​​The key to getting and keeping your college dorm room organized, is to ensure that you have everything you need, and nothing that you don't...
​With my daughter going off to college in a few weeks, dorm rooms have been on my mind, along with the shock of how fast these last few months with her have passed.   I sent my oldest daughter off to college 3 years ago and so we have been through it all before.  With exception to enduring a day full of emotions and tears, these tips will ensure that all goes as smoothly as possible on move-in day.
 

DO:  PLAN AHEAD FOR FURNITURE AND DECOR
If you know ahead of time who you are going to be rooming with, talk with your future roommate in advance to avoid duplication of larger items such as a dorm refrigerator, microwave, TV, coffee pot, etc.  This is also a good time to discuss decorating, and come up with a style or theme together so that your choice of decor style and color doesn’t clash with your roommate’s.

DO: SPACE PLAN
If possible, measure the spaces in your dorm room a head of time and take photos of closets and bathroom spaces to ensure that larger items like futons, dorm refrigerators, and other items will fit into the spaces available.  Use your creativity to rearrange the existing furniture to create more space.  If you are short on space try stacking the beds or moving a dresser to your closet.  

DON’T:  PURCHASES ITEMS WITHOUT MAKING SURE YOU NEED THEM
Be sure to use a college supply checklist to ensure that you don’t forget anything.  Knowing what to bring will not only prevent essential items from getting left behind, but will help you to avoid bringing items that you don’t need, that ultimately end up cluttering up your small space.  Check with the school to see exactly what they provide, that way you don’t buy a trash can just to find out that there is already one provided.  Take advantage of local stores on move-in day.  When my older daughter moved in to her dorm room, we held off on buying several questionable items until move in day because we knew we could stop at the store down the street.  By the time we had her situated, we were able to buy only what she actually needed and found that we needed less than expected. 
 
DO: ESTABLISH ZONES WITHIN YOUR COLLEGE DORM ROOM
If possible, create small areas for different activities such as studying, sleeping, entertainment and eating. Store everything that you need for each activity in those zones. For example, for studying, create a place to store pens, pencils, highlighters, a comfy pillow, portable light, glasses, etc. so that you will have everything you need at your fingertips when it is time to study. 


DON’T:  BRING OUT OF SEASON CLOTHING IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO
If you live within reasonable driving distance from your college, leave your winter clothing at home until colder weather arrives.  Swap your summer and fall clothes for your winter clothing as the weather changes. You will free up much needed space in your dorm room closet if you only store the clothing and accessories you actually wear.  
  
DO: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY INCH OF DORM ROOM SPACE
Bed risers and under the bed storage bins are a great way to utilize the space underneath your bed for extra storage space. Add storage cubicles to the bottom of your closet if you are short on shelf storage. Consider bringing a small night stand with open shelves so that it can double as a small book case. Stackable storage cubes also work well.  Over the door pocket organizers are great for extra closet and bathroom storage.  Utilize wall space by adding removable damage free hooks on doors to hang things like purses, coats, robes, towels or your backpack. 

​Taking these steps will ensure that you have everything you need in your college dorm room and nothing stealing space that you won't use.

​As a 3 part blog series we have touched on the 3 things that we tend to do better when we are on vacation that we somehow forget when we go back to living our regular lives. If we could just carry some of these things back with us into our daily routines, we would all benefit in a big way.  First, we slow our lives down to a more enjoyable pace by LIVING IN VACATION MODE, second, we live more simply while we are away by PACKING ONLY THE NECESSITIES. The third thing we get right while we are on vacation is that we live more in the present by doing a better job of PAYING ATTENTION.
 
Think about the last time you went on vacation, likely, you can remember much of what you did each day that you were away. That's because we tune in to whats going on around us when we are on vacation.  Our senses wake up as we slow down a take in new sights, smells, and even tastes, as we try new foods.  We make our best memories on vacation and focus on savoring each moment. We forget about our to-do lists and what needs to be done tomorrow and just live for right now.  Whether we are sharing special moments with our family or friends, enjoying a meal, sightseeing or just taking a walk, we are going all of these things in a more awake state than usual and we are enjoying the process.
 
If we do a better job of living in the present when we are on vacation, what would it be like if we could consciously bring some of this presence back with us into our regular schedules? 

