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  • April 03, 2021 10:20 AM | Deleted user

    Quick tips & tricks to hack and master everyday life! (cont.)

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.

    Did you catch the previous tips for keeping a tidy Entry WayKitchen, Living Room, Dining Room and Bedrooms, and Bathroom?

    The Bathroom

    Doing laundry is a chore that most of us already don’t enjoy, so why make it more difficult on yourself with a disorganized space?


    Make doing laundry easier by organizing your space with the following tips.

    Start with creating a sorting system before you bring loads of dirty clothes to the laundry room. The size of your family and your weekly schedule will be a factor in your sorting system. A common, easy idea to start with is creating separate “Dark” and “Light” baskets for each person. Regardless of what your system looks like, be sure to use something that works best for you and your family.

    Besides creating a system, you also want to create a schedule. If your children or grandchildren live with you, even for just a few days, your schedule might include more frequent laundry days. Use a separate day to wash towels and linens.

    Add baskets to your space for multiple uses.

    Aside from using them to sort laundry and keep track of what’s clean and what’s dirty, you can also use them to organize cleaning supplies like laundry detergent and cleaning rags.

    It’s important to have a drying rack for delicate items that can’t go in the dryer. Unfortunately, if your laundry room is closer in size to a laundry closet, you may not have enough space for a full drying rack. Add tension rods between cabinets or the wall to create your own drying rack. 

    More hands make for lighter work, so if you can, get the kids or grandkids involved with sorting and folding clothes!


    We hope you've enjoyed this series of Home Organization Hacks provided by our partners at Crampt!

    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro

    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.

  • April 02, 2021 10:27 AM | Deleted user

    Quick tips & tricks to hack and master everyday life! (cont.)

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.

    Did you catch the previous tips for keeping a tidy Entry WayKitchen, Living Room, Dining Room and Bedrooms?

    The Bathroom

    As the smallest place in your home, your bathroom is the most important place for organization. Just a few things out of place can make it feel disorganized and cramped.


    Clear out anything that hasn’t been used in the last six months - including medications and makeup. (NAPO note: don't flush medications; be sure to check with your pharmacy for proper medication disposal)

    Group bathroom supplies by use:

    • Cleaning products can go on one side of the cabinet
    • Toiletries can go in a basket or rolling rack next to the sink
    • Smaller bottles are hidden behind the mirror in the medicine cabinet.

    Like the kitchen, the bathroom is a place with a lot of small items. To help with organization, place smaller items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, contacts and hair accessories in smaller baskets within drawers.

    Because your shower doesn’t have built-in shelving, take advantage of shower caddies. Assign each person in the home their own caddy to help separate things like shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

    Many bathrooms don’t have closets in or near the room, so you’ll need to create your own storage spaceShelving units or floating shelves can provide a place to keep your extra towels and baskets or bins of accessories.

    Use plastic drawer storage under the sink. The space under your counter is usually wide open, making it the perfect place for small rolling bins. If you don’t have a lot of counter space, this can be the ideal place for makeup and hygiene products.

    Make sure everything has a space. This will make it easier to put belongings back when you’re done with them.


    Check back tomorrow for Crampt's Organized Laundry Room tips!


    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro

    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.


  • April 01, 2021 1:39 PM | Deleted user

    Quick tips & tricks to hack and master everyday life! (cont.)

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.

    Did you catch the previous tips for keeping a tidy Entry WayKitchen, Living Room, and Dining Room?

    The Bedroom

    If you want a good night’s sleep, one of the best favors you can do for yourself is to tidy up your bedroom. The clean space invites tranquility and a calm mind, helping you to drift right into a restful repose. A cluttered room, on the other hand, can cause increased anxiety, leading to a restless night. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary — not a source of stress.

    One easy way to declutter your bedroom is by creating under-the-bed storage. If your bed doesn’t already sit on a platform with drawers, you can generate storage space with rolling or sliding storage bins for keeping seasonal clothing or extra bed linens.

    Make your bed every day. While you’re not necessarily putting something away, you are putting it back in its place — and that can be part of a very healthy organizational habit. It may even help motivate you to get the rest of the room back in order.

