Routine: The Key to Survival and Success
If I had to pick one thing I could share that would make the biggest difference in your life, it would be routines.
As a teacher, there were no excuses for being late. I had to be on time to receive the children or the parents would then be late themselves! Not only did I have to be on time, but also I really needed to be there early to attend to a few things before the students were walking through the door. Oh, and I had to get 2 small children dressed and ready for school as well. I conquered this challenge with this beautiful thing called a routine.
If I had to pick one thing I could share that would make the biggest difference in your life, it would be routines.
As a teacher, there were no excuses for being late. I had to be on time to receive the children or the parents would then be late themselves! Not only did I have to be on time, but also I really needed to be there early to attend to a few things before the students were walking through the door. Oh, and I had to get 2 small children dressed and ready for school as well. I conquered this challenge with this beautiful thing called a routine.
Routine = sequence of actions that you do repeatedly.
Simple. You repeat these few things every day. It takes discipline at first but you can do it!
There are 3 times that routines should be in place to make your life less chaotic.
Morning-as easy and as simple as you can make it.
Afterschool or work-do the things necessary to start tomorrow strong.
Evening-reset your home, check for last minute to-do’s and put things in place.
Here are some examples of daily routines for kids and adults:
Morning:
Get dressed
Brush teeth/hair
Eat breakfast
Get lunchbox, backpack, purse, wallet, etc. (items that have a “take with me” home) and walk out the door.
After-school (young kids):
Snack (in a designated spot so the children can grab without your assistance)
Homework
Repack backpacks
Make lunches(this can be part of the evening routine if needed.)
Play
After-work (Routines aren’t just for kids):
Hang up work clothes
Start laundry
Pay bills/answer emails/take care of “home business”
Start dinner (check weekly meal plan)
Pack lunch (unless it’s dinner leftovers)
Homework help/sign any paperwork that the kids have and have child put back in the appropriate space.
Re-boot laundry
Kids evening Routine:
Mary Poppins called it, “Tidy up the Nursery” time. Aka: Clean up your mess! Setting a timer (2-3 minutes per child’s age. A 5 year old should get 15 minutes of time. If it takes longer, you will need to reassess the amount of toys they are allowed to pull out) and turning on music makes this task more fun with smaller children. Supervision is best with this step because kids love to hide their messes in their closets, under beds, in hampers and anywhere they think they can get away with it. No, your kid’s not a jerk, this is normal.
Get out school clothes. If this is a nightly struggle, try getting out a weeks worth on Sundays. (I used a 5-tier hanging shelf that hooks to the closet rod.)
Baths
Books (quiet time)
Bed-as in lights out because Mom and Dad need some grown up time.
Evening routine:
Lay out your clothes for tomorrow. This step is huge because so much time is wasted in the AM on this one step!
Put your purse, keys, wallet, mail, backpacks and everything else that goes with you in the AM in one place. This place should be it’s designated home every single evening. (No more searching for things in the morning!) Having a phone charger in that place would be smart so it’s all there together.
Check the weather. Do you need to leave a little early due to fog, rain, snow? (Well, not so much snow in south Louisiana, just hurricanes.)
Check the calendar. Do you need anything besides the usual items? Valentines Card? Mardi Gras beads? LSU shirt?
Reset the house in 15-30 minutes. For me, this is making sure the dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, sofa cushions and sofa pillows are straight, extra blankets are folded and in the basket, toys (dog toys for me) are put in their home. I usually throw the dirty kitchen towels into the dirty clothes basket as well and wipe counters. This is also the time to put away all the items that are not in their home. Remember to be a good example and put away things when you use them so this is not a daunting task.
Make a list of your routines and post it until it’s memory. You can hang them in sheet protectors and have the kids check them off with dry erase markers as the job is done. You are there to supervise the children, not do the job for them.
Not sure where to start when making routines? Give us a call and let’s set up a consultation to get you on the right path. How much time will you gain by implementing these routines?
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How to Set Up Your Command Center
Why do we need a command center? Having a space that houses the “important” information/materials saves us TIME which means less stress! Here are some of the key elements to a functional command center.
What is a Command Center?
A Command Center is a space in your home that serves as a central space to keep schedules, keys, purses, backpacks, incoming papers, and/or important information.
Why do we need a command center?
Having a space that houses the “important” information/materials saves us TIME which means less stress!
What are the key elements to a functional command center?
Calendar-paper or white board (Cozi is a favorite family calendar App)
Place for incoming and outgoing papers, mail/shredder is great here too.
Designated space for personal paperwork. This might be a file, drawer, basket.