I have to repeatedly remind myself to stay present when I spend time with my 3 daughters.  I am all too aware that their childhood is quickly vanishing.  Already, those little girls I had running around the house have been replaced by big teenage girls that aren't home as often.  I know I don't have much time left to make memories. Also, I want those memories to be vivid and rich, I don't want vague ones where I was only half engaged because my mind was mostly on my to-do list and on getting things done.  I also do not want my best memories to be limited to the few times a year when we were on vacation.
 
But lets face it, staying present is not easy, it takes practice and effort, and the busier we are, the harder it is to do it.  But it is well worth the effort because when we are present, we not only are more engaged and more patient with the people we are with, but we are better listeners too. While we are naturally more apt to wake up to the new sights and experiences that we encounter while on vacation, it is easy to dismiss the present moment on ordinary days when nothing new or unusual is taking place.  But with practice and intention, we can get better at paying attention to what is going on right now, even on uneventful, ordinary days. ​
 
Just the other night, my 19-year-old came home from work, she was excited about the storm that she noticed brewing in the sky while on her drive home.  She took a seat on the front porch and invited me to join her. I put down the task I was working on and sat down next to her.  We just sat there watching the lightning show in the sky for a while, taking in all that we were seeing and hearing.  Eventually the wind turned angry and the rain became a down pour, and we were forced to go in to avoid getting soaked.  But for a short time, we were absorbed in the now, not doing anything other than living and sharing in the moment. At some point, I realized that this was the first time all day that I had stopped being productive.  In my mind, I thought - I need more moments like these in my life.  My guess is that many of us need more moments like this in our lives. I was so grateful to my daughter for nudging me be present for a little while. 
 
See if you can look for opportunities to savor the present moment more often.  Even simple tasks like walking the dog can be done better.  As we walk, we can intentionally stop thinking about what needs to get gone when we get home or what problem needs to be solved, and focus instead on the walk itself. We can walk more consciously, and pay attention to all the sights and sounds of nature.  We can intentionally listen to the birds singing, and the planes flying overhead. Our brains will appreciate the momentary break from constantly problem solving.  Even our pooch will appreciate the extra attention.

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There are three things that we get right when we are on vacation that we somehow forget when we go back to living our regular lives. If we could just carry some of these things back with us into our daily routines, we would all benefit in a big way.  This is a 3-part blog series focusing in detail on each of these.  

We Live Lighter on Vacation 
My last article; living in VACATION MODE discussed how slowing down and enjoying life at a more restful pace should not be reserved just for vacationers. The second thing we get right when we're on vacation is that we pack just the necessities.  There is something freeing about having only the personal items that we really need with us on vacation. While some of us might pack more lightly than others, we all essentially bring only what we think we will need and use during our stay. I tend to pack as little as possible, because it means less hauling, loading and unloading and I am comfortable with doing without anything that is not an absolute necessity for the short time that I am away.  Others may take more time to pack and bring more, to ensure that all the comforts of home are available to them if needed.  Either way, whether we pack light, or pack to be ready for anything, we leave all the stuff we definitely won’t be using, at home.

The Bare Bones
Imagine if we were to apply this logic to our homes when we are not on vacation, and keep only the things that we really use and love. How much space would open up in our homes if every unused thing would simply disappear?  How much lighter would we all feel?  Our 5-person family rents a tiny 12' by 18' one room cabin each summer.  We live in that small space for 4 days with only the things we will be using on the trip.  It is eye-opening to experience how comfortably we can all operate with only the bare bones of space and stuff around us and nothing more. It always makes me feel a little like the Laura Ingalls family of Little House on the Prairie and we honestly are content there. For me, it is a reminder of how much we live in excess of the things we really need in order to be happy.  It is minimalism and simplicity at its best in that tiny cabin by the lake.
 
Is There a Move in Your Future?
A move to a new home is another way that our eyes can be opened to seeing what we really use and what we don’t.  We quickly unpack the boxes holding our necessities so that we can use the things inside, then the boxes full of the stuff we don’t use gets set aside to be unpacked later…sometimes much later. It’s the things inside these boxes that we need to take critical eye to.  If they can sit in a box for a year and not be missed, we likely will also not miss them if they are gone.
 
