Category Archives: Organization Tips

The One Simple Task That Successful People Do Each Morning

Many of us were taught to make our beds in the morning and that we should do it every day.

But let’s face it – many of us still don’t. We lead busy lives, and making the bed is rarely the first thing on our minds when we wake up.

This five minute task, however, is more important than we might think. According to author Gretchen Rubin and a former Navy SEAL commander, it could impact our entire day.

With the new school year starting, it’s not uncommon for students, parents, and teachers to seek out new strategies that could lead them to success. Even though it might seem like an unnecessary or burdensome morning ritual, making the bed can actually be one of those strategies.

In a recent LinkedIn article, Rubin discusses how she and Naval Admiral William McRaven have one thing in common: they both believe that making the bed can be the best way to start each day.

Rubin writes about the topic in several of her happiness-related books, while McRaven touched on the subject in his commencement address at the University of Texas. Here’s what he had to say:

“If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter.”

When you have a rather huge to-do list each morning, that list can feel overwhelming. By starting the day off with a small but productive task, you’ll feel more accomplished as you begin your to-do list.

Try it out for yourself and see if this change in your morning routine can make a difference. If it’s as powerful as Rubin, McRaven, and many others say, this simple habit could improve your productivity and lead you to having a more successful day.

Maximize Your Closet Space – Big Storage Solutions for Small Closets

You may think you couldn’t possibly get more use out of your small closet without studying the laws of physics and gravity. But all you need is a simple change in perspective.

Think differently

Look at your closet. Standard closets come with one rack spanning the width of the space with a shelf on top of it. Look past it, or better yet, take it out. Now what do you see? It’s more than just a box, it’s a three dimensional space.

Now consider the height, width, and depth. If it were a sealed space, how much water could it contain? Don’t try this! Just get your mind thinking about the space as a big container ready for filling.

Let’s get personal

Think about what you need to store in it. Do you wear suits, dresses, and skirts? If so you need to hang them up, leaving about 24″ of depth and enough room across so the clothing can “breathe” and not get crushed.

Think vertically

Look up. Take advantage of the height and double-hang the racks so there is enough room so that the clothing on the bottom rack doesn’t graze the floor. You can either extend the top rack to accommodate long pieces or add another long rack.

Think horizontally

This will leave more space to add horizontal shelving. There’s no need for a 24″ depth for sweaters and ready-to-wear items, unless the shelves can be pulled out so you can see what’s in the back. Otherwise, consider short-stacking the shelves so fewer items rest on more shelves.

Keep it at eye level

Keep what you need on a regular basis at eye level. Use upper storage for items used less often. Some people prefer to use storage boxes and containers for the out-of-the-way items and the day-to-day items exposed for easy use.

If the shoe fits…

If the shoe fits, take good care of it! After a quick wipe down, shoes need to be stored in a dry, clean space, preferably upright and properly supported (like popping simple cardboard tubes into boots).

If your preference is to put them in drawers, look into a pull out shoe rack for larger footwear collections. Even the smallest closets can add stacked shelves on the floor.

Bags of bags

Like shoes, purses can take up lots of space. If you hang them together they can become a big, twisted clump. Give them their space. Add a series of cubbies or store them in clear boxes so you can see each one and access them easily.

It’s the little things that count

At the end of the day when you want to take off your watch, jewelry, belts, and small accessories, you need to have a place to put them.

There are multiple solutions and container systems available that take up very little space. Even a simple hook can do wonders. An extra shelf or counter top can be a regular drop-off spot, or include a drawer in your shelving system so you can simply tuck away and hide.

It’s personal

Your closet is your space, a reflection of your lifestyle. You can try to modify the space on your own or you can talk to an expert and have them show you how to maximize your closet space.

Organized Interiors’ design consultants specialize in creating personal, one-of-a-kind fittings, custom-designed for your personal storage needs.

Schedule a free in-home design consultation with one of our professionals to start getting more from your closet spaces.

Relieve Back-To-School Anxiety With These Helpful Tips

Back-to-school season is an exciting time for many students, but not for all.

For kids who are going to school for the first time or entering their first year of elementary or middle school, the start of a new school year can cause stress.

If your children are struggling with back-to-school anxiety, make the transition easier for them (and you, too) with these tips.

Start their new sleep schedule a week or two in advance

If the kids have been staying up later and sleeping in longer during the summer season, it may take time for them to adjust to a new sleep schedule.

Starting a few weeks before school starts, have the kids go to bed and wake up earlier so they can feel well-rested and energized on their first day back.

Get them back in the habit of studying

The first week back in school might feel overwhelming if your kids haven’t opened a book all summer. Set up a homework room for your kids so that they can refresh their minds before school starts.