Place for notes/invitations-HINT-put invitation information into calendar app. Once the gift is bought, you can toss the invitation.
Magnet board/white board/bulletin board. We found this one that can be both!
Place for keys, sunglasses, purse, wallet and anything else needing to go out the door with you in the am.
Pens, pencil, stamps, calculator or any supplies needed to make this space function best.
Where should it be?
Hint: Notice where you set things down when you walk in the door. It should be located near that space (kitchen, laundry, inside a cabinet, entryway table).
Show us your Command Centers! We want to see!
We would love to see pictures of your command centers. Use the hashtag #chaosorganizing when you post the picture.
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Coping with and Surviving the Coronavirus Quarantine
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
Hi Friends,
I’m hoping you all are doing well and staying safely quarantined. My heart is with those of you away from home and helping our community. I know many of you have it tough right now! Thank you!
The Stewart family is doing our part to keep everyone safe! I have 4 college students and 1 high school student that have been quarantining here for the past two weeks (2 of the 5 are mine!). I was a bit nervous about this, but I must say, it’s going really well! We have fallen into nice routines and everyone has been so respectful and helpful. They are learning all kinds of new skills as my husband is getting all of his “to-do“ list done with their help.
We are calling this Camp Corona-The Stewart Version!
While organizing during this time may not be top priority, we know that chaos causes stress. Here are a few of our tips that might help ease you and your family’s stress during this time.
• Set a routine. Consistency and routines help ease stress. The events may not happen at the exact time, but your goal should be to keep them in the same order. Predictability is comforting to children (and adults!) and may help us get some things done!
• Set up a workplace and homework place. This should be a quiet space with ONLY the tools that you need for work or homework. I moved my home office to my bedroom so that my office could be set up as a virtual classroom (If you are watching my live video’s on Monday’s at 10am, you already know this!). So far, it’s working!
• Create a cleaning schedule. Having everyone home 24/7 and not having housekeepers come (if you have them) during this quarantine time may have you drowning in “to-do’s” which can be exhausting. First, breathe, the neighbors aren’t stopping by anytime soon. Second, creating a list of chores and who is responsible for them may help alleviate some of the stress. If you have small children that means you (and any other adults) are getting the burden of all of the chores. As a former stay at home mom, I remember that stress clearly and want you to know you are not alone. So many parents are feeling the same way. Having a cleaning schedule for yourself may be key to keeping some order to your home and some of the stress at bay. An example of the one I created for the crew staying at my house is attached to this email. If you need help creating one, call me and let me help you!
• Rotate the toys. Your children do not need access to ALL of the toys right now. By rotating them weekly, it allows you to bring out something new and exciting when they get bored. If there is a toy that makes you absolutely crazy, it may be time to secretly put that in the donate box. (If they see it, it will instantly become their FAVORITE!)
Also, try new methods of entertainment for your kids. Have a friend or family member that’s not with you virtually read a book to your children so you can get the dishwasher loaded. Get creative!
• Get outside. If you can, go play in the yard. Not only is the fresh air and sunshine great at brightening your mood, they aren’t inside destroying your freshly cleaned house (lol).
• Be flexible. The best plans may work on paper and not in real life. THAT’S OK! Hold your theoretical ideas of what your day will look like loosely and find freedom in flexibility. There is grace for yourself and others when things don’t go as planned.
We hope these tips help keep your chaos under control. If you’re feeling like there’s more chaos than you can manage on your own, 30-minute virtual organizing sessions are available for $25 if that would help you.
Call us: 225-205-6400 Let us know if we can help you in any way!
Thank you
I truly appreciate all of my clients who have understood about rescheduling their appointments. Thank you so much for being flexible. My business is small, and we will certainly be affected during this time. By rescheduling, you are helping us keep our doors open and recover from this loss. THANK YOU!
LensArt Photography by Tobi Gomez • The Front Porch Project BR
Did you Know?
• Coffee with Martha-Carol is live on Facebook! Join us on Monday’s at 10am to answer your organizing questions or just to take a break from the people in your home!
• Virtual organizing sessions are now available. 30-minute sessions for $25. These will come with a written plan for your space including product recommendations. Call Now! 225-205-6400
• We were on WAFB this week. Watch Here!
• The Purple Cow Decluttering Challenge 2020 is still going strong on Facebook. We are in the kitchen this week! Here’s the link
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Out With the Old, In With the New! A Guide to Spring Cleaning
Lent coincides with the Spring season which makes it the best time to embrace decluttering while Spring cleaning! If you don’t celebrate lent, no worries, just join us on a 6 week journey of Spring decluttering! In fact, plan a party or a crawfish boil in 6 weeks because a party ALWAYS motivates me to get things done! A black trash bag can hold 40 lbs so let’s see how much “stuff” you can lose in 40 days!
