transforming your garage into a versatile area that extends beyond mere vehicle storage.

Stacking open bins are a fantastic organizational tool for garages, bringing both visibility and order to common clutter zones. These bins are perfect for categorizing and storing a variety of items like gardening supplies, kids outdoor toys and automotive accessories. The open-top design allows for easy access, letting you quickly grab what you need without rummaging through closed containers. By stacking these bins, you maximize vertical space and can create a flexible, scalable storage solution that adjusts to your changing needs.

Color-coding or labelling the bins can further enhance organization, making it simple to maintain a tidy garage where every item is effortlessly found.

The Rubbermaid Fast Track is one of the most versatile track systems on the market today. It's an innovative solution for transforming your garage into a neatly organized and efficient space.

This modular rail-based system allows you to easily hang and reposition hooks, shelves, and bins, catering specifically to the needs of your garage's layout and storage requirements. The strength and versatility of the Fast Track system makes it ideal for holding everything from large power tools and ladders to sports equipment and garden tools. You can even get bike hooks that fit the rail, as well as a ball holder which is super handy if you have kids!

Its simple installation process means you can set up a robust storage system quickly, and its adjustable nature lets you reorganize as often as necessary without hassle. By utilizing the Fast Track system, you not only optimize your garage space but also ensure that every item is securely stored and readily accessible, making it a practical choice for anyone looking to up their garage organization game.

The Bag Buddy is a must have for every recycling zone.
If you recycle a lot of cans then you might want to get yourself a Bag Buddy bag holder. This is an ingenious tool that simplifies the process of recycling your beverage containers. This sturdy frame holds the bag upright and open, making it easy to toss recyclable cans in without the bag slipping or collapsing. Once the bag is full just close it up and take it to your local  Recycle Depot. This is a great way to keep empty cans from rolling around in the garage and once the bag is full it's easy to take it away. The Bag Buddy is lightweight and portable. Who knows you might even use it to hold the bag open when you're raking leaves this fall!

The Steady Rack bike rack is a standout choice for efficiently organizing bicycles in a garage, offering a sleek, space-saving solution that accommodates bikes of various sizes and styles. Unlike traditional racks that require lifting, the Steady Rack allows you to simply roll the bike onto its rear wheel and guide it into the rack at a slight angle, which is especially beneficial for those wanting to minimize strain or manage heavy bikes. This unique pivoting feature means that bikes can be swiveled closer to the wall, maximizing the use of available space.

The Steady Rack is not only practical but also protects your bikes from scratches and dings often caused by overcrowding. By installing multiple racks, you can create a clean, accessible, and scalable storage system that keeps your garage organized and your bikes in pristine condition.

A ceiling storage rack is an excellent way to leverage the often underutilized ceiling space if you have high ceilings in your garage.
Overhead racks are ideal for storing seasonal items, holiday decorations, patio cushions, camping gear, and other infrequently used belongings. These racks are typically made from heavy-duty materials capable of supporting significant weight, ensuring a safe and secure storage solution. By elevating items overhead, you not only make efficient use of your garage's vertical space but also keep lesser-used items out of the way, yet easily accessible when needed.

This method of storage not only organizes and frees up space but also protects your items from potential water damage or pest damage from being on the garage floor.

A pegboard is an excellent strategy for organizing small tools and keeping them easily accessible. By mounting a pegboard, you create a highly customizable storage space where each tool can have a designated spot. Various hooks can be attached to the pegboard to hold everything from screwdrivers to pliers and hammers to tape measures. Small hardware bins can also be added to organize an assortment of screws, nails and other fasteners.

This setup not only prevents the clutter of hand tools in drawers or toolboxes but also visually displays your tools in a neat arrangement, making it simple to spot and retrieve exactly what you need. The clear organization reduces the time spent searching for tools, streamlining any project and maintaining a clean and orderly garage environment.

Once everything is categorized and contained, it's time to label!

The final step of adding labels in a garage is essential to maintaining an organized and efficient workspace. Labels act as visual cues that guide the organizational system, ensuring that every family member or user knows exactly where an item belongs and where to return an item. This helps promote adherence to the organizational system that you've worked so hard at creating. No sense in going through all the effort and then having the system fall apart because you didn't do the final step.
 
A well-labelled garage enhances the usability of the space, making it more inviting and functional for all types of activities.

I hope these steps have helped to break down the garage organization process into more manageable steps and inspired you to get started. It takes time, effort, and a solid plan, but once you put a great system in place, it will work for you for years and years to come!

The weather is warming up, the trees are turning green and pollen is in the air. Spring is here at last! For many, spring is a natural time of year to deep clean your home. And I’m all for it.

However, before you jump into your spring cleaning, don't forget about spring decluttering. Spring cleaning goes hand in hand with spring decluttering. It's actually easier to spring clean if you declutter first. The benefits of decluttering and organizing will result in a home that is easier for you to clean every week for months to come.

Before you dive into cleaning and decluttering, take some time to create a plan. Planning is essential! I have come up with a list of 5 key areas to help you get started.

