I once told my friends and family that I loved Tangled. After that, allllllll my gifts were those kitschy Tangled-themed items: coloring books, small figurines, small dish rags, knitted keychains, stickers. I, to be clear, am not seven nor do I have a seven-year-old interested in Tangled, so most of this just went into a closet. 

In fairness to my family, this is a genetic trait, it would seem, because I spent two years buying everything under the sun that was Donald Duck themed (cake trays, aprons, toys, coloring books) because my dad said he loved Donald Duck. 

If you have an upcoming move, you might be surprised at just how much stuff you are taking with you that you don’t need. Whether you are trying to cut your weight to save money or you need everything to fit into a U-Haul, here are my tips for decluttering/downsizing for a move. 

Tip #1: Use a Moving Calculator

At the risk of sounding like an elderly narrator adjusting his pince-nez while ruminating on how things were “back in my day,” back in my day of early moves, moving calculators didn’t exist. I learned from my military grandmother how to do it myself. 

So every move was a painstaking Excel spreadsheet of what all I owned and how big things were. 

Nowadays, we have it much easier. Moving calculators like MoveBuddha let you type in the size of your home with the number of rooms, and BAM! You have the list of boxes you need. 

Why bother?

Because you likely don’t realize just how much stuff you have, moving calculators can give you a clear idea of why you might need to downsize. 

You can also plug in your location and destination to see just how much it will cost to move said boxes. If you play around with the numbers, you’ll see how much you can save by making cuts. 

So start by taking stock of what you have and use a moving calculator. 

Tip #2: Deep Clean

You can declutter/downsize for a move by deep cleaning. Remember that box calculator? If you need to bring your total amount or number of boxes down by a significant factor, never underestimate the power of deep cleaning. 

This should be done one room at a time, getting rid of anything:

1. You don’t need
2. You don’t want
3. You held on to because it was a gift and that person *might* one day ask about that gift
4. You have duplicates of unnecessarily
5. You haven’t thought about it in over a year
6. You grew out of (trust me, those cool jeans from college will never fit again)
7. You upgraded with a better/bigger model (don’t keep the old dishware when you have a new set)

These things can be donated or thrown out. 

Note: Every year I do a deep clean where I go through my closet, my kitchen, and my garage. If I haven’t touched something or even thought about it in the last year and it isn’t something seasonal like a set of skis or an inflatable kayak, it gets tossed. The things I actually need and use are things I will have thought about or touched sometime in the last year. 

Set aside at least one day every weekend or every week leading up to your move, depending on your work schedule, to make a donation or a dump run. The day you clean and sort is the same day you drop things at the dump or the donation location.

I didn’t think I had a lot of extra stuff to toss out during my last move, but I had a full car load of stuff every weekend for at least 5 weekends, and I still had a car load to donate come moving day. 

Tip #3: Start Early

Decluttering/downgrading your goods is just as exhausting as packing and moving. It will take a lot of time and emotional effort. 

So start early. 

If you try to do it while you are packing for a move, you’ll be in the middle of a lot of frustration and overwhelm, and probably find yourself stuck with analysis paralysis.

If you do it before you get close to that moving date, it’ll be a much more relaxing process, and it will make the moving day a lot more relaxing because you won’t have as much to deal with. 

Tip #4: Digitize and Consolidate

Save room by digitizing and consolidating. 

My sister-in-law has an entire wall of family photos. Like, the old-fashioned family history style photos. She is immensely proud of her wall. She also has allllllll the old photos of her kids when they were in school. 

It was cute when the kids were young, but now it is, I cannot stress this enough, the ENTIRE. WALL. Her hallway is one continuous block of photos, smooshed side by side, floor to ceiling. It looks like a hoarder vomited down her hallway. 

I finally convinced her to consolidate by a) making digital scans of each photo in case they get damaged (she only agreed after one of them fell in the fish tank below) and b) putting them in photo albums. 

Turns out, she looks at them more (and more mindfully) now that they are in albums instead of down the random hallway to the guest bathroom no one ever uses. 