The Ultimate Minimalist Test 
For those who have lived in the same home for many years, it is easy to become blind to all the things that have slowly accumulated over the years, this is especially true if there is a lot of space in the home.  Joshua Fields Millburn of The Minimalists https://www.theminimalists.com/ packed up every single thing he owned, not because he was moving, but because he wanted to see what he actually used.  He removed items from of the boxes as he used them and made a pack with himself that after 6 months, anything left in those boxes, would go.  This might sound a little extreme for most of us, but it was definitely effective in Joshua's case. What do you have in your home that you have not used in ages?  Perhaps it's time to lighten your load and start living a a bit more like you are on vacation.
 
Watch for my final post in this series: Vacation State of Mind: We Pay Attention - and Live in the Present On Vacation.
 

My daughter recently read the book “The Little Book of Hygge," Danish Secrets to Happy Living, written by Meik Wiking. She read it cover to cover and was deeply inspired to put it into practice.  Hygge, pronounced "hyooguh", is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. Originated in Denmark, Hygge is regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture. 

On a cold winter’s night, my daughter loves nothing more than to wrap herself in a cozy warm housecoat, light a candle, make herself a cup of hot cocoa topped with a swirl of whipped cream. Then she sits by the fire, just sipping and savoring.  She does this intentionally, delighting in her careful routine of enjoying the present moment. Hygge is not necessarily done as a self indulgence per se, but with appreciation for each step of a self-nurturing activity. It is taking the time for appreciating, slowing down and paying attention to the simple pleasure of doing something for no other reason, than to enjoy it.  Hygge, essentially then, is living in the moment and recognizing that there is abundant comfort and joy being offered to us by simply being at home.

With all that is going in the world today, it occurred to me that my daughter is really on to something here. We are all spending a lot more time at home, and while we are here, we may as well take advantage of it.  Until recently, many of us were so busy on any given day, that the idea of slowing down and engaging in a bit of Hygge, was unrealistic and out of reach.  There were dishes to be washed, kid’s basketball games to attend, and laundry piled to the ceiling because we hadn't been at home a single night that week - remember those days? For many of us, our worlds had been spinning so fast for so long, that we didn’t even know how to slow down, let alone relish the simple comforts of home life.

With the onset of Covid-19, we have not only unexpectedly found ourselves at home, but with more time on our hands than usual.  Additionally, many of us are fraught with worries about our family’s health and financial stability. That said, why not make the best of the situation by recognizing and embracing all the comforts that slowing down and being at home has to offer?  Perhaps a little self-nurturing is just what many of us need right now, and we finally have the time to engage in it, guilt free. 

In practicing the concept of Hygge, we are practicing living thoughtfully and in the moment rather than missing out on what is going on right now. 

This is a good thing.

If you like to cook, make a pot of your favorite homemade soup and bake a loaf of bread to go with it – give yourself and your family a little comfort food.  As you chop the vegetables, do it mindfully, and enjoy each step of the process.  Don’t let your mind wander elsewhere to anxieties about tomorrow or ruminations about yesterday, stay present, don’t hurry, and don't worry. Appreciate each step. Let the aroma of the soup permeate your home and savor its delicious fragrance.  

Keep in mind that the experience of Hygge can be enhanced by taking steps to ensure that the space in which you are performing your activity in, supports you.  A clean and orderly kitchen or an organized and functional garden shed offers a more pleasurable Hygge experience than a cluttered area will. Not only will you have an inviting space to perform your activity in, but you will have ample space to work on or in. You will also have everything you need at your fingertips without having to search for anything.

​Coincidentally, since your stuck at home, you may find that you finally have the time to complete some of those home organizing  and cleaning projects that you have been putting off for so long. When you are done, engaging in a little Hygge, in your freshly cleaned and organized space is actually a perfect way to reward yourself and celebrate a job well done.

Other examples of Hygge might be; relishing in a long, hot bath, or perhaps doing some gardening. It can be as simple as making a pot of your favorite herbal tea and reading a good book or savoring a cup of coffee on the front porch, or it can be as engaging as crafting your own beer or creating a scrap book. It's whatever delights you. The key, is to perform these activities with a new perspective and appreciation for the simple enjoyment of doing them.

