Pack ahead
Once you know what’s going on during the week, it’s easy to get ahead. For instance, you can plan out your kids’ outfits for the week (and get them together, cleaned and ironed, on hangers, over the weekend.
Another way to simplify? Get all the gear for activities together and into a special place in your car. “I’ve started keeping a plastic bin in the trunk of my car that contains all of the sports gear for the coming week. This way, I never forget the tennis racquet, baseball glove or team jersey for the upcoming practices or games,” says Candi Wingate, president of Nannies4Hire.com.
Wingate takes it a step further by keeping other must-haves handy in the car too. ” I keep necessities in my car and replace the items at regular intervals. I always have snacks, bottled water, hand sanitizer, bug spray, sun screen and other necessities at my fingertips. I find that it saves me a ton of time to pack all of these items at once, rather than scramble for granola bars or sunscreen as we’re rushing out the door,” says Wingate.
Embrace texting
Until a few months ago, I fell firmly into the no-texting camp. But I’ve since learned how vital texting can be to quick and easy communications (and then I don’t get in trouble for being too abrupt on the phone by skipping the small talk). I’m not alone. Berit Brogaard, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at University of Missouri, also has embraced texting. “I primarily use text-messaging to communicate with my daughter’s father, who is currently living in the same city as us. Texting is a quick and reliable way of communicating. It doesn’t take up much time, and you can expect a quick answer right away,” says Brogaard.
Unclutter the clutter
Clutter isn’t just an eye sore: it can lead to higher stress, anxiety and even feelings of helplessness. That’s why eliminating the clutter from your life is so important to streamlining. From old clothes to excess papers and books, get rid of the things you really don’t need and you will feel so much better.
“A couple of years ago I still had clothes I bought in college. I would never wear them but I couldn’t get myself to throw them out. I have had to learn to change. Now, if I haven’t worn something for a year, I give it to Salvation Army. The same goes for other things I don’t need. An uncluttered home is one step on the way to an uncluttered mind,” says Brogaard.
Tell us: What is your best organizing tip? Comment below!
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