Organizing For Back To School
Have your kids started school this week, or are they getting ready to go back in the next week? We're here to help you - at NEAT Method, we know that having systems in place will help streamline your mornings, get your kids involved, and relieve stress for everyone!
Our "Method" is simple no matter what space or area you're tackling:
· Take everything out
· Sort and Categorize
· Edit (anything expired, broken, or you just don't use)
· Use products to contain your items and Label
Three areas I recommend organizing:
Lunch Supplies
Take a look at all the water bottles, lunch boxes, reusable bags, and get rid of anything broken, stained, or that your kids have outgrown. Maybe you want to set up a Lunch-Packing Zone - this could be a dedicated cabinet or drawer near the pantry or fridge. Find bins or baskets that fit the space and will hold all of the loose items.
Mudroom/Drop Zone
The same rules apply here! I recommend having a dedicated bin for each family member - this could hold shoes, backpacks, and eventually winter items. Don't forget to set up a Grab and Go area for face masks!
School Supplies
I have a 7-year-old daughter, so I'm very familiar with how school and art supplies can take over! My biggest piece of advice is to create a system that your kids can maintain - it could be as simple as pencils in a mason jar or as complex as categorized supplies in drawer inserts in a desk. Keep like items together, toss anything that's broken, and once again, contain it all!