Back-to-School Organizing

Asking a group of mothers whether they are looking forward to the start of school can create more drama than a discussion on politics or plastic surgery. For me the answer to that question has been different every year. It depends on the child’s age, my personal stress level and a myriad of other factors. One thing we can all agree on is that this time of year presents some unique organizational challenges. For me the biggest challenge is the paperwork. I conquered the clutter with a Mommy Command Central. Steps to creating this area in your home are as follows:

1) Identify an area. Whether it’s a spot on the wall, a table in the entry way or a spot on the kitchen counter, you need an area where paperwork will land. This location must be convenient for both you and your children or another spot (not of your choosing) will quickly take form.

2) Identify your family style. Are you stackers or sorters? I realize this may seem overly simplistic, but it works even for me. (My children are actually crumplers—they prefer to transport their school paperwork in a tightly formed ball.) If you are stackers a file box system might not work, but letter trays will.

3) Identify your tools. If you will be using wall space then you need magnetic wall pockets, if you will be using the counter then you can use letter trays, file boxes, magazine files or a binder system.

4) Identify the who and what. Use printed labels or color to identify what goes where. I have three children so I’ve always been partial to color (as long as it isn’t so visible it disrupts my décor.) One child is green, one child is red, and the other is blue (not literally). You can use color dots to label their box or basket. Too complicated? A simple printed label with their name will also work.

Rules

1) Keep it simple. Add complexity only as needed.

2) Review the system prior to implementation, so everyone in the family is clear on how it works and what is expected of them.

3) If it’s a new system remember that building good habits takes about 30 days, don’t give up on your kids or your system prematurely.

Quick Tips

1) Toss anything that is available online.

2) Use sheet protectors, paper pockets and a binder to create a quick reference place for phone lists, schedules, etc.

3) If you have multiple children at the same school make sure to discard extra copies of notices, etc.

4) Purchase two art boxes per child. Collect important artwork or homework in one box. At year-end they choose 1-2 items to keep and you choose 1-2 items. Those keepsakes go into the second box. The collection box is emptied each year.

5) Encourage high school age children to keep a file box with graded homework and tests until grades have been finalized. Teachers are busy and have many students, keying in the wrong test score can happen.

6) Print several sheets of labels by subject and with your child’s name. Keep them in a paper pocket in your Quick Reference Binder (see number 2). You’ll have them available throughout the year.

7) Give each child a plastic pouch to bring home paperwork that needs to be signed by you. That will prevent the crumple issue I mentioned earlier.

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Organize Your… College Student

My oldest son is starting high school, not college, but he will be away from home for his first year. He’s only been gone a few weeks and I’m already distraught. In order to cope I began a massive reorganization and sterilization of his room (he’s a teenage boy so yes sterilization was involved). I went to such extremes that my husband threatened to have me institutionalized, so now I just sit in his-now immaculate-room and cry each night. When I left home at 18 I felt so happy to be out on my own; I now realize how completely devastated my mother must have been and what all mothers of college-bound children are feeling this month.

Keeping busy is an important mothering skill. It helps you avoid dealing with difficult issues and can also provide a sense of purpose. While busily organizing my son’s room I could pretend, albeit briefly, that he would be returning at any moment. We all have different coping skills, but no one ever went to rehab for over-organizing, so go ahead and follow my lead.

Here are my organizing tips for a college-bound child:

1. Create a binder with important contacts, medical information, important birthdays, etc. You can even include numbers and addresses of family friends. They’ll likely call you several times over the coming years for the number or address of some distant relative who has suddenly become important for a professional introduction.

2. Invest in collapsible storage. First year dorm, second year apartment, summer internship…their life is in transition. Collapsible storage will be there when they need it and fit neatly under the bed when they don’t.

3. Help them create an organizational plan. Where will they store graded homework? I suggest a file box with hanging files. Once they receive their correct grades, they should clean it out for the next year. Keep only what is really necessary.

4. Get a copy of their schedule and create labels for each class. They will have labels for the hanging files in their file box or for notebooks, etc.

5. Suggest a color for each class. Finance is green, science is red, history is blue…doesn’t really matter the point is if you color code everything it makes it easier to quickly grab it as you head out the door for class.