    If you don’t have a jewelry box or stand, consider using a jewelry drawer. You can insert simple drawer organizers or boxes. This will make it easier to find your favorite earrings or watch.

    A small trash bin is a must. It will give you a much better place to put tissues, sticky notes and other scraps rather than the floor.

    Is your room overrun by shoes? Place stackable shoe racks under hanging clothes in your walk-in closet.

    Don’t forget about your closet. While your bedroom may finally be under control, your closet is a completely separate space that may not get the attention it needs. Decide whether it needs a complete reorganization or just a quick decluttering session.

    • If it needs a total overhaul, start by going through your closet and deciding what will stay and what will go.
    • Reorganize the items that are staying by grouping similar items together.
    • If you have items that you wear more often than others, place those in the most easily accessible spot.

    Be sure to keep a hamper in your room, closet or attached bathroom, to help prevent used clothes from cluttering the floor.

    Don't forget the guest and kids' rooms!

    When it comes to your children’s or grandchildren’s rooms, you may have to organize a whole different kind of disaster. The combination of clothes and toys alone can lead to chaos underfoot.


    • If you don’t have a separate room for toys and other activities, create a cubby system with labeled baskets for different items. 
    • Create clothing storage that’s easy for little ones to reach. That way they’ll be able to help keep their own space tidy by putting clothes away when they’re done with them.
    • Use the backs of doors to your advantage. You can use Command or 3M hooks to hold totes of stuffed animals or other belongings, keeping them off of the floor and out of the way.
    The kids’ rooms will be tidy in no time and will be easier to keep that way.


    Check back tomorrow for Crampt's Organized Bathroom tips!


    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro

    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.


  • March 31, 2021 11:27 AM | Deleted user

    Quick tips & tricks
    to hack and master
    everyday life! (cont.)

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.

    Did you catch the previous tips for keeping a tidy Entry WayKitchen, and Living Room?

    The Dining Room

    The dining room is likely one of the spaces you worry the least about. If you’re like most families, you typically only use this space for family meals, paperwork and possibly homework. But many of us end up using the dining room table as a “catch-all” because of its infrequent use.

    If you notice that there is a little bit of clutter in the space, start with tossing what you don’t need. Many of those coupons at the end of the table are probably expired, and if you don’t plan on using any of them during your next shopping trip, you’re probably not going to use them at all. It’s better to throw them out now rather than let them continue to fill the space.

    Use a sideboard or similar table to create a command center in your living room. Now laptops, craft supplies or spare items have an organized home in your living room.

    If you find yourself dropping purses, mail or coats off on the table, get in the habit of clearing it off before you go to sleep for the night. That way clutter won’t build up, and you won’t find yourself in the midst of a decluttering project every couple of months.


    Check back tomorrow for Crampt's Organized Bedroom tips!


    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro

    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.

  • March 30, 2021 9:33 AM | Deleted user

    Quick tips & tricks to hack and master everyday life! (cont.)

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.

    Did you catch the previous tips for keeping a tidy Entry Way and Kitchen?

    The Living Room

    After the kitchen, the living room is probably your most lived-in space. You’re likely to have pillows littering the floor, clothing strewn about and dirty dishes populating the end tables from eating in front of the television.


    We’ve found a few ways to make organizing your living room a breeze!

    Clear out any items you’re no longer using to help cut down on the clutter.

    Utilize baskets. They’re the perfect place for smaller items that could be cluttering the floor or tables. Slide them under the coffee table, onto a shelf or next to the sofa or armchair to keep them organized.

    Vertical storage provides the perfect solution for items you want to get off the floor. Take advantage of bookshelves and built-ins for organization and easy access.


    Check back tomorrow for Crampt's Dining Room tips!


    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro

    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.



  • March 29, 2021 9:30 AM | Deleted user

    Quick tips & tricks
    to hack and master
    everyday life! (cont.)

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.

    Did you catch the previous tips for keeping a tidy Entry Way?


    The Kitchen

    For many of us, the kitchen is the most frequently used room in the home. It’s where we cook evening meals, help the kids or grandchildren with homework and host get-togethers and holidays.