The kitchen still holds the title "heart of the home". It’s where meals are prepped and enjoyed, where homework assignments are completed, where mail lands when we walk in the door, where we gather over a cup of coffee and conversation…the list goes on. We spend so much time in this room so it’s a great place to kick off our spring cleaning and organizing journey.

Organizing and decluttering your kitchen and pantry for spring can rejuvenate your space and streamline your cooking routine. As the seasons change, taking the time to refresh your kitchen not only makes it more functional but also can inspire healthier eating habits and make meal prep more enjoyable. Here are some simple steps to help you to get started.

Begin by removing everything from your cabinets, drawers, and pantry. This might seem daunting, but it's essential for taking stock of what you have and deciding what to keep.

With everything out in the open, sort items into categories:

As you categorize, be ruthless in decluttering. Dispose of expired foods, duplicate items, or things you haven't used in the past year. Consider donating unexpired, non-perishable items that you have no intention of using. If you have a bunch of mismatched food storage containers, now is a great time to upgrade to a set of stackable ones. This will help to keep your containers organized. Consider replacing your chipped dishes as well.   
Keep only those things that serve a purpose or bring you joy when you use them.

Now is a great time to optimize your storage solutions. Use drawer dividers, turntables, shelf risers, and spice racks to keep items organized. If you have space in a drawer, add a knife dock and get those knives off the counter. Invest in clear, airtight containers for dry goods. Not only do they keep food fresher for longer, but they also allow for easy identification and can be stacked to maximize space.

Once you've emptied out the space, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and any grimy surfaces.

Now it's time to put everything back together! As you're putting things back don't forget to create zones based on tasks. For instance, keep all your baking items together in one cabinet, cooking spices near the stove, and coffee and tea-making essentials in a specific spot. This approach streamlines your cooking process, saving time and reducing frustration.

The last step to complete the transformation is to label everything.
Labelling shelves, bins, and containers helps everyone in the household know where things belong, making it easier to maintain order. You can use simple handwritten labels, printed labels, or even chalkboard labels for easy updates.

Organization is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Make it a habit to reassess your kitchen's organization periodically. A good rule of thumb is to do a minor declutter every season and a more thorough one annually. Keeping on top of clutter will prevent it from becoming overwhelming and keep your kitchen a pleasant, functional space.

At some point, we can’t continue to close the door to hide the clutter.
Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there. Perhaps you're beyond that point and you can't even close the door!

Spring is a great time to roll up your sleeves and take a hard look at everything that's hiding inside your closets.

The first step is to empty the closet entirely, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of the space and its contents. This process also presents the opportunity to deep clean the closet, from dusting shelves and vacuuming the floor to wiping the walls if necessary.

As you sort through your belongings, categorize them into keep, donate, sell, and discard piles. Be honest about what you use and love versus what has been untouched for over a year. This is also the perfect moment to try on clothing and assess what fits, what flatters, and what feels good to wear. For items that no longer serve you, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them online or at your local consignment shop. Special attention should be given to seasonal items right now. If you're short on space, store out-of-season clothing and accessories elsewhere.

Implementing storage solutions such as slim hangers, bins, drawer organizers, and shelf dividers can dramatically improve the functionality of your closet. Shoes can be arranged on racks or in clear shoe boxes to protect them from dust and make it easy to find the pair you're looking for. For smaller accessories like belts, scarves, and jewellery, use specialized organizers that prevent tangling and ensure each item has its place. These organizing tools not only maximize space but they also keep items visible and accessible, reducing the time spent searching for things.

Commit to maintaining the organization by regularly revisiting and adjusting the system as your wardrobe changes. Establishing a habit of putting things back in their designated spots after each use will keep your closet in order long term. Embrace the principle of 'one in, one out' to avoid accumulation—when a new item is added to your closet, choose something to let go of. This practice not only keeps your closet organized but also encourages mindful consumption, ensuring your space remains a haven of order and tranquility.

Spring is a perfect time to declutter and organize your home office. This process not only refreshes your workspace but can also enhance your productivity and creativity. If you're drowning in a sea of papers because you haven't taken the time to set up systems then this is a great time of year to tackle things! If you're hunting for your tax slips and eligible receipts right now, imagine what it would be like if everything had been placed in a file labelled tax receipts, as you received them. Wouldn't that be a fantastic?

The first step in tackling the clutter in your home office is to remove everything from your desk and shelves, and sort through all the paperwork, office supplies, and miscellaneous items that have accumulated. This will allow you to take inventory of what you have, what you need, and what you can discard or donate.

When organizing your desk, adhere to the principle of keeping only things that you need to access routinely. For office supplies, evaluate what you use regularly and find appropriate storage solutions. Drawer organizers, small storage bins, and desktop holders can keep essential items within reach without overwhelming your workspace. I love sticky notes and Ink Joy pens so I have a drawer where my supplies are beautifully organized.

Cable management is also key in a home office. If you have a mess of cables located under your desk, consider picking up a cable management box.
There are lots of these boxes available, from rustic wooden designs to more modern, minimalist versions. You don’t necessarily want these boxes to stand out, so go for the design you think will blend in best to its surroundings.
You can also use velcro ties to keep cords organized and out of sight, creating a cleaner, more streamlined look. Don't forget to add labels!