I did something similar with my DVDs. I have a DVD collection from old and I wanted to save them, but after filling three boxes and not even coming close to making a dent, I opted to consolidate. 

For this, I bought those DVD cases with all the sleeves. I took out the DVDs and their jackets, placed the jackets behind them in each sleeve, and tossed the plastic containers. This meant a single box of DVD cases instead of half a truckload of boxes. 

Tip #5: Keep Things Clean

As you work your way through your home, taking loads to the dump or to donations, try to find new homes for things. Then sit with that new design for a while.

These types of changes can be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to work with one room at a time so you can move methodically through your home and perhaps even come back around and do a second run through.

For example, after you declutter some of your kitchen cabinets–donating the second set of dishware you bought once upon a time when you were hosting a big party but haven’t used since–try to clear your counters so that everything has a new home in your recently decluttered cabinets.

But don’t just fill your cabinets with other things unnecessarily.

Tip #6: Stay Motivated

This is a hard process, so remember the “why” and write it on a piece of paper, or save it as a temporary phone background. 

Whenever things get overwhelming (or you are just hungry), look at your motivation to stay on point. 

This is especially true if you are following Tip #6 or Tip #7 (see below). 

Tip #7: Take Breaks and Reward Yourself

A big reason why it’s important to start early so that you actually have time for breaks. Just like with CBT or any other goal setting, you’re going to have a lot of milestones, like each room or each visit to the Salvation Army/dump, and you should reward yourself.

By creating your milestones or goals (i.e., going to the dump once per week or cleaning out one room per week), you will be in a position to better acknowledge the progress you have made.

Psychologically, this will help keep your motivation high and make it easier to contend with the somewhat overwhelming emotions that come especially from letting go of things that might hold some sentiment (like those aforementioned jeans from college that you *swore* you would be small enough to wear again *soon*). 

When you reward yourself, do so by opting for something relaxing, a walk, a float, watching your favorite TV show, or going out to eat at your favorite restaurant. Just make sure you don’t buy something as your reward. It will just be one more thing you have to pack and move! 

Tip #8: Upgrade When You Arrive

If you’ve had the same towels and bedding for years, and it isn’t good quality anymore (you know, the towels that rip in the center when you pull them over your back/shoulders to dry off), it might be worth tossing them out and buying new ones at your new home. 

A lot of things that we keep may be near their “best-by” date, and we are reluctant to toss them because we still use them. 

Well, when moving day comes and you need to downsize, things like that rusted-out metal fire pit can be tossed, and you can buy a new one as a reward for saving money on your move. 

Tip #9: Don’t Rethink or Reconsider

Once you have decided to donate a bookshelf or toss out some old books, don’t rethink it or reconsider it. 

When things are in a donation pile or in a trash pile, that’s where they live from now on. If you keep going back and looking at it, it will defeat the process.

That’s why it’s important to set aside enough time and to start early with your deep clean process, because it will give you time to go through a room, set things into the donation or dump piles, respectively, and then load everything up on the same day, where possible, so that it’s no longer sitting in your home. 

Tip #10: Consider Selling

If you need to downsize and you already have a lot of used or hand-me-down furniture, or even cheaper Ikea furniture, consider selling it on Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace, and then buying new furniture when you get where you are going. 

A lot of cheaply made furniture, things made of pressboard instead of solid wood or cheaper plastic, will break, chip, or otherwise be damaged during a move. Most of the time, you can sell those things online before you move, pocket the money, and put that money toward new furniture when you get where you are going. 

I sold an elliptical that we had purchased to someone in our community for roughly the same price as what I paid originally, then I used that money to buy a used one when I arrived. I sold my piano to a new family that couldn’t afford one but wanted their kids to take lessons. That saved me the cost of moving a piano. Did the same thing with the old kitchen table, couches, and one of the spare beds. 

Summing Up

There are a lot of ways that you can declutter or downsize your home, starting by using a moving calculator to figure out approximately how much you have and, by extension, how much you need to downsize. From there, start with a deep clean of your home and start early. 