6. Invest in a sticky chalk or white boards, one for each class. Make sure they won’t damage the wall as many dorms and apartments have strict rules about this. Every Sunday night they should write down important reminders on the board(s). If they are visually minded this is a grade-saving tip.

7. Suggest a written planner and written class notes. I’m all about computers and electronics, but some teachers don’t allow them in class. Also a written planner helps you see everything at once and easily prioritize. The 8-Days-A-Week or myPlan are perfect for tracking homework and assignments. Keep each class syllabus in a sheet protector in their binders, but remember to write the important dates down in the written planner.

8. Help them create (and stick to) a weekly schedule for tasks like cleaning, laundry, shopping, and studying. Routine will keep them from becoming overwhelmed, a precursor to disorganization.

9. Elaborate organizational plans are a recipe for disaster. Help them understand their abilities and style so that they have plans that will work for them.

10. Don’t over buy. They will need paper clips, but not a gallon of 5000. Most college kids are space-challenged whether they live on campus or not, so keep your buying in check.

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Fashion Inspired Office Décor-Stripes

My inspiration for office décor often comes from my closet; fashion can be the perfect starting point for an office makeover. Don’t get me wrong, not every fashion trend should be translated into office décor, last year’s neon trend being a good example, but many trends will work in an office. You’ll be happy to know that 2011 runways have been full of décor friendly ideas. Every few weeks we’ll bring you a fashion trend and show you how to translate it into an organized and stylish office.

Our trend to translate this week is Stripes

It’s not that I am partial to styles classified as “de rigueur” by fashion magazines. I’m a little more complicated than that (just ask my husband). The benefit of something being classified as a trend is that you can shop it. Stores carry trends so if you want boot legs when skinny jeans are more popular—you’re going to have to work a little harder to find your preference. I’ve always worn preppy stripes and will continue to wear them long after the trend has been played out.–Does a French Striped Tee ever really go out of style?–My joy is that this season I can expand my collection; the stores are full of stripes.

In this particular feature we’re featuring black and white stripes, but navy and white are also popular.

How should you accessorize this look? Red shoes look great with a black and white or navy and white striped dress; follow the same idea for your décor. Try a red pencil cup or blotter for a pop of color against the Semikolon Striped Storage Collection. We’ve added the red blotter and red pencil cup to our Bella Collection just for this purpose.

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Organize Your Desk Drawer

The most important office storage space is the desk drawer. It may not seem special, it is just a drawer, but properly organized it becomes the best tool you have for becoming more productive at work.

You should think of office storage in terms of food storage, something everyone can understand.

There’s the pantry, the refrigerator, the freezer, and maybe even a deep freezer. Expanding on this example I offer you milk—or soy milk or almond milk it doesn’t really matter which—the point is if you use milk every morning you need to keep it in a convenient location. Imagine what your morning would be like if you had to go down to the basement or out to the garage to get your milk from the deep freezer then thaw it out before adding it to your coffee. Think of how much time this would add to your morning routine. Office supplies are not so different. Depending on the type of work you do, your pen should be close by; your laminating machine should not.

When the warehouse discount centers first came out my father, known for his thrifty ways, became their best customer. With a family of 5 he was convinced that this was the answer to his hefty grocery bills. He came home with giant jars of maraschino cherries, pickles, even peperoncinis (and yes I checked the spelling on the last one). Our fridge was full; problem was there was nothing to eat. Who could subsist on maraschino cherries? Sure it’s fun at first, but eventually you crave real food. Unfortunately there wasn’t any room left in the fridge. My dad doesn’t buy much food in bulk these days, he’s learned his lesson there, but he does still buy office supplies in bulk. His desk drawers are full of huge tubs of paperclips, packs of number 2 pencils. He doesn’t have any more kids at home or in school so why so many pencils? Is he taking secret Scantron tests?

Office supplies are small and can be relatively inexpensive in bulk, but without a clear understanding of what you will really use, how often you will use it and how many you will use, you’re not saving. A tub of 3000 paperclips seems like a good deal until you can’t find it because you had to store it in the garage, then you buy another tub when you couldn’t find it, then you moved cross country and can’t find either tub.  I’m not exaggerating, this really happens.

