Getting Organized Doesn't Mean Pretty Containers
Apr 17, 2023
First, let me explain my vision of an organized home:
1. Everything has a place.
2. You have what you need and use (in other words, clutter is limited).
3. You have systems that work for your unique family.
I’ve had those days where I’ve forgotten my child’s lunch, or my son left his homework folder (after actually doing the homework!), or when we are frantically running around the house looking for a baseball uniform. For me it is one of the worst feelings. It’s stressful for everyone.
Each time something like this happens, I reflect and implement a system to prevent it from reoccurring. For example, we check in with our kids before they wind down with T.V. or a game and ask if they are ‘ready’ for the next day. Being ‘ready’ includes packing up your backpack and putting it in their closet by the front door – and yes, I remind them using those words!
If we look at the research, clutter and a messy home can be visually distracting, and can impact one’s ability to focus. The New York Times cites research that found clutter sucked people’s time because they couldn’t find things. Now, imagine being a small child trying to navigate in a clutter, disorganized space. And imagine being a parent who is commanding a child to do things at the last minute as if they are remembering random to dos.
The upside of being organized is that your child will learn skills that help with school success. They will have systems in place that support executive functions, which are also linked to academic success.
Want to take a closer look at your organized home?
Start here:
1. Pick one pain point in your day.
Examples include getting out the door, packing school lunches, making sure devices are charged, or keeping up with groceries/household consumable.
2. Create a system to ease that paint point.
For example, maybe you make lunches the night before and clear space in your fridge for the lunchboxes. Or perhaps you create a central charging station in your home for all devices to charge overnight.
3. Present the new system or plan to your family. Ask for their word that they will follow the plan. Welcome any suggestions they have to improve the system!
Tell me what you changed in the comments!