Look for ways to digitize or consolidate the things that you own. Stay motivated by taking breaks, remembering why you are doing all this in the first place, and rewarding yourself for reaching your milestones.

Upgrade/replace outdated, worn, or otherwise tattered things when you get where you are going and worst case, sell a lot of the things you have here and use that money to buy replacements when you get where you are going. 

I can’t say that these tips will make your move completely painless, but they should at least help relieve some of the headaches. You got this. 

The post Decluttering/Downsizing for a Move Tips appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

These days, everyone seems to have a bullet journal, and rightfully so. Bullet journals have helped thousands of people organize their lives in one handy little notebook.

I was skeptical but had people encourage me to give them a try, so I did.

And I now love my bullet journal.

I’ve always been obsessed with to do lists, but in addition to my to do list I also had planners, organizers, a plethora of topic specific journals, and let’s not even get into the hundreds of notebooks laying around with just a couple of pages written on.

Let’s just say all of that stuff intended to organize me, actually gave me a lot more organizational stress because I didn’t know where I wrote down what, where I put what planner, or which task I put on which to do list.

What is a Bullet Journal

In case you’re not sure what I’m talking about, a bullet journal is an all-in-one, create-it-as-you-go planner/journal to help you stay organized. You can keep everything in it, from schedules to to-do lists to notes, creative outlets, and a wide variety of lists. Anything you want to keep track of can be included in a bullet journal. The beauty of a bullet journal is that it is efficient and customizable.

The official bullet journal site will give you all of the history, backstory, and how-to’s of a basic bullet journal, so I won’t go into all of the information on how to set one up. But I will give you some insight into how I use it and hopefully inspire you to create one that will work for you.

How I Use a Bullet Journal

While using a bullet journal is an easy way to keep everything organized in a simple way, it does take some time to get used to it. I recommend following the instructions on bulletjournal.com and then making it more detailed and elaborate or even adjusting how each of the sections works based on your personal needs after you’ve had a chance to get into a routine.

Pages

When I first started using the bullet journal I had the basic pages and that was it. I didn’t want too much to get in the way of the routine of using the journal and I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with keeping track of too much.

My initial pages were:

• Index
• Future Log
• Monthly calendar
• Monthly Tasks
• Daily Log

That’s it. Five different sections for me to get used to while deciding what I wanted to keep, toss, or modify in my routine. Now that I’ve been using it for a while, I’ve tried out a variety of reports and logs to keep track of my business. You’ll find random lists about everything from favorite quotes to local restaurants to try out, as well as blog post ideas and recipe ideas. I’ve added shopping lists, menu plans school lists, and more. I’ve really made it my own as I’ve grown with this journal.

Bullet Points

The official bullet journal site provides instructions for different bullet point styles and signifiers to help keep track of different types of information. However, I found this too much of a hassle and unnecessary for my purposes. I use dots only to signify everything. It’s much easier for me to jot things down quickly.

There are other people out there who have created even more signifiers and bullet points to represent a wide variety of, and I love that it works for them. For me, simpler is better.

Related: Ideas for Bullet Journal Pages

Task Actions

On my to-do list and daily log, I use the regular dot bullet point. If I have a note or something to remember, I still use the dot bullet point, but I put it on a separate page. The bullet journal site also suggests using three different states for the dot task bullet. I only use two of those states. When I complete a task, I X it out. If I need to move a task to the next day or another list, I use the >, which is a migrated state. I don’t use the < meaning scheduled. It just didn’t work for me.

What I love about the migrated state for the different tasks is that it makes me really think about the importance of the tasks on my list. Is it really something I need to do? Do I really want to migrate it? If not I need to either get the item off my list by completing it or deciding it’s not really something I need to do, in which case I’ll just draw a line through the complete task removing it from my list.

How Will a Bullet Journal Organize Your Life?

Planning, prioritizing, scheduling, lists, and inspiration are all in one little book. This is how the bullet journal will organize your life, but I’m sure you’re looking for a little more detail than that.