By being intentional, and savoring each step of an activity instead of performing these things blindly, we engage in the spirit of Hygge.  As we infuse gratitude and presence into the everyday activities we do at home, we reap the benefits of enjoying all the simple pleasures that being at home has to offer. 

As I tap away at my keyboard, I can hear the rain outside, gently falling.  It is still pitch dark outside, the clouds covering any sign of sunrise. Yet, I am up already, having slept restlessly with the Coronavirus on my mind. My girls are still sleeping, home from school for the day, for the week, maybe for the month, who knows? We hang suspended in uncertainty. Our pantry and freezer are filled to the brim and I have grown tired of shopping. 

We are just waiting now, with angst, and while we are waiting for life to get back to normal, I notice that there is something else that is subtly taking shape here, a quiet whisper of a shift in attitude.  People are stocking up on necessities, and toilet paper has become the most popular product on the shelf. Amazon has just issued a notice that if you are trying to purchase anything non-essential online,  you best be patient because you may not get it for awhile.  What I am feeling outside of the trepidation, is a renewed gratitude for all that I have.  I find myself pondering and appreciating the things that I normally take for granted: my family, our home, a paycheck each month, our health, the comfort of having plenty of food in our pantry.

For years, I used to save the heels of our bread to make bread crumbs, but a while back, I started tossing them in the trash because who has the time to mess with making bread crumbs?  But today, I can’t bring myself to waste any food, so I keep the heels today.  Then I wonder how we have become so spoiled that we can’t eat the heels on a loaf of bread in the first place?  What was evidently no problem yesterday, is wasteful today… there it is, a shift in perspective has taken place, yes, inside of me, but not just in me, in all of us.  Can you feel it?  The threat of the virus has forced us to take a step back, and while the virus is obviously not a good thing, it appears to be teaching us something.

We are becoming more appreciative of all that we have. This virus threatens our economy and our health, and we are no longer taking either of these for granted. We are also taking the time to think about how important the people in our lives are to us, and we are picking up the phone and calling those we love. We are becoming more cognoscente of the difference between our necessities and our luxuries, and we are noticing that we only really need the essentials and each other to be happy. 

​We have all been forced to slow down and do a little less, and I have to say, its refreshing. We are all in need of rest and of reconnecting with our families and I am grateful for this time together. We are staying home, we are being still, and we are being offered time that we normally do not have.  We are appreciating the simple things, like hot soup in the crock-pot and a game of chess with our kids.  We have time to think about things and to truly take inventory of our blessings.

​Attitudes are shifting, we are thinking about conserving our resources and not wasting what has been given to us.  We are saving the heels of our bread instead of throwing them into the trash and this is a good thing.  I have faith that we will come out of this situation more conscientious, appreciative and stronger than we were before. 

Written By Laura Coufal 
Clean & Clutter Free Professional Organizing Services

There are three things that we get right when we are on vacation that we somehow forget when we go back to living our regular lives. If we could just carry some of these things back with us into our daily routines, we would all benefit in a big way.  This is a three part blog series focusing in detail on each of these.  The first thing we get right when we are on vacation is that we go into VACATION MODE and slow down.

Do you want your life to be simpler? Practice living in VACATION MODE even when you are not on vacation...
Have you ever noticed that we move at a different pace when we are on vacation? We move slower, we stop watching the clock and most importantly, we do it guilt free.  When we are not on vacation, many of us are so used to hurrying all of the time that we aren't even aware that we are doing it. We are stressed out and exhausted on a regular basis but this is the pace at which we have been running for so long, that it has become the new normal, the new faster speed of life. Most Americans today are so over committed that at the end of each busy day, we are not even sure what we did all day.  Most of us would agree that our vacations come to an end all too soon, and we dread going back to our normal schedules. I believe that part of the reason we all yearn for more vacation time, is because we spend the rest of our busy lives trying to do too much.  One week a year of not hurrying just isn't enough to rejuvenate us when the rest of our lives are so hectic. 