Here is what is in my drawer at the moment: (No drawer? Use a small tray or storage box on your desktop.)

1. Highlighter Wheel 2. Small paperclips 3. Big clips 4. Bulldog clips-2 sizes 5. Scissors 6. Rubber bands 7. Hand crème 8. Lip gloss 9. Colgate Wisps 10. Page Flags 11. Pencil Sharpener 12.  2 Le Pens 13. 2 Regular Pens 14. 4 sharpened pencils 15. Sticky notes 16. Pain Reliever

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Posted in Home Office, Office Organization, Organize Your... | 4

Fashion Inspired Office Décor-Neutrals

My inspiration for office décor often comes from my closet; fashion can be the perfect starting point for an office makeover. Don’t get me wrong, not every fashion trend should be translated into office décor, last year’s neon trend being a good example, but many trends will work in an office. You’ll be happy to know that 2011 runways have been full of décor friendly ideas. Every few weeks we’ll bring you a fashion trend and show you how to translate it into an organized and stylish office.

Our trend to translate this week is Neutrals.

Fall runways were full of neutrals like British Tan and Camel, colors that work great at—well, work. As further proof that we’re on to something I offer you a little insider information. We’ve carried the Bella Leather Collection for many years, but this year the British Tan is flying off the shelves, so it appears that we’re not the only ones inspired by the runways…….

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Organize Your Nightstand (for work)

They say you’re not supposed bring work into the bedroom. They also say you shouldn’t have a TV in the bedroom. This advice sounds good in theory, but like any good workaholic I just can’t help myself. In fact sometimes I watch T.V., visit with my husband and check email all at the same time. I won’t claim to sleep well or have an amazing sex life, but on both counts I manage. If you’re looking to sleep better or improve your sex life than by all means get your work and T.V. out of the bedroom, but if you’re just looking to organize the work you brought into the bedroom and that now covers your nightstand—keep reading this is for you.

My nightstand ends up cluttered with paperwork, catalogs, my Kindle, chargers, books, tissue, and much more. I should have a desk next to my bed not a nightstand, but I’m not that crazy……yet. So in lieu of getting a larger piece of furniture it became necessary for me to organize my nightstand. When getting organized you should always start with a written plan. I made a list with three columns. The first column was everything on my nightstand, the second column was ‘stay’ or ‘go’, the final column was my organizational solution or final resting place for this item.

This is what my list looked like:

This is what I did:

1) Drilled a hole in back of nightstand drawer and ran chargers through the back so both my iPhone and Kindle could be charged from inside the drawer.

If you don’t have a drawer in your nightstand use a charging station/organizer like the one from Jonathan Adler.

2) Purchased a drawer organizer for my nightstand drawer. I used the organizer to store my lip gloss, a pen, pencil, highlighter, and notepad/paper. The Sticky Note Set from Galison has every size paper you could possibly need. (Unless you’re composing a novel—for that you will need some larger paper.) The charging station/organizer mentioned above has a small drawer and storage for these items if your nightstand doesn’t have a drawer.

3) Shopped my house to find a basket that would look great in my room and hold catalogs and magazines. The Bungalow File Tote was the perfect size. I also added two plastic pouches to the tote.  One pouch for tearing pages from magazines, recipes, inspiring décor, etc. The second pouch for tearing pages from catalogs, things I want to buy. I also positioned a waste basket right next to my nightstand. I can tear out pages as I read the magazines and toss the rest when I’m finished.

4) I put the books back on the bookshelf. I can really only read 1 book at a time, plus I have a Kindle. I don’t need an entire reference library next to my bed, plus books collect dust and are not good bedmates for those with allergies.

5) I got a tissue box cover to make my tissue look like part of the room and not just clutter.

6) The satellite radio stays exactly where it is, but the lamp moved to the wall. I invested in matching wall hanging lamps for each side of the bed.

7) I now bring my laptop bag into my bedroom and put my computer back in it when I’m finished.