Basically, the bullet journal will take all of your calendars, to-do lists, reminders, and anything else you might jot down or need to remember throughout the day and put it in a handy little notebook.

The bullet journal grows with you so you don’t set up a huge amount of pages, you just create them in the order you need them and keep the important pages organized and recorded in the index so you’ll always know where to find them. If you need some scratch paper, you can just rip out a page. If you need to write down a shopping list, go ahead. Need to take notes for a phone conversation you’re on, pull out your bullet journal. It is designed to be a catch-all place for all of your journaling and planner needs.

Bullet Journal Customization

I’ve already touched on how you can customize the journal for your own needs. At this point I’m fairly simple in my design with basic bullet point lists and a few handmade tables/charts. But, I’m looking to move into another phase of my bullet journal evolution with color.

People use everything in their journals to add a creative flair, from washi tape to colored pens. Doodles, banners, and blocking. Just do a little research on Pinterest or do an online search, and you’ll be sure to find more ideas on how to customize your bullet journal in a creative way.

The post How a Bullet Journal Will Organize your Life appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

It’s been a pretty unfocused week for me. Today, I declared I was going to regroup. Find my focus. Get back on track. I’ve already shared with you how my bullet journal keeps me organized, so updating it is one of the priority items on my to do list today.

The end of the year is approaching and somehow I managed to time it so I should be starting a brand new bullet journal in January. I’m still not sure how I did it and I know I won’t make six months in the next one because I’ve started adding more trackers and lists to my current journal.

Something I like to do is experiment with new trackers and lists to see what works for me and what is a total flop. I’ve had many of the flops, but when I find something that works, it’s usually pretty dang good.

To help me out with my mission of getting organized I decided to collect ideas for bullet journal pages and lists that I can implement in the new journal, or possibly before that. Since I was going through the work of a brainstorming session, I thought you might benefit from this collection for some ideas and inspiration of your own.

Bullet Journal Page Inspiration

1. Index
2. 6 month Future Log
3. Master to do list
4. Monthly calendar at a glance
5. Yearly calendar at a glance
6. Daily to do list
7. Upcoming events list
8. Birthdays/Anniversaries
9. Gift Ideas
10. Personal Wish List
11. Party Planning Checklist
12. Guest Lists
13. Address/Phone numbers
14. Important Websites
15. Vehicle Maintenance
16. Home Maintenance
17. Cleaning Routine
18. Work History
19. Habit Tracker
20. Exercise Routines and Tracker
21. Wellness Routine Tracker
22. Personal goal tracker
23. Bucket List
24. Menu Plan
25. Weekly shopping list
26. Recipe/Meal ideas
27. Savings Tracker
28. Income Tracker
29. Expense Tracker
30. List of Bills
31. Debt Payoff Tracker
32. Books to read
33. Recommended books
34. Movies to watch
35. Music/Playlists
36. Places to Visit
37. Travel Checklist
38. Packing Checklist
39. Hobby ideas
40. Writing prompts
41. Favorite quotes
42. Daily Gratitude
43. Daily Journal
44. What makes me happy list
45. Kindness ideas
46. Inspiration list
47. Daily affirmations
48. New Vocabulary
49. Dream Journal
50. Random Facts
51. Nature Observations
52. Kids say the darndest things list
53. Things to learn
54. Social Media Tracker (for business)
55. Goal Tracker (for business)
56. Blog Post ideas (for business)
57. Affiliate Network list (for business)
58. Mileage (for business)

The post 58 Ideas for Bullet Journal Pages appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. Staring into the abyss of a small closet, clothes spilling out like a fashion tsunami, wondering how on earth we’re supposed to fit our entire wardrobe into this shoebox. But here’s the deal: a cramped closet doesn’t have to be your reality. With a little creativity, some tough love, and a solid game plan, you can transform that cluttered nightmare into an organized dream.

Imagine starting your day feeling calm and in control, effortlessly putting together the perfect outfit without a frantic search. Picture opening your closet doors to find a space that brings you joy, not stress. That’s the power of an organized closet – and it goes way beyond just looking pretty.