Do a walk-through

Unfamiliar territory can make anyone feel anxious. Help your kids get to know the new school they’ll be attending by visiting it beforehand and showing them around.

If there are any back-to-school events taking place, attend with your kids so they can meet new teachers and students.

Set expectations

A new school year often means new experiences. Entering middle school might mean more responsibility while entering first grade could involve a new school and different classes.

Help your children prepare for these new experiences by discussing them beforehand, giving the kids an idea of what to expect.

Make it fun with back-to-school shopping

A new outfit or pair of shoes for your kids can boost their confidence on the big day and you’ll have the chance to bond with your little ones before they become busy with school.

The back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a stressful time. Help ease the kids’ anxiety with these tips and help them enjoy the start of a new school year.

5 Ways to Streamline Your Morning Routine This School Year

School’s back in session. Although this means you’ll get to enjoy some peace and quiet while the kids are in class or participating in after-school activities, it also means your mornings will be more chaotic.

Here are five tips to help you streamline your morning routine and get everyone out the door on time.

1. Organize your closets

When you’re in a hurry, an organized closet can be a lifesaver. Consider different storage solutions for your bedroom and the kid’s rooms.

A hanging shoe rack, specialized hangers or custom closet organizers can help you store items strategically. They often provide flexibility as well.

2. Create a designated place for your keys

How many times have you been late because of a lost set of keys? Install a hook next to the door or designate a kitchen drawer to store your keys.

Then you’ll always know where they are and won’t have to spend mornings frantically searching.

3. Design your bedroom to promote sleep

It’s hard to be productive and efficient in the morning when you and the kids are feeling groggy. Make sure everyone is well-rested by considering bedroom colours, mattresses and other factors that may be hindering your sleep.

It’s often recommended to keep technology out of the bedroom, which can affect the quality of your sleep.

4. Keep the mudroom tidy

If you keep shoes, coats, winter accessories and umbrellas in the mudroom, it’s important to keep it organized. Just like closet organization, a tidy mudroom will make locating items a breeze.

Consider adding a custom cabinet in your entryway, complete with hooks, drawers and shelves where you and the kids can store your outdoor apparel.

5. Prepare the night before

The kids might have driven you crazy all summer, but soon you’ll be cherishing the mornings when you have time to spend with them. Make those moments last longer by preparing what you can the night before.

For example, you can pack lunches, put together outfits and plan tomorrow’s morning meal ahead of time.

Mornings before getting your kids off to school don’t have to be complete chaos. Streamline your morning routine to spend less time getting ready and more time with the kids.

For expert help yo get your mudroom and closets working harder for you, schedule a free in-home design consultation with Organized Interiors.

Organize Your Summer Wardrobe in Three Easy Steps

Summer is here and it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear this year. As with so many other things in life, being prepared is half the battle.
If your clothes are organized so that you can find what you want quickly and easily, then you’re already on your way to looking your best. Nothing is worse than spending the morning tearing through your closet looking for your lucky presentation outfit and not being able to find it anywhere.
Having a system – and sticking with it – can really save time and reduce stress. So here are three easy steps to help you organize your summer wardrobe.

Step One – Out with the Old

Start by getting rid of old clothes that, for one reason or another, you know you won’t wear again. This will help you focus on organizing the summer clothes you actually will wear. As for the old items, you can donate them, pass them on to a friend or family member, or even try selling them online.
When it comes to making decisions, a good rule of thumb is: if you didn’t wear it last summer, you probably won’t wear it this summer either.

Step Two – Organize

There are different ways to approach this, but we recommend organizing by function. So, have one section of your closet for everyday work clothes; one for special work clothes (for example, presentation or meeting outfits); one section for casual week-end wear; one section for party clothes; and so on. Let your wardrobe and your lifestyle guide you in deciding exactly what sections you need.

Step Three – Stay Organized

This is the hard part. Too often, even the best-planned system falls apart after a couple of laundry cycles. Do your best to put things away according to the system you’ve established.
The small investment of time required to stay organized will pay big dividends by saving time and reducing stress when you’re putting together the perfect outfit the morning of a big meeting or presentation.

Bonus Tip – The Key to Staying Organized

The biggest key to staying organized is having the storage space and accessories you need to keep everything in proper order. At Organized Interiors, we specialize in providing custom closets and accessories that are designed with your needs in mind. You may find that a few simple accessories, like a built-in laundry hamper or a valet pole, will make a big difference. We also offer beautiful custom-built closets, which can completely transform your space and provide all kinds of great storage options.
Just get in touch with us to set up a free in-home consultation – one of our design consultants will be happy to meet with you and suggest solutions that are perfect for your needs and your space. Book your free consultation today.