What if we could hold onto a fraction of this "vacation mode" when we are not on vacation?  What if we could at least change our focus from, "How much can I possibly get done today?" to "What can I get done at a comfortable pace today?" and "What can I leave for tomorrow?"  What if we could let go of that incessant need to try and squeeze one more thing into each day? Imagine how different things would be if we all functioned somewhere between our normal crazy lives and vacation mode? Still getting things done, but working at a reasonable pace. When we are on vacation, we purposely don’t over schedule our days, because we want to avoid the rigid schedule we have when we are at home.  We intentionally schedule down time, because on vacation, rest is a priority for us.  We may even do nothing other than read a book or take a nap for an afternoon.  But our bodies also need rest when we are not on vacation and we should not feel guilty about taking time for ourselves to refuel on a regular basis.

Americans have become so progress oriented, that our society as a whole is over stressed and sleep deprived.  I know there are many justifications for why we overextend ourselves; working those extra hours pays for the new car, and our kids are eager to participate in a new activity, even though they are already too busy, but that’s where we get snagged.  Practicing moderation in what we purchase and in what we commit ourselves to is key. But saying no to more of something is challenging when everyone around us is spinning out of control. Scaling back has to be a conscious endeavor, because very likely, if you are living in a world like mine, everyone around you has their minds set on having and doing it all.  

There is comfortable place somewhere between our pace while on vacation and our regular life, that offers peace and contentment. Figuring out where that place is, and fighting to stay there is well worth the effort. For starters, just making sure that we have some unscheduled personal and family time each day, will move us closer to this goal. Regular life is so much more enjoyable and less exhausting when we mindfully move at a slower pace. Stopping to smell the roses should not be restricted solely to those who are on vacation.

Written By Laura Coufal
Owner, Clean & Clutter Free
Professional Organizing Services

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​We have made it to January, and it is that time of year when many of us begin to think about lightening our loads and purging what we are no longer using. 

For some of us, light is on our minds because we have just accumulated more possessions as a result of Christmas and with the incoming of the new, we yearn for a throwing out of the old to make room for it all.  For others, it’s the new year that inspires us to take action.  A new, fresh start is just what we need to kick off the new year and start off on the right foot.

January is the month of Oosouji in Japan.  To observe Oosouji means to clean the clutter, the dirt and the dust of the past.  The purpose being to banish any old problems or ways of thinking and to welcome a new start, with a clean slate (and home). The word Oosouji literally means “big cleaning,. Additionally, January’s foreboding cold weather leaves us with no choice but to stay indoors and think about improving our surroundings, making our home more comfy, clutter free and cozy.  With the bustling holidays behind us, there is nothing to distract us from doing just that. 

If your family does not purge on a regular basis, I strongly encourage adding purging to your calendar at least once but ideally twice each year to stay on top of controlling clutter.  Since we have things coming into our homes on a constant basis, in order to keep our homes balanced, we need to have the same amount of stuff leaving our homes each year.  It is a simple Ying and Yang formula.  With everything in life there is a need for balance, and even too much of a good thing can do us harm.  It is no different when it comes to our possessions and our home environment.   January is a “no brainer” time of year to schedule a purging session. July is also a good time for a 2nd purge, and having the kids home on summer break means that they can get involved too.

Our family has just completed our own January purge, as I put away our Christmas decorations this year, I collected all of our heaping full donate boxes that have been accumulating over the last several months from the storage room and placed them into our garage. Since we always have a donate box available and ready to be filled, my family knows to toss no longer wanted items into the box throughout the year.  This makes our purging process automatic, and it is shocking how fast those boxes fill up. 

​I also sorted through our Christmas decorations, and if they did not get put up this year, they got added to the donate pile.  This week it will all go a local charity and our family’s January Oosouji will be complete.  So bring on the new year!

WHAT TO DO WITH OUTDATED FRAMED PHOTOS 
Do you have old framed photos of various sizes sitting on a shelf someplace in your storage area and don’t know what to do with them?  If so, then you’re not alone, I have found it to be a common occurrence when working with clients to come across these forgotten photos of yesterday. They once merited a place on a wall or side table in a living room but now they are collecting dust in a dark place somewhere.  They usually hold the photos of children or other family members who have long since grown up.  These old photos are trapped inside outdated and chipped frames that once sparked joy but have since been replaced by updated photos and frames.  

There are several reasons these old photos are often left in frames; the first is simply  due to the fact that most of us do not take the time to remove them, and once they get put in a closet or storage area somewhere, they are out of sight and out of mind and several years may pass before we see them again. Another reason old photographs stay in frames is that we somehow feel obligated keep them there because it took time and care to assemble them in the first place. Finally, these photos often stay framed because it is mistakenly believed that this is the best way to protect them long term.  