An organized closet isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a game-changer for your daily life. It’s about reclaiming precious time in your mornings, reducing the mental load of decision-making, and actually enjoying your clothes again. No more “I have nothing to wear” moments when you’re staring at a full closet. No more guilt about unworn items taking up clsoet space. Instead, you’ll have a curated wardrobe that reflects your style and serves your lifestyle.

But the benefits don’t stop there. An organized closet can be a catalyst for positive change in other areas of your life. It can boost your confidence, reduce your stress levels, and even save you money by helping you make smarter shopping decisions. Plus, let’s not forget the satisfaction of conquering a challenge and creating order out of chaos – it’s a small victory that can set the tone for bigger wins in your day.

Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re not frantically digging for that one shirt at 7 AM, but instead, stepping out the door feeling put-together and ready to take on the world. So, are you ready to reclaim your closet and, by extension, a little slice of sanity in your daily life? Let’s get started!

Also See: How To Organize Your Pantry

Know Your Space: Measuring Your Closet

Before we start purging and organizing, let’s get a clear picture of what we’re working with. Grab a tape measure – it’s time to get up close and personal with your closet!

1. Measure the width: Start from one side of your closet to the other. This tells you how much hanging space you’ve got to work with.
2. Check the depth: Measure from the back wall to the front of the closet. This is crucial for knowing how much stuff you can actually fit without creating a jam.
3. Don’t forget height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling. This is your vertical real estate – we’ll be making the most of it later!
4. Account for doors: If you have sliding doors, remember they’ll overlap, reducing your accessible space. Measure the open area when the door is fully open.
5. Shelf space: If you have shelves, measure their width and depth too.

Also See: How To Organize The Laundry Room

Purge Like You Mean It: Decluttering 101

Alright, it’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and get ruthless. The first step? Take everything out. Yes, everything. I know it’s scary, but trust the process. As you sort through your clothes, ask yourself: “When was the last time I wore this?” If you’re scratching your head trying to remember, it’s probably time to let it go.

Use the “keep, donate, toss” method as if your life depends on it. Keep what you love and actually wear, donate what’s still in good condition but doesn’t spark joy (yeah, I said it), and toss anything that’s seen better days. Remember, your closet isn’t a museum for clothes you might wear “someday.” It’s for the pieces you love and use regularly.

Pro tip: Get a large rubbermaid box or similar container. This is your limbo box for clothes you don’t wear regularly but aren’t quite ready to part with. Stash it somewhere else in your house – under the bed, in the garage, wherever it fits. Out of sight, out of mind, but still there if you suddenly decide you need that sequined jumpsuit from 2015.

Now, let’s talk about seasonal rotation. Get a second box (or use your luggage if you’re not a frequent traveler) for storing off-season clothes. Winter sweaters in summer? Sundresses in winter? Box ’em up! Rotate these boxes a couple of times a year, and voila – instant closet space!

Also See: Small Room Organization Ideas

Maximize Every Inch: Smart Storage Solutions

Now that you’ve whittled down your wardrobe, it’s time to get organized. If possible, try to keep everything in one place. One option that I like but is too expensive for a penny pincher like me is the one-meter IKEA PAX wardrobe. If that’s not in your budget, separate your clothes logically. Keep your everyday wear in your main closet, and stash your loungewear, sportswear, and special occasion pieces in a separate dresser. Another way to save on space is to hang pieces that go well together on the same hanger. 

Vertical storage is your best friend in a small closet. Install additional rods, use an over-door hanging organizer, shoe rack, and invest in stackable storage bins. Slim hangers are also worth their weight in gold – they’ll give you back precious inches of extra space.

You can also think outside the small closet box. Look for furniture with concealed storage. That ottoman? It could be holding your scarves. The coffee table? Perfect for storing rarely-used items. Even wall mirrors and shelves can pull double duty as storage space. Search for “concealed storage” and prepare to have your mind blown.