8) I found a small dish to hold jewelry and hair ties. I like the Egg Crate from Anthropologie, it prevents your jewelry from getting knotted together.

9) I did set some rules for myself. Absolutely no bills in the bedroom. I’m fine bringing creative work to bed, but I draw the line at anything stressful. For me that’s bills and contracts.

Here is a picture of my nightstand:

Here are the products you can use to organize your nightstand:

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Business Travel

Business travel only sounds glamorous to those left behind to answer the phone, open the mail, and ship out the samples you forgot. Sure there may be a few people for whom travel is glamorous, but for the other 99.9% of us who do not fly on the corporate jet traveling for work is, well….work.

Don’t get me wrong. Business travel can be tolerable and perhaps even enjoyable with a little forethought and a lot of organization.

I’m not eating that.
You hiked and biked all weekend and even passed up birthday cake at a party. If you’re going to blow it, it shouldn’t be on airplane food. There are some food items that travel well and won’t make you fat. You should pack: organic instant oatmeal packets, nuts, dried fruit, Starbucks Via instant coffee, Kashi dark chocolate coconut bars, and Justin’s Peanut Butter packets. You can always get hot water to make oatmeal. To turn oatmeal into a balanced meal simply mix the nuts and dried fruit in a baggie then use the back of a spoon to crush the mixture so you can add it to your oatmeal. Justin’s Peanut Butter packets are great on an apple. Even the worst hotels usually have apples and bananas for guests.

Climate controlled? Is the person controlling the climate actually in this climate? Whether it’s an airport, airplane or conference center chances are slim that you will enjoy a climate suited to you, especially if you’re in a suit. It was a warm day when I headed for the airport. I checked my bags and made it through security only to find out my flight would be delayed for 2 hours, then 4, then 6, then it was 11 pm, freezing cold and all the gift shops were closed. Never one to repeat my mistakes, I now travel with a pashmina shawl or wrap, a lightweight version in the summer and a thicker version for winter. It’s a great accessory that can also work as a lap blanket. Another trick is to dress in layers, which can sound good in theory, but can be problematic when you have to remove all the layers and carry them around with you.

The TSA agents have touched me in more places than my husband.
Getting felt up at the airport is not as fun as it sounds. The trick to staying calm with airport security is to stay calm with airport security. Attitude is everything. They’re just doing their job, so even if you don’t feel like smiling force yourself. Be nice and patient with security, your fellow travelers, and flight attendants, no matter how they treat you. People respond well to kindness and it makes the entire situation more comfortable for you and those around you.

Give me your tired poor huddled masses…is not a packing style.
There’s no magic suitcase, at least to my knowledge, that puts outfits together and cleans clothes during travel. It’s best to plan your outfits, travel lightly and organize your suitcase. Create a packing list and use it each time you travel. Use pouches to consolidate like items: a pouch for undergarments, a pouch for workout wear, etc. Include a water-resistant pouch for any wet items that will be returning with you. I like the Jane Marvel Pouch Set. Include travel size static and stain remover, I like the travel set from The Laundress.

Follow the rules please.
A close and humorous friend always reminds me during travel “follow the rules please.” It’s funny how everything really does come back to the first lessons learned in kindergarten. Please check the airline and TSA websites for any rules changes before traveling. Be prepared at TSA with your liquids in a clear pouch. Bring an empty KOR Water Bottle and fill it once you get past security. Organize your carry-on and travel documents so that you can access what you need when you need it.

Fashion and function can coexist.
I will occasionally sacrifice comfort for style, but never when traveling. A wheeled bag and good shoes can make running through an airport to catch a connecting flight relatively painless. There are a lot of great bags that have wheels, Jane Marvel and Orla Kiely to name a few. For a quick flight or if you travel light it may not be necessary, but better safe than sorry. With the popularity of ballet flats there is really no need to wear stilettos while traveling; that is unless you’re flying to meet a cute guy and you’re young enough to wear stilettos without pain. If that’s the case then by all means wear whatever you want.

My final parting words are these. Please do not board a plane in slippers and pajamas. Do your best to look civilized. I realize it’s not always possible to look your best, I too have traveled with children, but you can do better than the clothing you slept in. Your fellow travelers thank you in advance.

