Tips for Staying Organized this Fall
Whether we’re ready or not, the kids are getting back to school and we are getting back to routine. Some of us have had crazy summers and are craving the return of routines. Others have been soaking in the long summer days and want to hang on to this easy pace. Whatever you’re feeling, today we’re here with some tips for getting organized and back on track this fall!
Household
Start your week off on the right foot. Set aside some time at the beginning of the week to sit down with your planner and organize your week. Check in with your goals and calendar for the month. If you're a visual person it can help to jot down the big events of the week on a shared chalkboard or dry erase board. For families with older kids, encourage your kids to join with their own school planners and talk through each day. The week will feel more relaxed when everyone knows what’s ahead.
Around the house, think about any deep organization projects you want to tackle this fall. Make a list of the main ones you want to complete before the end of the year (Ps. We love the goals layout for this!). Pick times each week or weekend to tackle your list. Fall is the perfect time to clean out your pantry and kitchen cabinets. Take stock of what you need to use and prioritize cooking with these items first.
Meal Time
Meal prep and planning can be a great way to prepare for the week. When you check in with your planner at the beginning of the week, jot down a rough meal plan. Some may find it helpful to jot down each meal at each meal time (Ps. We have a meal planning layout to suit every preference). Others may make a rough list of what is on hand for meals to work from during the week. If you have a little time on the weekend you can slice vegetables and fruit for easy snacks. You can make a vinaigrette for quick salads (We love this one!) or you can even prepare a dinner up through baking it and store it in the fridge until later in the week. If you’re cooking for a family, consider doubling recipes when you cook something. Your future self will thank you! As you cook each month, keep a running list of family favorite recipes so you can easily return to your go-tos when you need some cooking inspiration.
Clothing
Fall is the perfect time to shift your closet toward cooler, cozy weather. Use this time to put away summer things and weed out items you aren’t wearing anymore. If you’re hanging on to things that don’t fit properly, remove those from the mix too. Simplify your closet to only include your favorite pieces that you can mix and match and wear confidently. A simpler closet will make getting dressed day to day feel less stressful. If you have kids, simplify their closets as well. Consider bins and hanging racks easily within reach for little ones to encourage getting dressed independently. While you’re working in the closets, be sure to keep an empty box handy. Throughout the year as kids grow out of items, place them in the box. Once the box is full, take it to a donation center or pass on to a friend.
School Wise
For families, weekday mornings can be stressful! What are your stress points each day? Think about how you can tackle these to make your weeks easier. Create an organized launching spot by the door for kids to hang backpacks, coats, and store shoes (and even socks!). If your kids have after school or evening activities, place bins with sporting equipment, dance gear, and anything they might need in one place so they can grab and go after school. You can also place a basket for each kid in a central spot (like a staircase) where you can toss things as you find them. Kids can be responsible for putting these items away at the end of the day.
If kids are dragging their feet about getting dressed, try setting out clothes the night before. You can set out clothes and make sure backpacks are ready to go. Water bottles can be filled and lunches organized. You can brainstorm some easy make ahead breakfasts to have handy throughout the week like smoothies, muffins, waffles, and oatmeal.
Lunches
Brainstorm a list of favorite lunches and include your kids in the planning and packing process. Vegetables and fruit can be washed ahead of time. Protein items can be cooked in advance like hard boiled eggs, chicken, and meatballs. You can utilize leftovers from dinner or freeze pb&j sandwiches (We love this tool!) to easily grab and go in the morning. You can even make a simple list of the fruit, vegetable, protein, and snack options that you have on hand and kids can choose from the categories and help pack their lunches.
What are your goals and plans for the new season? What are your favorite tips for staying organized around the house and beyond? How do you utilize your planner each week in your process? Share your favorite ideas in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!