Maintaining a clean and organized home office is not a one-time task. Allocate a few minutes at the end of each day for a quick tidy-up. This habit can prevent clutter from accumulating and ensure your workspace remains a conducive environment for productivity. Embrace the change of seasons as an opportunity to reassess and adjust your organizational system, ensuring that it continues to meet your current needs and reflects your personal style. An organized home office not only allows you to focus, in turn making you more efficient but it also makes your workday more pleasant and less stressful.

Doing laundry can seem like an endless task. Ok, who am I kidding? It is an endless task! I rarely meet anyone who actually enjoys doing laundry. Would you enjoy doing laundry more if you had an aesthetically pleasing space to tackle this never-ending chore? Spring offers a perfect opportunity to declutter and organize your laundry room, transforming it into a more functional and efficient space.

The first step is to declutter the space. Start by getting rid of empty detergent bottles, cleaners that you don't prefer, items that should find a new home, and any socks that are waiting to find their sole mate! If your cleaning rags have seen better days, update those as well. I switched to microfiber several years ago and never looked back. They're great for dusting and many of them only require water for cleaning, making them easy to use and a cheaper, more sustainable option than disposable wipes. Keep only products and tools that you use regularly and ensure they are easily accessible.

Speaking of cleaners, this is a great time to use some to clean behind your washer and dryer, wipe down shelves and mop the floor to create a fresh, clean slate.

Your laundry room organization requires a thoughtful approach to maximize the efficiency of the space.

Consider the flow of the room and arrange items in a way that supports the laundry process from start to finish. For instance, keep detergents and fabric softeners near the washer, while dryer sheets and lint rollers can be closer to the dryer.

Implementing a system for sorting laundry can dramatically reduce the time spent on this chore. Use labelled bins or baskets for different types of laundry: darks, lights, delicates, and towels or dedicate a hamper to each person in the household. Do what works for you!

If space permits, a small table or a pull-down shelf can enhance functionality, giving you a dedicated space to fold clothes as they come out of the dryer, reducing wrinkles and the temptation to let clean laundry pile up and get mixed in with dirty laundry. Any moms out there familiar with this one?

By setting up a beautifully organized space and making a habit of returning items to their designated spots after each use, your laundry room can remain a clutter-free and pleasant to use area. Hopefully spending time in your laundry room won't be such a chore!

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home’s interior - don’t forget about the garage! It’s an area of the home that often gets neglected and cluttered. At best, most of us put up some simple shelving and at worst we have “things” all over the floor and our expensive cars have to be parked outside.

Decluttering and organizing the garage in the spring sets you up for months worth of hassle free enjoyment. From organizing yard care tools to making all of your recreational equipment accessible to enjoy during the months ahead, this is a project that is well worth the effort! This tends to be more than a one-day project so be sure to plan in advance for a few days to get through it. If you can, have helpers on stand by to lend a hand if needed. 

The key to a successful garage overhaul lies in taking a systematic approach to sort through the clutter, categorize items, and implement smart storage solutions.

Start with removing everything from the garage to truly assess the space.
This process not only allows you to see the volume of items you've accumulated but also provides the opportunity to clean the floor and other surfaces, creating a fresh start. As you sort through your belongings, categorize them into keep, donate, sell, and discard piles. Be honest about the utility of each item; tools that haven't been used for years, broken equipment, and outdated sporting goods should be let go. Have the kids outgrown their first bike? I know it's hard but it's time to let it go. This is also an ideal time to sort hazardous materials and plan for their proper disposal.

Everything inside your garage should fit into a category. This method not only streamlines the organization process but also simplifies the task of retrieving and returning items.

You can sort your belongings into categories such as:

Once you decide what you will hold on to, determine if you need to add extra storage.

Take a look at the storage you currently have. Is it enough? Can you add more storage space somewhere? Do you need to add shelving for additional bins? Should you invest in a slat wall system to make good use of wall space? What about bike storage? Steady Rack makes the ultimate space saver bike rack. If you have high ceilings, install a heavy-duty, ceiling-mounted rack. They are great for keeping seasonal decor and outdoor cushions up and out of the way. There are so many fantastic storage options out there to help you organize your space.

Once everything has a home, don't forget to label everything.
Labelling shelves and bins is a crucial step in maintaining organization; it not only helps you find items quickly but also makes it easier to return things to their proper place. If you have young children, add picture labels to bins so the they know where to put their sidewalk chalk, bubble wands and bouncy balls.

As with other areas of your home, the key to keeping your garage organized is regular maintenance. Make a habit of reassessing your garage's organization at least once a year.  By investing the time to declutter and organize your garage this spring, you'll not only regain your space but also reduce stress and improve efficiency in locating and using your stored items.

Decluttering and organizing your home in the spring is a great way to kick off the season with a fresh, simplified living space. By making a plan and following these tips you'll be well on your way to a clutter-free, transformed, stress-free home.