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Organize Your Kitchen Office

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. If it’s true then I’m in desperate need of a quadruple bypass!

My husband’s reminder sticky notes cover the walls. The kids’ school work, phone lists, and permission slips are taking over the counters. Hopelessly mixed up with junk mail, there is no chance our bills will be paid on time. We’re drowning in paperwork to the point that take-out menus, coupons, and newsletters have replaced coasters in our house. If you could bring back the trees killed for all this paper we would have our very own forest.

In my previous home I had a much better handle on kitchen office organization. I had custom designed my small kitchen and what it lacked in square footage it made up for in organization; careful planning and well-placed cabinets. A small area near the phone was my command central.

Never has my REGROUP method been so needed. I previously had control of this area in my life, but major life changes have been at play, a new baby and a cross-country move could send even the most organized of people into utter chaos. It’s time to REGROUP, what worked in the past isn’t working now. I need a new system.

Here’s what I did.

1 Assigned my husband a notebook. Rather than having notes posted all over the kitchen he has one place for lists and notes. If I find a loose note when straightening up the kitchen I simply staple it inside his notebook. Pick something attractive that you won’t mind sitting out on the counter.

2 Downsized the cook book collection and created a recipe binder. All you need is a few paper pockets, dividers, a binder, and sheet protectors. Magazine pages and even recipe cards will fit easily into the sheet protectors. If you have a few cook books that you only use 1 or 2 recipes from then photocopy those recipes and put them in your recipe binder. If you want to really go crazy include a section for meal planning, a place for grocery lists and weekly menus.

3 Traded my letter trays and complicated menu binder for magazine files. They don’t take up a lot of space and they are easy to access. I use one for kids stuff, one for menus and local events, and one for office. The office magazine file has financial stuff like bank statements, bills and receipts. When my husband sits down to pay bills he empties out the file and puts everything where it goes in the office.

4 Created a binder to store phone lists, the school year calendar, frequent shopper cards, schedules, emergency contact information and even a list of repair persons, like the plumber.

5 Used drawer organizers to keep the “junk drawer” neat and tidy. It can be tempting to hide clutter in drawers. Using labeled drawer organizers to create dedicated spaces will make your family think twice about stuffing random junk in kitchen drawers. What do I keep in my kitchen office drawer? A stapler, tape, scissors, clips, rubber bands, sticky notes, permanent markers, pencils, a sharpener, pens, super glue, lip balm, hand crème, and an eye glass repair case. I also noticed that we had collected a lot of loose change in the drawer so I labeled a bin for that, no sense in fighting the inevitable.

6 Got a Whomi Family Wall Calendar for quick reference and attached a pencil to it. School holidays, kids’ appointments, business trips all go on the family calendar.

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Organize Your Car

Depending on where you live, a significant percentage of you and/or your family’s life could be spent in the car. At times you may even ask yourself why you bought the big fancy house and the little sports car; it should have been the other way around.

Make the most of your travel time by taking some time to organize your car.

Jane’s List of Car Must-Haves:

1) First aid kit. I’m not suggesting you be prepared to perform a roadside appendectomy. A few bandages, antibiotic ointment, and aspirin (in a child-proof container) are sufficient for most people. The Mini-Emergency Kit is a good start. If you prefer to customize something to your lifestyle, create your own first aid kit by filling a Barcelona Bag with exactly what you need.

2) Flashlight. From late night reading or to find a dropped earring between the seats a flash light is important, even if you wouldn’t dream of changing a tire in the night.

3) Trash bin. Keep one in each door so there are no excuses for stray tissues and gum wrappers. Empty the bags each time you pump gas. My favorite type is flat and slides into the door cubby. I’ve only found them at car washes or gas station gift shops. You could also recycle gallon size resealable bags–just not one you previously used for frozen fish. A shop towel or some paper towels can also keep your auto neat and tidy.

4) Cash. I read somewhere that Jackie Kennedy always kept a dollar zipped in her purse for emergencies. A dollar won’t go far these days, so I recommend a $10, two $5, and five $1 bills in your glove box or center console. If you spend it be sure to put it back, and don’t ever let your children or husband see where you hide it.