Unfortunately, it is actually dangerous to leave photos in frames, because over the years, the photo can adhere to the glass, especially if they are exposed to any moisture or heat.  Once this happens, the photo becomes impossible to remove without causing severe damage and ends up stuck in that frame forever.  The other obvious problem with leaving photos framed long term, is that they take up a large amount space in your home, especially if you happen to be a photo person and have a lot of large photos.  Your family’s photos deserve better than to be stuck inside ugly outdated frames for eternity, so take the time to remove them and use the following steps to preserve them:

• Small photographs should be taken out of the frames and stored in acid free photo safe boxes or photo albums.
• Large photos can be stored in either large acid free boxes or envelopes of archival quality. You can order supplies on line at:  https://www.archivalmethods.com or visit your local photo preservation store.
• Store photos in a cool dry area in your home and avoid basements and attics where moisture and extreme temperatures can cause damage.
• Acid free tissue paper can be placed between especially delicate photos for extra protection.
• Don't forget to include a written description with dates so that others will know the stories and histories behind each photo. Be sure to use acid free paper to do this.

 
You can visit: https://www.archivalmethods.com/blog/preserving-family-photographs/ to get more tips for preserving your family’s valuable photos.  It is well worth the small amount of time it takes to remove old photos from their frames and get them all safely inserted into one photo safe box or envelope.  As an added bonus, it will be liberating to be able to finally get rid of all those outdated frames taking up space in your storage room or closet.

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​Before you make a major life move, such as buying a smaller home or entering assisted living, you have to decide what, exactly, to do with your current estate. There are many options, and the one you choose can have a significant impact on your finances. Keep reading as we answer a few common questions seniors often ask about the buying and selling process and how to keep a property in the family.
 
I want to sell my current home, but I cannot afford expensive upgrades. What can I do to get the most money at closing?
 
If you’ve lived in a house for any length of time, there are many small issues that you’ve learned to ignore. Little things like cracked tiles and dried-up caulk are quick fixes that won’t cost more than a few dollars to repair. However, if your home has not been updated since the early 2000s (or before), you might have to sell as-is, possibly for thousands less than you would if it was brought up to modern standards. The good news here is that some dated aesthetics can be rectified without a huge investment. For example, wood paneling is easily paintable, old light fixtures take only moments to swap out, and vertical blinds can be removed.
 
How can I afford to move if I don’t want to sell?
 
That depends entirely on your personal situation. If you do not have any savings and are on a limited income, you may not qualify for mortgage. But, if you do have financial padding, a bit of planning can allow you to keep your home in the family and purchase something more senior-friendly. Start by looking at your expenses and income. Redfin asserts that the type of loan along with property taxes and other expenses also factor into how much you can afford. Know what your bank account can handle before you begin your search. This will lessen the chances of looking at and falling in love with something you can’t pay for.
 
My spouse always handled money. How do I make (and stick to) a budget when I will have a house payment?
 
Many seniors choose to move out of their longtime home after the death of their spouse. When your spouse was the one that paid bills and earned the majority of your income, learning how to budget can be a challenge. Tiller Money, a budget-tracking app that works with Google Docs, notes that keeping an updated spreadsheet with your financial transactions is a great way to understand your incoming and outgoing funds. Write down how much you spend on housing, transportation, food, and other necessary expenses. Try to find information on these expenses for the last three to six months so that you know exactly what you can expect to spend. Your local bank branch should be able to pull all your transactions and help you sort them into categories.
 
What do renters want in a house?
 
If you’re thinking about renting your home for added income, you likely will have to make some repairs and updates. Most people in the market for a rental want a place that is clean and that shows minimum signs of wear and tear. Safety is also a priority, so make sure that all the windows and doors lock and that there is plenty of exterior lighting. You can look online for homes similar to yours to get a better idea of how much you can charge. Keep in mind that there are expenses that you, as the homeowner, must incur, including maintenance and, in some cases, utilities and lawn care.
 
