As the kids get settled at school and fall schedules pick up, our homes can get chaotic. Activities, homework and work-life juggling mean we may not be as organized as usual, allowing clutter and chaos to take over.
Fall is the perfect time to hit reset and get your home back in shape before the holiday season. So, let’s dive into some tips for staying organized as your family’s calendar fills up.
1. START WITH A PLAN
The key to staying organized, especially in a busy season, is to have a strategy. Walk through your home and identify problem areas. Are the kids’ shoes piling up by the front door? Is the kitchen counter full of papers and mail? Target those areas first. Divide your home into zones that need attention: entryways, kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces.
Choose one area and dedicate time to clearing it out completely. You don’t have to do it all at once, but chipping away bit by bit will have a noticeable impact.
2. ESTABLISH DROP ZONES
Fall routines mean kids are coming home with backpacks, lunchboxes and sports gear. Creating designated “drop zones” can prevent things from piling up in random places. Install hooks for backpacks and jackets, and place a basket for shoes and sports gear in a convenient spot.
3. DECLUTTER SEASONALLY
Every few months, make time to go through closets, storage spaces and drawers to purge unused and unneeded items. Fall is a great time to do this since it marks a transitional period.
As you declutter, involve the whole family. Have the kids help sort through their clothes, books and toys. Teach them the value of letting go. Donate what you can, and recycle where possible.
4. CONTAIN THE PAPER CHAOS
Permission slips, homework, bills and flyers can quickly accumulate into overwhelming piles. Designate a space for mail, school papers, and bills, such as a small filing cabinet or a wall organizer. Set a schedule for going through paperwork, whether it’s daily or weekly. Deal with it immediately when possible, throwing away junk mail, filing important documents and responding to necessary items.
For those who prefer a digital approach, consider scanning important documents and organizing them in online folders.
5. MAXIMIZE STORAGE SPACES
Identify underutilized areas, such as under-the-bed storage, closet shelves or hidden nooks. Incorporate storage that doubles as décor, like beautiful baskets, boxes or built-in shelving that works seamlessly with your home’s design.
Modular storage options are great for families with busy schedules. They allow you to adjust and move pieces around as needs change. Some examples are adding extra shelving in kids’ rooms as they accumulate more books or art supplies, or repurposing storage containers to serve different functions throughout the year.
6. MAKE ORGANIZATION FUN
Kids are more likely to keep things tidy if they’re part of the process. Get them involved in organizing their own spaces. Make it fun by using bright containers or labeling boxes in their favorite colors. Clear storage bins can help them see where things go without needing to ask. Encourage them to tidy up regularly by setting a timer for five minutes each day, making it a quick and manageable task.
7. CREATE A FAMILY CALENDAR STATION
Between school activities, sports practices and your own professional commitments, staying on top of everyone’s schedule can be challenging. Having a command center in a central location like the kitchen or a hallway helps keep everything in one place. Use a large wall calendar or a digital family calendar that everyone has access to. Include to-do lists and grocery lists so everyone is on the same page. Consider a bulletin board or magnetic board where you can pin important papers and reminders.
8. ESTABLISH A MAINTENANCE ROUTINE
Once you’ve cleared the clutter and set up systems, maintain them with a weekly or monthly routine. Whether it’s a Sunday clean-up or a quick 10-minute evening tidy-up, consistency is key.
In the end, getting organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even with busy fall schedules. By taking it one step at a time and establishing practical systems, you can create a home that is functional, beautiful and reflective of the calm you want to come home to after a hectic day. Here’s to a clutter-free, organized fall!
