Back to School Chaos to Calm

Back to School! Yes, I've said it! I know it's the phrase kids dread hearing right now. While the carefree days of summer are wonderful, there's something comforting about the routine and structure the school year brings, even if it can be a bit hectic.

With one in college and one starting his junior year, my schedule is a lot freer than it ever has been.  That being said, I remember the hustle and bustle of the mornings and evenings with younger children like it was yesterday.  It was so hard!  I like to think back to the many mornings that went off with out a hitch, but who’s kidding? So many times I ended up with someone in tears on the ride to school because by the time I said, “Get your shoes on!” for the fourteenth time, I was losing it.  Some days I was the one in tears on the way to school feeling like a terrible, chaotic mom. How could anyone have a good day if it started this way?  I have a degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies, for Pete’s Sake!  I can manage a classroom full of children, what is going wrong here?? I longed for routine and order.

The truth is we all do what we can, the best we can.  Some days this means we hit all the targets and our children look as organized as the Von Trapp children with the Captain. Other days it means we look like we are herding cats while trying to juggle chainsaws.  It’s ok, we all have those days. We get it! Well, let me tell you what I learned in those days: I finally realized I needed to apply my classroom management skills to my home. Maybe this idea can help you too!

Routines.  Routines were the key to my classroom and they were certainly key to my family having smooth mornings and evenings.  Evening routines were the most important, especially with young children. They thrive on consistency and routines. Think about your mornings.  What could be done in the evening to alleviate stress in the mornings?  For my family, this meant laying out clothes and packing lunches the night before.  

Here is a sample of our evening routine when my children were young:

• Clean up toys 

• Dinner

• Make lunches (Kept in fridge until the A.M.) 

• Get out school clothes

• Pack any papers needed in backpacks and put backpacks at the door. (Should be done at homework time.)

• Bath/Potty

• Pjs

• Books

• Lights out

Every bit of this can be done with the help of your children.  We had approved snack baskets in the fridge and in the pantry for them to make healthy choices.  They were able to help make sandwiches too.  One child didn’t want bread so she simply rolled up lunchmeat and cheese!   

If you don’t want to fight about the clothes every night, get a 5-tiered shelf that hangs on the closet rod.  On Sundays put outfits together (1 per shelf), socks and underwear included.  

If toys are given a specified home, then clean up is easier.  Mom and Dad, you have to supervise this because kids are not a fan of clean up time.  They WILL shove things where they don’t belong if you aren’t in there.  Sorry, but you all know it’s the truth.  15 minutes should do it if it’s a nightly routine.  Clean up to music to make it more fun. 

Another suggestion that children will not be a fan of:  No electronics during the week.  I was not going to fight with my children every night to put away the ipad.  Once they had phones, they were plugged in to charge in our main hall at night.  

Now that all of this is done at night, the morning routine is easy.  (Insert evil laugh)  Well, easier than before?

Here is a sample of my morning routine:

Here is a sample of our morning routine when my children were young:

• Breakfast-try to think healthy and protein filled.  You can make breakfast muffins on the weekends if needed but kids need a healthy breakfast.  

• Get dressed-Hair, clothes, shoes and brushed teeth

• Put lunch in backpack 

• Grab backpack

• Off to school.

That’s much better, right?

Now, here’s the best part.  Type your lists on your computer. (Use pictures along with the words for young children who can’t read.)  Insert these lists into sheet protectors and hang them on the refrigerator.  Tie a dry erase marker to the page.  Now, the kids can check off their own “to do” lists so you aren’t having to be responsible for every step.  You are the overseer/assistant.  The children gain a sense of independence and you gain some peace.   (Each child had its own age appropriate list.)

I unfortunately cannot alleviate the stress of homework and projects that come with this time of year, but with these routines I hope I can help you organize some of the Chaos that going back-to-school can bring.

Need help? Email us at info@ChaosOrganizing.com

6 Tips for the Southern New Year (AKA Fall)

Who is ready for cooler temps, routines and getting back to busy work/school/play life balance? Yeah, not me either. BUT. with the right prep, you can be ready for all the fun (and stressful) things life will throw at you this fall. I can’t help you with Algebra tutoring, but as a Mom who has been there, I can help you set up your spaces for less stress and more success!

1. Routines: Set up routines so that the work is shared amongst the household.  In my home we had a morning routine, afternoon/afterschool routine and evening routine.  These routines are key to teaching your family how to be responsible for themselves and gives Mom’s a little extra time for a needed break. (Age appropriate goals, of course) 

2. Command Center: With all the activities that come during the fall season, a command center is a must!  Set up a command center with a calendar, space for backpacks(and soccer bags, dance bags, etc.), purses, wallets and anything else needed to get out the door quickly. Everything needed to get out the door should be put here the night before so that your morning is smooth sailing!

3. Car Organization: Time to take the beach chairs out and put the soccer chairs in!   Carpool, tailgating, camping and sports will require our cars to make the transition from summer fun to activity-full fall!  Having a trunk organizer that has an ice chest and containers for afterschool snacks, tailgating items or sports equipment helps keep it all running smoothly!  

4. Homework Station: Setting up a homework space is vital to starting the school year off successfully.  A clutter free space that holds pens, pencils, highlighters or whatever is needed to get the job done works well.  Latch boxes work well at containing supplies and a rolling cart that holds the latchboxes keeps the mess contained and transportable to any homework table available.

5. Tailgating items:  Storage Tubs filled with tailgating items can be stored in the garage or outdoor storage room for ease. Categorize and label the tubs into how they will be used.  That way the tubs with food items can be unpacked and stored properly after the tailgate while tubs containing paper and plastic goods can be put back outside.  Taking an inventory of what tubs needs to be refilled is vital during the after tailgate pack up time so that your next tailgate runs smoothly.

