QUICK TIPS for getting your family organized
Back-To-School Routines To Keep You Sane
đ Create a Morning Launch Pad: Designate a specific spot near the door for backpacks, shoes, and any other essentials your kids need to grab on their way out. This "launch pad" saves you from the morning scramble and ensures nothing gets left behind. To make it even more effective, set a routine where the kids pack up everything they need the night beforeâhomework, gym clothes, and any permission slipsâso mornings are smooth sailing.
đ Set Up a Homework Station: Establish a dedicated spot for homework, whether it's a corner of the kitchen or a desk in their room. A consistent place helps kids focus and keeps school supplies organized and easy to find. Stock the station with all the essentialsâpencils, erasers, paper, chargers, and maybe even some snacksâso thereâs no need to interrupt study time to hunt down supplies. Consider adding a timer to help them manage their time effectively and break tasks into manageable chunks.
đ Meal Plan for the Week: Back-to-school season can easily disrupt dinner routines, so take control by planning meals ahead of time. Start by planning simple, quick-to-prepare dinners that donât require much fuss. For busy nights, consider making large batches of family favorites on the weekend that can be easily reheated during the week. If mornings are hectic, prep breakfast and lunch the night before, too. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the stress of figuring out what to cook every night.
đ Unpack Immediately: As soon as the kids get home, make it a habit for them to unpack their backpacks right away. Designate a specific place for papersâlike a tray, folder, or wall organizerâso you can easily review them later. This prevents the dreaded buildup of crumpled assignments and forgotten permission slips, and keeps you in the loop with whatâs happening at school. Plus, it teaches the kids responsibility and helps maintain an organized home. There are so many great options from The Container Store!
How to Get Your Family on Board with Simple Living
âď¸ Be a Light, Not a Judge
The best way to inspire change? Live it yourself. Instead of nagging or pressuring, let your own results speak for themselves. When your space feels calmer and your schedule isnât chaotic, others will noticeâand maybe even get curious.
Bonus tip: Share your excitement subtly. Maybe mention how much more relaxed you feel with fewer things, rather than pointing out what others need to change.
đ Give Them Ownership
People resist what they feel forced into (at least, that's what I find in my family đ¤Ş). Instead of decluttering for your family, involve them in the process. Let kids decide which toys to keep, ask your partner what areas theyâd love to simplify, and respect each personâs attachment to their own things.
Bonus tip: Offer choices instead of ultimatums. âWould you rather keep 10 favorite stuffed animals or 5?â feels much better than, âYou have to get rid of these.â
đŚ Create a No-Stress Exit Strategy
One of the biggest hurdles to decluttering is not knowing what to do with the stuff. Set up a simple systemâlike a donation bin in the closet or a once-a-month drop-off routine. When itâs easy to let go, your family is more likely to follow along.
Bonus tip: Make it fun! Turn on music, set a timer for 10 minutes, and do a âquick donation dashâ together.
đ§ Respect Their Process
Not everyone moves at the same pace. Your version of simplicity might not look the same as theirs, and thatâs okay. Instead of getting frustrated, focus on the progress they are making, no matter how small.