Keep It Up: Maintaining Your Closet Victory

You’ve done the hard work, now let’s keep it that way. Implement the “one in, one out” rule. For every new piece you bring in, something else has to go. It’s like Closet Hunger Games – only the strong survive.

Maintaining an organized closet is a daily habit. Spend a few minutes each night putting things back where they belong. It’s way easier than facing a mess in the morning when you’re already running late.

Wrap-Up: Your Clutter-Free Future

Listen, small closet organization isn’t rocket science, but it does take some effort. The good news? Once you’ve got a system in place, it’s smooth sailing. So roll up those sleeves, crank up your favorite playlist, and get ready to transform your closet from chaos to calm. Your future, less-stressed self is cheering you on!

The post How To Organize A Small Closet: Tips For Tackling Your Closet Chaos appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Being a mom really is a full-time job, and being an organized mom should come with overtime pay!

Research shows that 85% of women spend an average of 2.7 hours per day working on household activities such as cooking, household management, and general housework.

Additionally, in households that have kids 6 years of age and under, most moms spent an average of 1.1 hours focusing on physical care activities such as feeding and bathing the kids.

This goes to show that some moms are trying to keep a household running smoothly while they have a day job. If you want to maintain your sanity while running a household, it is important to have a plan.

We will discuss 11 habits adopted by organized moms to help them manage their households more efficiently, even when they might not even have time to tie their own shoes.

1. Make a List of What Needs to Be Done

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” −Real Happy Mom

Let’s start at the beginning.

To avoid becoming overwhelmed or appearing like you are scrambling, it is crucial to be aware of what you are up against. Before the week begins, ensure that all the family meetings and undertakings for the coming week have been mapped out.

You can also take this opportunity to plan the entire week’s menu and collect whatever you will need from the store. I like to call it the weekly reset.

By making a list, you will be able to stay organized and track your progress. Write everything in a centralized place so you can chip away at any task that is completed.

If you have a partner around, make sure you involve them and have their input when coming up with the list. Having a to-do list also helps in prioritizing what needs to be done. And what mom doesn’t love the satisfaction of being able to cross things off?

2. Involve Everyone in the Household

“A happy mother is a good mother, and if work makes you hum, your whole family sings along.” −Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober

Organized moms create a chore chart and have their kids help out. If you have younger kids who understand what is going on, you can assign them light chores such as washing dishes, sweeping, or even cleaning their room. You will save time with the help of the kids.

Create a chore chart that is clearly illustrated so that everyone is aware of what is expected of them. By involving your kids in the household chores, you help them develop a sense of responsibility.

Organized moms also know that they can’t do everything, and it is important to realize when you need help. This is when you need to start delegating some of these duties. On the other hand, an organized mom will also know when others require their assistance.

3. Institute a Family Command Center

“Life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with a mother.” −Southern Living

Yes, the manual for your family really does come from mom. If you want to join the League of Organized Moms, you should establish a family command center. This offers a centralized location for your to-do lists, chore chart, the week’s dinner menu, and the family schedule.

You can also use your command center to store car keys, permission slips, backpacks, and much more so nothing gets lost or overlooked. You should design your command center according to your family’s needs.

4. Take Notes

“There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” −Jill Churchill

To be an organized mom, it is vital for you to always take notes. You can use a tablet, phone, or traditional pencil and paper. When you take notes, you reduce the amount of information you have to store in your head. A pencil and notebook are preferred since you might need to write something down while you are on a call, so you can’t use the phone.

Although you might have made your plans, things change, which is why the information noted down can be used to update the family schedule when necessary.

An organized mom should be able to adapt to changes, as things don’t always go as planned.

5. Wash a Load of Laundry Daily

“And remember that behind every successful woman is a basket of dirty laundry.” −rediscoveredfamilies.com

Most moms are tempted to do laundry at the end of every week. However, organized moms know that doing laundry weekly means there are a lot of clothes to wash during the weekend.

You can find time in the evening to do a bit of laundry immediately after you arrive home or before you start dinner, especially if you are a working mom.

You can also encourage your kids to organize their clothes before going to bed. Whenever possible, you can fold clothes while assisting with homework or watching TV.