    The kitchen needs to accommodate a multitude of needs, but this can be tricky with the cornucopia of utensils, appliances and other items that come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

    Start by organizing your countertops for more surface space.

    • Use clear canisters or ones with labels for ingredients that you use often.
    • Line them against the wall and only pull them forward when you need something out of one.
    • Keep utensils and spices off of the counter and in a cupboard or drawer
    • Do you like to keep fruit out for easy snacking? Use a tiered fruit basket to help save counter space.

    Next, create home organization by going through your pantry.
    Begin by pulling everything out!

    • Throw away any food that’s past its expiration date.
      (NAPO note: Many food distribution centers and even neighbors can make use of items pas their "Best by" date - be sure to check!)
    • Wipe down each shelf and place everything back in an order that makes sense to you:
      • Place heavier liquid items like water jugs and soda cans on the bottom so they don’t leak down onto other items or cause stress to the shelf.
      • Lighter and infrequently used items should go toward the top
      • Commonly used objects should go on shelves where you can quickly see and grab them.

    Your final home organization hack for the kitchen is to use drawer organizers for your utensils. When every item has their own “home,” it’s easier to find them later instead of digging around in a drawer while your pasta boils over.

    Check back tomorrow for Living Room tips!


    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro

    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.


  • March 28, 2021 9:30 AM | Deleted user

    Who doesn't love quick tips & tricks to hack and master everyday life?!

    In partnership with NAPO Austin, our friends at Crampt Storage on Demand have prepared the Ultimate Room-by-Room Guide of Home Organization Hacks.


    One Truth about your home is clear: clutter can silently sneak up on you. You may clean your home spotless, but before you know it, your space can magically and mysteriously become chaotic and disorganized once again.

    Unfortunately, organizing isn’t a one-and-done situation — you have to clean and clear your home frequently to keep it neat and tidy.

    This can be particularly important around holidays when family comes for a visit or stays for an extended period of time. 

    Whether you’re in the weeds of spring cleaning, planning for a change of the seasons, preparing for the holidays, or just want to get a jump start on your New Year’s resolutions, now is the perfect time to consider your “plan of attack.”

    Check back each day this week to reveal 7 room-by-room tips to get your space organized, from the front door to the attic!

    The Entry Way

    The entry way, foyer, mudroom — whatever you claim as the main point of entry for your home is one of the most difficult places to keep clean and organized for your family and visitors.


    Follow these organization tips for this area of your home:

    • Strive to keep this space as minimalistic as possible. Less is always more here. 
    • Consider your family’s daily routines. If there’s something like an umbrella stand that isn’t used frequently, get rid of it or move it to a different space.
    • If you have anything out of season, it’s time to put it away so they're not cluttering the space. 
      • Move Spring sweaters to a closet shelf, dresser drawer, or under-bed storage bin.
      • Tuck away backpacks when the school year has ended. Packing them into travel luggage is a great way to save space.
      • Move decorations to storage after the holidays - you won't be needing them for another year!

    Repeat these organization tips each season to make sure this front part of your home stays decluttered and up-to-date.

    Check back tomorrow for Kitchen tips!


    Ready to start organizing your life?

    Get a personalized quote for storage from Crampt today!

    Looking for an Organizer to help get you started?

    Find an experienced local professional at https://www.napoaustin.com/Find_A_Pro


    About Crampt

    Crampt is your on-demand storage expert in the Greater Austin, TX area, a proud partner of the Austin chapter of NAPO.

    Crampt makes storing your extra belongings easy and convenient. When you don’t have enough room in your home for all of your items, the Crampt experts can help you get your space back. We provide free, durable bins for all of your items, and our movers pick everything up when you’re ready, so you never have to worry about taking a trip to your storage unit. All of your items are digitally catalogued online, so you can quickly manage everything from your computer or smartphone and request a drop off.

    It’s that simple.

    About NAPO & NAPO Austin

    The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is the only non-profit, national association of and for Organizers and has more than 5000 members across the world. The aim of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote Professional Organizers and the organizing industry as a whole. The Austin chapter of NAPO supports Central Texas, with a span from Waco to San Antonio - and is committed to educating, supporting and networking with local Professional Organizers.