Remember, what you do now affects both your quality of life and what you leave behind to your heirs when you pass. If you sell your home, you will have the equity to spend on housing, travel, or other interest/needs. On the other hand, you may not have real property to leave behind. If you keep your home and use it as a rental, you’ll have money coming in each month but will also run the risk of having bad tenants that damage the property. Before you make a decision, take the time to evaluate your financial state, and talk it over with your family. They may have other ideas about how you can afford and enjoy retirement without making any drastic changes to your life.

Today, families are busier than ever, and its easy to get overwhelmed with keeping up with it all. The following is a list of helpful routines that can make all the difference in maintaining order and reducing stress at home as the weeks roll by.

1.  Daily & Weekly Routines   
We all function better once a system is in place. Routines are especially important for children, so forming habits that take place daily or weekly, like having set times for homework, and chores and having consistent bath and bedtimes can be soothing for both parent and child.  Parents having set weekly routines for getting things done, like paying bills, filling the dishwasher and doing laundry are also helpful. Routines not only help keep families organized, they reduce stress and enable us to feel more in control.
 
2.  The 15 Minute Family Huddle   
Every week, have a short family meeting to discuss the weeks upcoming appointments, activities and other details. Use this planning session to go over all of the upcoming weeks to-dos, this is when details can be added to the calendar, like errands, deadlines or phone calls that need to be made.  These meetings help families feel more in control as the week progresses and forgotten details are less likely, ensuring that stress levels stay low and last-minute emergencies are avoided.
 
3.   10 Minutes Each Night  
Have each family member take 10 minutes before bedtime to get ready for the next day.  Choose outfits, prepare lunches, pack everything that needs to go to school and set it by the door.  Also, gather together after school supplies for activities.  Doing this will make the mornings run smoother and will prevent items from being forgotten. 
 
4.   Delegated Household Tasks  
This should never be a one-man job even for a stay at home parent.  Each family member should be engaged in this process and can be assigned age appropriate household tasks. Even if your kids are busy, making them responsible for completing scheduled chores, will teach them valuable skills that transfer to adulthood.  It takes teamwork to Keeping a family running smoothly, reinforcing this fact when kids are young will solidify this attitude as they grow older.  
 
5.   A Place for Everything  
Having permanent homes for everything ensures that clutter is kept at bay and time is not wasted looking for things.  Assign homes to everything you own and make sure other family members know where things go.  Reinforce the rule that things need to be returned to their permanent homes when they are not being used.
 
6.    Clutter Cutting Habits  
By teaching kids helpful tidying habits like making their bed each morning, hanging up their back packs every day, cleaning up one toy or project before bring out another, etc. they learn valuable skills that will carry over in to adulthood.  Reinforcing these important habits will go a long way not only in keeping the home organized now, but in helping kids develop automated organizing skills that will last a lifetime.
 
7.    Twice a Year Purge  
Families today have a substantial amount of stuff coming into the home on a regular basis. For this reason, it is important to take time twice a year to de-clutter and purge items that are no longer being used.  By moving unwanted items out of the house on a regular basis, you balance what is coming in with what’s going out.  Establish a box labeled DONATE and communicate with each family member so that everyone knows where to put their unwanted items. Then make it a priority to move it all out twice a year.
 
8.   Practice Saying No  
Today, many families overbook their days, not wanting to miss out on activities and opportunities.  We also struggle with saying “no” to our kids and to requests for commitments because we feel pressured.  But learning to say no when we have reached a limit is the best thing that we can do for ourselves and for our kids.  Limit the number of activities you and your children participate in. This will ensure that your family has time to get important tasks done and stay organized on a daily basis.  It also it will allow you to build in “down” time into each day.  Scheduling “down” time where nothing is going on will ensure that every family member including yourself has time to unwind and refuel.   
 
9.    One Family Calendar  
It is helpful to have one central family calendar that everyone uses, whether that be a paper calendar or a digital one that everyone’s phones are synced to.  Having everything on the calendar and having only one that everyone uses will ensure that nothing is forgotten.
 
10.   Don’t Put Off the Predictable  
​Just as it is much less stressful not to wait until the last minute to do a homework assignment, it promotes peace to get predictable, scheduled activities out of the way ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute. For Example: Shopping for Saturday nights’ dinner party well in advance rather than waiting until Saturday morning allows extra time for any unexpected surprises that might pop up.