Mardi Gras season is sadly coming to an end. Out with the parades and King Cake and in with the Lenten season. Lent is 40 days, not counting Sundays (6 weeks), beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Easter Sunday. Participating Christians are fasting, as well as living in moderation and repentance.
For me personally, it’s a time of sincere reflection where I truly look at the things in my life that need change, ask for God’s guidance, and take the steps necessary to make that change. Some years, my lenten commitment has been been prioritizing my time. Other years, it’s been as simple as adding exercise to my routine or even checking the mail everyday. It’s setting a personal goal and sticking to it for 6 weeks!!
Lent coincides with the Spring season which makes it the best time to embrace decluttering while Spring cleaning! If you don’t celebrate lent, no worries, just join us on a 6 week journey of Spring decluttering! In fact, plan a party or a crawfish boil in 6 weeks because a party ALWAYS motivates me to get things done! A black trash bag can hold 40 lbs so let’s see how much “stuff” you can lose in 40 days!
Week 1: Closets.
Each day spend 30 minutes gathering items to toss or donate out of each one of the closets in your home. This includes the storage room off of the garage too. How many bags can you fill? Lastly, vacuum the floor and wipe clean any lighting or shelving.
Week 2: Kitchens and Outdoor Kitchens.
Start at the top cabinets and work your way down to the bottom.
Top cabinets - wipe items you're keeping, toss or donate items not used often or ever, and wipe spills and fingerprints off the doors and shelves.
Counters - clear them and then clean them.
Refrigerator - toss old, expired items, wipe shelves. Do you need to change the water filter?
Bottom cabinets - wipe items you are keeping, toss or donate other items. Wipe shelves and doors.
Appliances - Clean. Donate the ones you aren’t using.
Week 3: Office/Desk.
3 piles: Toss, file, action
Toss all junk mail. All of it. No, you won’t go back and read that article from 2015 about the hummingbirds. Let it go! It’s online if you really want to read it. (Take a picture of the recipes you want to try and store in a file on your phone or computer.)
File: Just do it. No whining allowed. We all hate it, but no one else will do it so just fix a glass of wine and get to it!
Action: Make a list. Get it done this week. All of it. No, you don’t get a sticker. But email me and I’ll tell you that you’re a rockstar!
Week 4: Living Room and Entry Way.
Time to change the throw pillows to the spring colors! Seriously, who does this? (Ok, Lisa, my partner in Houston does this. Maybe she will come do this for us all! I’m concocting a plan for Lisa to help us under achievers without seasonal throw pillows!)
Books: I love books! I’m a former teacher so, of course I love books! Unless you have a library at your house, let them go! You can get them from your local library if you are dying to read them. Only keep what fits on your bookcase.
Throw blankets: I have 30. Ok, maybe exaggerating a tiny bit, but these teens end up using them for sleepovers all the time. Donate the ones you don’t use to an animal shelter. They love them! I store the rest in a blanket chest or linen closet.
Sofa: Flip the cushions, checking underneath for the winning lottery ticket. When you find one, call me and let’s celebrate! If not, just vacuum on top and underneath the cushions.
Fireplace: If Spring has sprung in your area as it has in ours, it’s time to clean out the fireplace and toss the ashes. Be sure to follow the guidelines found here. I’ve seen a house catch on fire because of hot ashes, so be extremely careful!
Your entry ways set the tone for entering your home. What is this space saying about your life and do you want to change that tone? When my children were younger, this space was a hot mess because of all the activities! Now’s the time to put away the items that don’t belong there. Straighten the ones that do.
Everything else: Y'all know everything else lands in this room. Send it to its home. Bye!
Finish this room by cleaning any lights or fans and vacuuming the rug and under all the furniture.
Week 5: Bedrooms.
I’m about to get all serious on you now. Bedrooms need to be a place of rest! Look around your bedroom. Does it feel like a climate controlled storage unit or a peaceful place to rest your head after an exhausting day?
All flat surfaces need to be cleared. Sweet family photos (Limited!), maybe a lotion next to your bed, possibly a jewelry holder and maybe the current book you are reading or studying. That’s it. You need nothing else on any surface in this space! It distracts from your peace and rest!
Whats under your bed? My wedding box of stuff from 24 years ago was under mine. What the heck am I waiting for? Do my kids really care who came to my wedding? I know who was there. We have photos and videos (In color! HA!), the rest of the “stuff”…..bye! (You know you're hanging onto those wedding receipts….let them go!)
