Dear Storage Seeker:
My family and I love autumn but end up feeling as if we can’t keep up with our daily responsibilities because of all that seems to go on. The kids have school and sports, and there are never-ending events to attend. Don’t get me wrong; they are all fun! But things at home seem to fall through the cracks. Can you provide us with some tips to keep our home organized?
Thanks so much,
Proactive Dad.
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Dear Proactive Dad:
Fall is an exciting time of year for just about everyone. It is always a fun-filled and busy season between school, sports, the holidays, and the cooler weather. However, with so many activities taking place, many families feel overwhelmed (not just yours)! This diminishes the joy of autumn festivities for just about everyone. If you are looking for some simple ways to keep your home organized this season—and beyond, these three simple tips can help!
Spend 15-minutes per day de-cluttering. You’ll be glad you did.
Part of feeling less anxious throughout the week is ensuring that your home is clutter-free and organized. Consider targeting one high-clutter area of your home each day for just 15 minutes. You can then decide what to keep, donate and, discard to maximize your home’s space. If you need extra room for some more oversized items, such as sports equipment or holiday decor, you can rent a self-storage unit nearby.
Set up a cleaning schedule for the whole family to partake in.
Set up a schedule that each household member can partake in so that the cleaning does not fall on one person. Many cleaning schedules are available online for free, so finding one that suits your lifestyle is simple. Plus, you can make the family cleaning time a special treat – providing a weekly reward for the whole family to enjoy if tasks are accomplished (such as Friday night ice cream or dessert before dinner).
Take time to plan your meals in advance – it is not as hard to do as you think.
While meal planning sounds like a chore, it is pretty simple (and delicious). Popular new books and websites have made the process a breeze. Think about it: one day a week, in the time it will take you and your family to decide where to order from, you could shred chicken, chop up veggies, and prepare some sauces all to combine for dinner each night—resulting in homemade, healthy meals for you and your family to enjoy.
By spending 15 minutes on clutter, maximizing space through self-storage, sharing cleaning responsibilities, and prepping meals in advance, you are well on your way to a smoother day.
Lastly, while fall brings many activities, take some time to wind down and relax as a family too. Actor Kevin Hart once said that he doesn’t care how busy he is; he will always make time for what’s important. Your family should do the same – and that includes time to just be with and enjoy one another.
We wish you a happy fall!