  • February 04, 2021 10:30 AM | Deleted user

    by Mariah Wells

    Add some Sesame Street to The Jetsons and throw in a pandemic for good measure. Mix well -- and you’ve got the recipe for virtual learning in the 2020-2021 school year. Most parents figured out last spring that their kids weren't going back to the classroom anytime soon. If you haven’t created a learning space in your home for your kids, it’s way past time.

    Here are five ways to improve the learning environment in your home.

    1. Right-Size Your Child’s Desk

    If you’ve ever tried to take a seat in a first-grade classroom, you discovered the chairs are way too small for your adult posterior. But being able to put their feet on the ground and see over the desk is one way the traditional classroom setup helps children focus. If you have elementary school-aged children, smaller chairs and smaller desks will help make the day easier, both physically and mentally. You can find a kid-sized table and four chairs for under $100 on Amazon. You might be lucky enough to find one for even less on NextDoor or Facebook Marketplace.

    2. Control the Clutter

    No matter how old you are, clutter causes stress -- and stress makes it harder for your children to keep up with their schoolwork. Keep things clutter-free by making cleanup time a routine at the end of the school day for younger kids. For older children, make them go through their spaces with a trash bag once a week and throw out what they don’t need.

    3. See Some Green

    Researchers have shown that green space reduces stress and increases focus, so take breaks and get outside, or bring some of the greenery inside. It’s probably not possible to set up a remote school classroom in the middle of Zilker Park, but you can bring some Hill Country penstemon, Texas sage, and other Central Texas native plants to your patio, backyard, or window to get those creative juices flowing.

    4. Keep a Stock of Supplies

    The first day of school is far behind us, but keeping your child’s learning space stocked with supplies is as important as it was during those first weeks of the fall semester.

    Make sure younger kids have all the crayons, construction paper, and glue sticks they need. Keep pencils sharpened and kid-friendly scissors in good shape. For older kids, make sure their devices are in good working order, as well as accessories like earbuds, headphones, and microphones. Check speakers and wires to make sure everything is still in good condition.

    5. Let the Sunshine In

    At least one school designer is a big fan of natural light in home learning environments because sunshine is good for our physical and mental health. It’s easy to let the day get away from you -- and next thing you know, your kids haven’t been outside for three days. Natural light coming through the window is ideal.

    If you can't find a good space next to a window, find an outdoor spot for reading or break-time. Recess was invented to give kids a chance to soak up some of that Texas sunshine.

    Bonus Tip: Go With The Flow

    Finally, go with the flow. Trying to calmly adjust to the "normal" of this new environment has been a challenge for everybody, including your children who are now learning at home. You can take a few measures to make this unprecedented school year easier for your kids -- and make your home a better schoolhouse for the time being, too.

    [NAPO Austin note] A Professional organizer can help you create a fun and functional family study space.  Find a local pro at NAPOAustin.com.


    Mariah Wells studied writing and biology in Houston before moving to Austin with her family to teach English and science. When she isn't teaching or writing, you'll find her in the garden with her husband and twin boys.










  • November 30, 2020 1:13 PM | Deleted user


    Many of us have gotten creative this past year in how to best utilize all of our home spaces as we've redefined leisure and productivity. For those in apartments or working with smaller areas, a fun and functional home can be a bit more challenging to create. For inspiration, our friends at RENTCafé have prepared some tips for our NAPO Austin readers. Enjoy!


    When you’re a renter, decorating and organizing your home can be a challenge, and it might seem futile to invest in a place when you know that you’re eventually going to leave it. However, creating a good organization system and designing the space in your rental can make a huge difference in how you feel and your ability to keep your place clean.

    In particular, one area in which people usually don’t invest is their balcony or patio. Yet, the circumstances caused by the pandemic have taught us just how important it is to have a place where you can go to breathe some fresh air and disconnect from your home a bit — and a balcony provides a perfect transition between exterior and interior. So, in this article, we’ll share tips to help you organize and decorate your small balcony. 

    Furniture

    If you’re renting an Austin apartment, plan to prepare your balcony for a variety of weather situations. 