By doing laundry every day, the task is less likely to overwhelm you at the end of a busy week when all you want to do is take a breather and relax.

6. Set Healthy Boundaries

“I am tuned into my needs and prioritize self-care.” −Real Happy Moms

Organized moms have learned to only say yes to activities that can be reasonably handled. A mom needs to say no sometimes instead of spreading herself thin with responsibilities and commitments.

Sometimes, you don’t even have to give an excuse for saying no. If something doesn’t fit into your schedule, avoid taking that extra responsibility.

7. Make Preparations for School and Work the Night Before

“There’s something really empowering about going, ‘Hell, I can do this! I can do this all!’ That’s the wonderful thing about mothers: you can because you must, and you just do.” −Kate Winslet

Highly organized moms understand that taking time to prepare the night before translates into less chaotic weekday mornings and a smoother morning routine.

Encourage your kids to pack their bags and put them next to the front door before running off to bed on a school night. And don’t forget shoes. I can’t tell you how much time has been spent on an already busy morning trying to match shoes!

Once the children are asleep, you can prepare their school lunches and get yourself ready for the next day. Meal planning and meal prep before a busy week is also helpful. This kind of prep work the night or weekend before a crazy week reduces the number of activities you have to do.

8. Purge Regularly

“Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out.” −Marie Kondo

It’s common knowledge that the more clutter you have, the more chaotic your house becomes. That is the reason why it is crucial to dispose of or donate items you no longer use, such as clothes, sports gear, or books you keep telling yourself you will read again but you know you’ll never actually get to it.

Daily clutter, like receipts, expired coupons, or junk mail, should be disposed of immediately. Avoid the urge to stuff it into a drawer.

Remember, you don’t have to dispose of everything. Come up with an ongoing system of sorting things into different categories that include items to be recycled, disposed of, donated, or sold.

You should always evaluate your environment and ensure that it is not cluttered, as a neat and more organized environment increases productivity.

9. Stick With What Works for You

“Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.” −Nishan Panwar

It’s easy to become distracted or swayed by other systems, and you may be tempted to change your system or values that might have been working. Sometimes, people, especially children, respond well to routines, but this shouldn’t mean you can’t change a system that isn’t working.

10. Seek Professional Help

“You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.” −Unknown

As a busy mom, you are probably no stranger to putting all the pressure on yourself to get things done. It doesn’t have to be this way.

If you have enough financial resources available, you can hire professionals or resourceful consultants to help with some of the tasks that may be weighing you down and affecting your routine.

You can outsource professionals to do housekeeping, laundry, and even grocery shopping. You can also hire a nanny to help with the kids and prepare dinner.

However, with these tough economic times, there is no need to spend money on housekeeping if you are capable of doing the chores with the help of the kids or your partner.

11. Take Some Time Off

“If you don’t have time for what matters, stop doing things that don’t.” −Courtney Carver.

Organized moms are still human beings, and they need some downtime. I can attest to this! Working continuously without setting aside time to rest may lead to burnout, which can result in the whole system collapsing.

You can relax by meditating, catching up with friends over coffee, or doing any other relaxing activity that is not related to your never ending to-do list. You need to take care of yourself as an organized mom before you can take care of the entire chaotic household.

Once you have come up with the system that works best for you, keep at it. You can only borrow from another system if it’s suitable for your household. No one is perfect, and there is no perfect mom. All you have to do is ensure that you do your best and appreciate the little victories when they come.

If you don’t complete a certain task on your to-do list, don’t beat yourself up. You can always roll those tasks over to the next day’s schedule. Break everything down into manageable bites so you don’t look like a crazed mom trying to do too much at once!

The post 11 Lifestyle Tips From Organized Moms appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

If only there were a magic wand you could use to declutter kids’ rooms! I’m sure this is something every working mom has pondered over the years. For some reason, your kids’ room seems to be the exact opposite of a black hole; instead of sucking everything in, it spits it all out onto the floor.

