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Staying Organized Despite Your Kids

Riv Lynch

Apr 17 |21:04

One of the most common complaints I get from clients is trying to stay organized despite the chaos that kids and their stuff bring into the house. Teaching kids organization is a lifelong lesson that requires consistency, role modeling and creating an environment in which they can succeed. And although it's best to start when the kids are young, it's never really too late. It requires the 3-R Approach: Reducing clutter, Refreshing Systems and Relearning Habits. And, of course, it requires patience, perseverance and a commitment from the entire family.
There is a plethora of information pertaining to kids and organization in the home. Below are just a few things to help you get started. Remember that customizing the list and adapting it to your own family needs is also very important for real success.
1. Assess what is working and what is not. Having an understanding with 'What-Is' gives you a starting point. Have a family meeting (including your nanny or housekeeper if you employ one) and begin a list of the challenges everyone in the family encounters. For example, "I don't know where to put my school papers when I come home", or "Throwing your coats on the floor is not an option".
2. Create a Landing Zone -Kids AND adults need a consistent place to "dump" their stuff. Depending on your home, create a place to collect their shoes, hang their jackets, place their back packs, collect the mail. Consistency is key. And so is reminding them about having respect for their things. Having only one landing zone is crucial. If you "let them off the hook" it will be harder next time.
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Top 10 Organizing Myths

Riv Lynch

Mar 15 |20:34

I love lists. And the list below is a wonderful overview of the top 10 organizing myths many organizers hear during their career. I've adapted the list below based on one created by Hazel Thornton - Organized for Life as part of her "Busting the Top 10 Organizing Myths".

1&2. Neat equals Organized & Messy means Disorganized - Finding a system that works for you is what is important. I've worked with many clients who have messy desks or rooms and know EXACTLY where everything is. And, I know for a fact that some very organized people, like myself, are SO organized yet we sometimes can't remember where we put things "and it was such a clever place to hide it!"
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My Wife Says I'm A Hoarder!

Riv Lynch

Feb 01 |19:29

In my business I often come across labels being loosely thrown around such as 'hoarder', 'ADD' or 'OCD' to describe someone's behavior including one's own. More often than not, the labels are misused and even abused. It sometimes makes me cringe when I hear, "Oh, he's so ADD", or in jest "I'm sure I'm a hoarder!". So this month I thought it was important to give a brief 'lesson' on the terms associated with disorganization and maybe identify where you fit in if at all.

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Clutter: A New Perspective

One of the best non-fiction books I've read this year is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben. One of her chapters is about my favorite subject; organizing.  After tackling her own organizing challenges she comes up with her own list of types of clutter.  The list is true and makes me chuckle. Hopefully it will make you chuckle too.

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8 Simple Rules For Organizing Kids

No age is too soon or too late to teach your children a few organizational skills, starting with their own personal space. The pay off is that they may just extend that order, attention to detail, care for their belongings and general respect and gratitude into other areas of their personal life.

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