Energize and Organize: Your Organized Home

An organized home is a happy home.  Yet it's hard to keep track of everyone's busy life.  NAPO-NY suggests these tips to keep everyone organized.

1.  Create a master calendar.
Track each member's daily activities including how he/she is getting there and back home again and keep it in a central, visible place.

2.  Post a visible log of important information.
Especially necessary for caregivers, this log would include family cell phone numbers, food allergies, doctor's and emergency numbers, bedtimes, acceptable television programs, etc.

3.  Have and keep handy a folder for each child.
Fill each folder with their class calendar, school contact information, and class phone list for easy reference.

4.  Designate a set time for checking backpack and pockets.
Whether's it's at the end or start of each day, make a habit of emptying (or for older children have them empty their own packs) school bags so necessary papers are signed and returned to school.

5.  Basket the clutter.
Provide each child with a color-coded basket to shuttle their belongings back to their room at the end of each day.

6.  Outsource special tasks.
Children enjoy "special tasks", so outsource your to-do list by assigning one to each child according to skill level, i.e. little ones can help carry laundry, older ones can take out the garbage, etc.

7.  Rid your home of unused toys.
At birthday and holiday time, have your children give away all those toys and books they've outgrown.

8.  Routinely clean out closets.
At the beginning of each season, pull all outgrown clothing from your children's closets and give them away.

Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com