Bedding: Wash the pillows, then the bedding! Dry clean if necessary. (Clean the ceiling fan right before this.)
Hang or fold the clothes on that chair. We all have one, you aren’t alone. If they are clean enough to wear again. they are clean enough to be hung or folded and be put away. If you are Cajun, save your clothes. Now, cher!
Week 6: Bathrooms.
Wet places need a good cleaning. Clear the counter of the clutter. Any items needing to be on the counter deserve a pretty tray. This also helps keep a neat appearance on the counter.
Toss out old products. (Hair care, nail polish, body lotions, and soaps that you didn’t like the smell…) Don’t donate. No one wants old, expired stuff. Sorry, but just being honest. Contain like items and clean the shelves/drawers while you are there. Containing items helps the floor of the cabinets to stay clean.
Is the extra toilet paper cabinet all filled up? Don’t have one? I found a narrow basket at HomeGoods that works perfect. Time to clean that toilet too. Your loved one will appreciate this clean space if they catch the flu. Nothing worse than a dirty potty.
Where do you keep the bathroom cleaning products? I keep mine right in the bathroom! Easy to use when you just have a few minutes.
Check your towels and washcloths. Make a list of anything needed.
This is also a great time to get new toothbrushes and clean the hairbrushes.
Well, that gets you through the main areas of a house.
Here are a few odd things to add:
Check your filters and smoke alarms if you haven’t in awhile. Most are to be changed once a month.
Wipe down your doors, windows (Inside and outside) and walls. My back door gets really dirty with fingerprints since it’s white.
Check all ceiling fans. Gently wipe and clean.
Clean the outdoor furniture and cushions.
Make sure the pool is ready to go! Only a few more months!
Power wash house and patio as well as all porches.
And it’s time to clean out the garage too!
Now, folks. It’s time for a good ol’ Southern BBQ or Crawfish boil outside in that nice clean space!
If Spring cleaning seems too daunting on your own and you need some support, our team of organizers are happy to help!
Give us a call at 225-205-6400
Bonus Tip: Click the link at the bottom of the page to our Facebook and Instagram Pages to find out where to donate left over Mardi Gras Beads and join our new Lent Challenge!
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Feeling Chaotic? How Can a Pantry Help You Win Your Day?
Finding simple solutions to help you win your day is just one of the things we do as professional organizers. Here are a few of our favorite Chaos Organizing pantries. Notice the labeled bins, categorized shelves and location of items. All of that is a well thought out plan for each of our clients specifically tailored to their family’s needs.
After a long day of work, all I wanted to do was sit down. Dinner was done. The kitchen was clean. It was finally my time.
“ Mom. I need brownies for school tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Mom!!! I told you I need to bring brownies to school tomorrow.”
In all the chaos of the busy day, I had forgotten the brownies. “Do we have any mix? I can’t seem to find any in all this mess. Who shoved an empty bag of potato chips in here.”
The bag fell out and the crumbs all fell to the floor.
“Great, another mess I need to clean up,” I thought to myself.
“We will have to stop to get some pre-made brownies in the morning. It’ll be fine,” I yelled to my daughter.
Morning:
“Hurry let’s go. Where are your shoes? Don’t you guys remember we need to make a stop on the way to school?!! Get your stuff! Let’s go! I’ve got an early morning meeting. I can’t be late. Where is your soccer bag? We have to go NOW!”
Then I realize that in all the rush, I have forgotten to make lunches and it’s meatloaf day. No one will eat if I don’t whip up some quick sandwiches. I am going to be late. Today is already a bad day and it’s only 7:00am.
This scenario is enough to give anyone heartburn. Yet, so many of us face this level of chaos on a regular basis. How do we navigate past the drama? We get organized! That’s how!
An organized pantry could eliminate the question about the brownie mix which we actually do own but forgot about or couldn’t find.
An organized pantry helps child our children learn independence because they can pack their own lunch with the healthy choices available, allowing us to focus on our own morning agenda.
An organized pantry could be part of the key to keeping peace in our home.
Finding simple solutions to help you win your day is just one of the things we do as professional organizers.
Here are a few of our favorite Chaos Organizing pantries. Notice the labeled bins, categorized shelves and location of items. All of that is a well thought out plan for each of our clients specifically tailored to their family’s needs.
Our goal is to help each of our clients win their day. Please call us at 225-205-6400 so we can help you win yours!
Need help zoning your pantry?
Check out our blog on pantry zoning!
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