    Begin by rethinking the flooring. For instance, if you have a concrete floor that you want to cover up, try some composite deck tiles that simply snap into place. These are great because you can take them with you when you move, and they can change the entire feel of the balcony. 

    Additionally, invest in some pieces of small, versatile furniture that can fit a limited space, but that are also made of durable materials that can withstand rain and sun. Another option is a portable set so you can easily fold it up and take it inside when it rains or when you’re not using it. 

    Storage

    Alternatively, if you intend to use your balcony to maximize the storage space in your apartment, consider installing some shelves with easy access. Keep in mind that whatever you store on your balcony needs to be weather-resistant so that rain and excessive sun won’t affect them. While the balcony is a great space to sneak in extra storage, try to keep it on a smaller scale. If you need additional space, you can always rent a storage unit.

    Meanwhile, to properly arrange your balcony, place the furniture close to the walls and further from the door. Then, next to the door, make use of vertical space with the aforementioned shelves, where you can keep anything from jars to potted plants and herbs.

    Décor

    Finally, a balcony has amazing potential to become a relaxing oasis.

    Besides plants, a big part of the décor and atmosphere of the balcony will come from lighting. To that end, invest in hanging lights that you can add to the wall, as well as tiny, warm lights to wrap around the railing or pillars. These will offer a cozy feeling, especially at sunset and in the evening.

    Likewise, make the space feel like your own by adding some items that you enjoy looking at. For example, find a coffee table or a balcony table with additional storage beneath it, where you can keep a couple of mugs, a few books or even a cooler with beverages for quick and easy access when you want to relax. 

    By keeping your balcony organized and knowing its purpose, you can prevent it from becoming just another place where you dump the things you don’t need. Take advantage of this gorgeous space and don’t be afraid to invest in it. The investment will surely be worth it! 

  • August 03, 2020 12:33 PM | Deleted user

    Please enjoy this NAPO Austin guest blog by Ryan Leary Lanier,
    owner of Love Your Space Organizing.


    Here are 5 Back To School Organizing Tips For Success:




    The Night Before

    A successful day starts the night before!  Establish the routine of a "launch pad" where your kid puts together his/her outfit from top to bottom (where ARE my SHOES???!?!), backpack with all homework and signed papers, and any special items.  Preferably, create a spot near the door for the items (except the clothes!), so it's ready, set, launch!  Use a "don't forget" sticky note on the door if an item is in the fridge.  "Today me takes care of tomorrow me!"


    Organizing A Homework Area

    Designate an area for homework and stock it with all the necessary supplies to cut down on the "where are the glue sticks?!" moments.  Use lots of pencil cups to keep everything neat and tidy.  If you need to stow it all away, choose a shower caddy to hold everything for easy toting.  Most kids like to do homework in the kitchen near the action so making a portable supply center will help tidy up after worktime is over.


    Managing School Lunches

    Spend some of Sunday afternoon or evening prepping and stocking the lunch making station.  Cut veggies, make sandwiches, cook a bunch of pasta, put trail mix into small containers, and then these items are ready all week to throw into those lunch boxes.  If you have leftovers from dinner, go ahead and put into lunch sized containers and then they are ready to roll!  When training your child to pack his/her own lunch, teach him/her to choose something from each food group.  Lessons learned now can benefit them their whole lives!




    Helpful Apps For The Family

    Google Calendar is the way to go for family activity management, and to do items.  Link everyone's calendars and designate each person with a different color and life will look pretty in its craziness!  We always have our phones, so use that to your advantage.  Any thought, date, or whim can be entered on the calendar and not overlooked.  A must for families with a traveling parent too, to keep him/her in the loop!


    Go To Parenting/School Resources

    For any and all advice, tips, funny stories, blogs, podcasts and Facebook groups to help with being a successful home CEO, turn to www.organize365.com and you will find a wealth of logical, do-able, and clever strategies to cope with this crazy life!  Lisa Woodruff has been through it all and has created many products and programs (lots of free ones) and an online community for support and tips whenever you need it.  And we all need it!


    Just take it one day at a time!


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