5) Girl Stuff. Why is it that bad things come in multiples? It’s rare for me to have just one thing go wrong in a day. If I’m going to split my pants, pop a button, chip a nail or have an early visit from my monthly visitor, it’s all going to happen at once. The Working Girl Survival Kit contains 22 health and beauty essentials including stain remover, a mending kit, an emery board, and even feminine hygiene products, all in a compact aluminum case. You can also make your own kit by filling a Jane Marvel Pouch or document size Barcelona Bag.

6) Guy Stuff. It’s not that I can’t change a tire or jump start a dead battery, it’s that after working full-time and parenting a baby and two teenagers I’m tired. Just dialing roadside assistance from my mobile phone seems like a lot of work. Nonetheless I keep jumper cables and a tire iron, but only in case I find a cute nice stranger to assist me.

7) Snacks. Break the fast food habit by keeping a few travel friendly snacks in your car. A bag of nuts, an energy bar (pick a type that won’t melt), or some trail mix will keep you from chewing your arm off or worse– eating junk food. If you have kids, a few juice boxes can also come in handy.

8) Office Supplies. I’m not suggesting you prepare the TPS report during your morning commute, but there are some occasions when you could use a few office supplies on the road. Kill time waiting for a meeting or appointment by getting some work out of the way. A quick thank-you note to a client. Pay some bills. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with some basic supplies like envelopes, a few stamps, two pens, a pencil, a sharpener, a highlighter, sticky notes, paper clips and a note card or two. In the electronic age it’s nice to send a handwritten note, and the only time I have for that is when I’m stuck in a doctor’s waiting room for several hours.

9) Trunk Organization. How do you keep all this stuff from rolling around your trunk with every stop? If you have a trunk, use a sturdy cardboard box to contain all your supplies. If you have a mini-van or SUV your mobile organization may be clearly visible to the rest of the world. Use a plastic lidded bin or a pop-up bin. I like the bins from Bungalow.

Image above: 1. Mini-emergency Survival Kit, $15; 2. Bone Paper Clips, $8; 3. The Seven Year Pen, $8; 4. Lilly Pulitzer ‘Stuck On You’ Sticky $12; 5. Capsule Highlighters $8; 6. Working Girl’s Survival Kit $38. 7. Animal Note Cube $15; 8. Pencil Pusher Sharpener $6.50; 9. See Jane Work Basics Pencils $7

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Get Motivated, Get Organized

Although it’s hard to recognize your own flaws, it’s even harder to talk about them. I can’t tell you how many times I look at organizing obstacles in my own life and blame someone else. “That darn mail carrier just keeps bringing mail, what nerve?” The other night I teased my husband about the 10 books stacked on his night stand. “You know you can only read one at a time, maybe you should keep them on the book shelf until you’re actually going to read them.” The smile on my face quickly faded as my husband quipped “At least I have an excuse, you have a Kindle and there are still 5 books next to your side of the bed.” He was right (but don’t let him know I admitted it).

I’m not sure if I should be telling you all of this, but we bicker about clutter quite often. We recently moved and had to store our belongings for about 6 months. It was the perfect time to get rid of all that unwanted clutter, and by clutter I mean his collection of concert ticket stubs, old text books, an old motorcycle jacket, maps from his trip to Europe….the list was endless. Unfortunately, he didn’t see the process quite the same way. Before I could complete my list of items to discard he had sent my collection of jelly jars to the recycle bin. “Wait!” I cried. “Someday I’m going to have a party and fill those jars with votives for center pieces.” He smiled as he asked, “in a day from now you won’t even have a house and yet you want to store 3 boxes of old jelly jars for when you have a house and eventually a party?” He had a point.

It’s time to air my dirty laundry so the next 5 blog posts will be about my problem areas and how I tackle them. Not the being a good mom, exercising and eating healthy problem areas; that would take way too long, just the clutter problem areas. I’ll cover the night stand, kitchen counter or entry way, car, desktop and desk drawer. I can’t promise my ideas will work for you, but it won’t hurt to read them. Please let me know if there is anything I’ve missed.

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