Where to Start with Your Free Time!

Ask the Organizer
Now that the kids are heading back to school, I have some much needed time to catch up on my organizing. It seems like there is so much to do. Where do I start?
Alice, Niantic

Whether you have school children or not, it seems the beginning of the school year marks the time when we all begin to refocus and realize our homes and systems have been abandoned to enjoy the warmer weather. While it may be sad to think, that the summer fun is over, I believe the fall is just as much a rebirth of our energy as the spring.
If you are like me, you probably spent as much time as possible enjoying the warm weather and slipped out for some long weekend and great vacations. Sometimes it feels like your work and your home punish you for such fun as your laundry, paperwork and other responsibilities pile up on your absence. Now is the best time to rethink your systems and gain motivation once again.
Many areas of your life can be out of balance at this point. But I would suggest working on the following areas for the largest impact in the littlest time: cars, clothing, and calendars.
Your car takes a beating throughout the summer. Whether it is a long road trip or a day at the beach, dirt, sand, garbage and paperwork will build up at a rapid pace. To begin gaining control and prepare for those future carpool nights and sports practices, you need to revamp your car for the school year. Start by pulling everything out and vacuum and wipe down all surfaces. That alone will make your car feel brand new. Next, think about what supplies you will need on the go for the school year. Do you need to always have a bag with changes of clothes for the kids after practice? How about quick snacks and drinks in the trunk? Have you bought a bunch of recyclable grocery bags, but never had them in your car when you needed them? This is the time to think about your daily routines and include items in your car that will support and maintain an efficient system.
After your car start thinking about the seasonal clothing transition. Your closet has probably become unruly since the spring with constant packing and unpacking. Did you wear most of your wardrobe this season? How many items went untouched? Did your kids grow out of certain clothes that have now been replaced by brand new school clothes? Be sure to start pulling these items out right away to keep your closets fresh and orderly. Go as far as creating outfits ahead of time on hangers so getting ready on these more scheduled mornings can happen more smoothly.
The last place to focus on is your calendar. Schedules change as soon as the school year begins and you need to be ready for it. Weigh the options that are going to be best for you and your family. Do you need a wall calendar for everyone to look at the upcoming soccer or dance schedule? Do you want to be able to share an electronic calendar with your husband to coordinate rides for the kids? Whichever method you use, be sure to stick with it consistently and refer to it frequently. Make a habit of marking events as soon as an invitation or e-mail announcement comes in. Color coding for different family members or activities can be a great way for your brain to process information quickly. Remember, gaining control of your calendar will help you gain control of your time.
Focusing on these three areas will help you get a jumpstart this fall. In addition, it will clear your mind to begin processing other projects throughout the fall. With the right systems in place for your daily routine, you will be able to conquer any organizing task ahead!
Kristin Mastromarino is a professional organizer and owner of Livable Solutions Professional Organizing and The Organized Lifestyle retail store in Guilford, CT. (www.theorganizedlifestylestore.com). You can e-mail her your questions at Kristin@livablesolutions.com.