6. Hunting Season: Having a closet or space designated to your hunter keeps the clutter from spilling over into your other spaces. (Your bedroom, living room or guest room…yes, I live with a hunter! I get it!) Shelving with tubs (60 quart for large items and 6 quart for small items) that hold the various amounts of camo and accessories can be very helpful.  I categorize them as they are used.  Upland bird, turkey, deer, duck, etc.  We have a gun safe for any weapons and keep the ammo separate for safety reasons.  Trigger locks are great for any guns that are not in a safe. Pegboards or slatwall are terrific for storing bows and calls.

   Now that you have a few tips to get you started, make sure you check out our Back to School Amazon list for our favorite items to help you get on your way! https://www.amazon.com/shop/chaosorganizing/list/7FX706QHPK2N?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfchaosorganizing_2VA8Q1XVKTP8TC8ZR0C2

   (We do make a small commission on this but this does not affect you or the price in any way)

   or for more details on how to get organized check out the fall chapter in Southern Chaos: Organizing the Southern Home. https://www.organizingsouthernchaos.com/

   Needing 1:1 guidance? Give us a call at 225-205-6400 and lets get you on the calendar.

   We are wishing you a fabulous and successful fall season!

   Happy New Year, Y’all!

Create a Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation. It's the perfect time to declutter your closet and start fresh with a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. By investing in quality pieces that you love and that fit your style, you can simplify your wardrobe and make getting dressed a breeze.

Choosing the Right Pieces

The key to creating a successful capsule wardrobe is choosing the right pieces. Start with a color scheme that you love and that complements your skin tone. Then, choose a mix of tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear that can be worn together in different combinations. Look for pieces that have a classic, timeless feel, such as a trench coat, a denim jacket, or a white button-up shirt. And don't forget about accessories! A few statement pieces, like a colorful scarf or a statement necklace, can add personality to your outfits.

Mixing and Matching

Once you have your capsule wardrobe pieces, it's time to start mixing and matching. Look for ways to combine different pieces to create new outfits. For example, a chambray shirt can be worn with jeans, a skirt, or even a pair of shorts. A black blazer can be dressed up with a skirt or worn casually with jeans. And a simple white t-shirt can be paired with just about anything. By focusing on versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways, you'll be able to create a variety of outfits without feeling like you're wearing the same thing over and over again.

Staying Organized

One of the benefits of a capsule wardrobe is that it's easy to stay organized. You'll have fewer pieces to keep track of, and everything will be coordinated, so you won't have to spend as much time deciding what to wear each day. To keep your capsule wardrobe in tip-top shape, store your pieces in a way that makes sense for you. Some people prefer to hang everything in their closet, while others like to fold their clothes and store them in drawers. Whatever method you choose, make sure that your pieces are easily accessible and that you can see everything at a glance.

A spring capsule wardrobe is a great way to simplify your wardrobe and make getting dressed a breeze. By choosing the right pieces, mixing and matching, and staying organized, you'll be able to create a collection of outfits that you love and that make you feel confident and stylish. So why not give it a try? Your closet (and your mornings) will thank you!

Need help creating a SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE?

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Clutter Free Valentine's Gifts

Hey there, clutter-free Cupids! With Valentine's Day approaching, let's ease the pressure of finding the perfect gift with clutter-free ideas that spark joy without adding to the mess. Here are some thoughtful gifts that won't clutter up your space:

• Flowers: Brighten their day with a bouquet that brings beauty without clutter.

• Words of Affirmation: Write a heartfelt letter or create a personalized poem to express your love.

• Candles: Set the mood with scented candles that add ambiance and warmth to any space.

• Chocolates or Candy: Indulge their sweet tooth with delicious treats that won’t even make it in the house.

• Quality Time: Spend quality time together doing something you both love.

• Yummy Meal: Cook their favorite meal or dine out at a special restaurant.

• Experiences: Plan a day trip, workshop, or adventure to create lasting memories.

• Soaps: Treat them to luxurious soaps or bath bombs for a relaxing self-care experience.

By choosing clutter-free gifts, we celebrate love and thoughtfulness without unnecessary stuff. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! 🌹✨

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Make-Up and Mardi Gras

Makeup and Mardi Gras have a lot to do with organization! Keeping a well-organized makeup drawer can save you time and money when getting ready for a night out. When it comes to Mardi Gras, organization is essential for making sure the celebration runs smoothly.

Use the C.H.A.O.S Method to get your makeup organized

C- Categorize

Take everything out of your drawer and put like items with like items. That means mascara with mascara, lipsticks with lipsticks, etc. 

H- Hurtful or Helpful

What emotion does your makeup elicit? Do you like wearing it; does it make you feel good?

A- Action

Take action once you’ve decided how you feel about each item. Keep the Make-up you love and Discard expired make-up (so you don’t get a nasty rash on your face) and what you don’t like.

Here are some common make-up expiration dates

O- Organize

We like trays like these to help keep our makeup organized. They come in various sizes, so be sure to measure the space before ordering. 

S- Simplify

Label each tray to set yourself up for success in the mornings and for ease of retrieval. 

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After the parades, costumes, and other festivities, ensure your mardi gras decorations are organized. 

Three tips to keep it organized:

1. Use a Storage bin with dividers – this will make it easy to separate different colors and types of beads. Keep your costumes in good condition for next year by wrapping in plastic for next year.

2. Go Vertical – Use a pegboard so you can hang your mardi gras jewelry and beads on the wall free of tangles

3. Use Space bags – to keep your costumes in good condition for next year and free from dirt and debris.

Above all else, make sure you use a purple bin!

Have extra mardi gras beads? Donate them here.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR METHOD OR WOULD LIKE OUR HELP WITH GETTING ORGANIZED, GIVE US A CALL.

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