Preparing the House for Chaos Prepping the House for Chaos GENERAL DECLUTTERING Try a strategy like the 4 box method for sorting items: 1 to keep, 1 to donate or sell, 1 to toss, and 1 to store Commit to keep high-visibility areas like countertops and stairs clear Establish a specific and visible place for critical, everyday items like keys and wallet Label storage bins strategically. Mix between catchall containers for common miscellaneous items and bins for specific use cases Opt for hooks over hangers where possible Place trash receptacles everywhere trash can be made Place laundry bins everywhere people are dirtying laundry Use height-appropriate hooks and shelves for children CLEANING OUT CHILDREN’S CLOSETS Build around the clothing items your child loves, reduce what they don’t Toss or donate what doesn’t fit or has major wear and tear Take pictures of beloved items that don’t fit the current wardrobe to replace next time you’re clothes shopping Piece together outfits, fold or roll them together, and use hanging shoe organizers to keep clothes off the floor Set a limit on common items e.g.: 2-3 pairs of pants, 7-10 shirts, 2-3 jackets, etc. Limit young children’s decision-making, work in collaboration with older children CLEANING OUT THE COAT CLOSET Store away items that are no longer in season Use tape to create and contain each family member’s space on the clothes bar Tiered shoe racks to reduce floor clutter Pair items together: socks with shoes, gloves and hats in coat pockets, bags within other bags Consider height. Make shoes, coats, and bags accessible for kids to encourage autonomy SCHOOL ZONE Designate an area of the home for school items and study needs Be mindful of furniture function. Give kids their own desk, computer stand, and comfortable chair. Ensure proper lighting Keep backpacks and books near study spaces Have a system for paperwork: incoming (needs parent’s attention), outgoing (needs child’s attention), and save for later Store extra school supplies out of eyesight in organized bins or drawers KITCHEN Toss expired or unused food items from your refrigerator and freezer Clear space for bulk items used to pack lunches Store supplies like lunchboxes, Tupperware, water bottles, baggies, utensils, and cold packs near each other Pair common foods together e.g.: bread, meat, cheese, lettuce, and condiments in one container in the fridge Put healthy food within eyesight; the snack station can take a back seat When meal prepping, store easy kid meals in single-serve portions Consider height. Under-countertop cabinets are the perfect height for smaller bodies and encourage autonomy Questions or comments? Contact us or join the conversation on Facebook.