I’m willing to bet you a weekend off that you can’t tell me the color of your kids’ room right now! That’s because you can’t remember the last time you saw it free of small toys, tossed around clothes, books, food wrappers, and dirty socks.

But it doesn’t have to be this way!

I know it sounds too good to be true, but it is true! You can actually set up a system, a chore chart if you will, that can not only help you declutter your kids’ room but also help them maintain that level of cleanliness and organization for the long term.

Yes, I know you are crazy busy at work, and you really don’t have time for this, but hear me out!

Also See: The 4 Rules I Use to Declutter Toys in My Kid’s Room

How to Declutter Kids’ Room

Now, before we get started, I need to tell you that, as improbable as it might sound, the decluttering itself is actually the simple part. The real work is keeping the room neat and tidy for a sustainable period. Otherwise, you will be suffering through this entire process every weekend.

With that in mind, here are my tips on how to ensure that the system, and most importantly, cleanliness and kids room organization, sticks.

Involve the Kids

You simply must involve the kids. As much as it might seem like just another chore for them (and they will complain loudly about it, especially since it isn’t part of their chore schedule), they must participate.

There are several reasons for this:

• You are teaching them responsibility
• They will appreciate the process
• They know best where they want things to go
• It makes your workload lighter (in theory)

Involving your kids in the cleaning process gives them a chance to appreciate just how heavy and laborious the cleaning process can be. It also ensures that they have invested in not only getting the room clean but also keeping it that way.

Also See: Simplified Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms

Once they see the difference between a neat and tidy room and whatever else they had going on before, most kids will want to keep it clean.

Besides, having them do most of the cleaning gives them a sense of control; it’s their space!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Declutter Kids’ Room

Once you have them involved, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get this thing done.

Step 1: Take a Grand Tour

Before you start anything, have your kid give you a grand tour of the disaster site. In the spirit of involving them in the process and getting them invested, have them walk you through their vision of how they see the room.

Have them explain to you how they see it functioning. Of course, you can chime in from time to time in case you see something they might miss.

The bottom line is that this grand tour is supposed to:

• Show you what is currently working well within the room
• Highlight what isn’t working
• What kind of vision do they have for their room? (This will tell you if they are genuinely slobs or just lazy)

What you need to keep in mind is that what your kid sees their room as today isn’t necessarily going to be what they see it as in the near future. Even six months is long enough for your kids’ needs to change and, as such, how they view and organize their room.

Step 2: Divide and Conquer

Now, this is a tricky one. If you have the time, meaning you guys have decided that on this particular Saturday, all you are going to be doing is decluttering the bedroom, then you can go hard and do the entire room in one go.

In fact, I highly recommend this strategy. Decluttering the entire room in one go gives you a chance to get it all done and to see what the entire picture looks like in the end. You can even take an actual picture of the “before” and the “after” so that you can remind them how far they’ve come.

The issue with this approach is that it’s time-consuming, and as a busy mom, you might not have all the free time needed to dedicate to this project in just one day. That’s where this secondary strategy comes into play.

The divide and conquer strategy is simple. Start with one section of the room and go from there. Here are some simple tips on how to do that:

• Declutter the sleeping area: Start with the bed. Make sure it’s free of dirty clothes, books, toys, and so on. Instruct your kid that the bed should always remain that way: made up nicely and free of clutter.
• Declutter the flat surfaces: The next step can be to declutter the flat surfaces, such as dresser tops, nightstands, desks, and bookshelves. These should all be clutter-free and wiped down.
• Organize the drawers: Go through each drawer, making sure that everything inside is clean and folded. Toss out socks with holes or those missing their match, and take the opportunity to pull out any clothing items that no longer fit.
• Declutter the floor: This is probably going to be the biggest part of the entire job. The floor bears the brunt of it all; it’s where everything is dropped and left to decay slowly into oblivion until it’s needed again. Make sure that you can actually see floor space when you are done; maybe this way, you can tell which color it was originally. This includes under the bed.
• Organize the closet: Everything in here should either be folded, on a hanger, or stored away elsewhere. Again, if it doesn’t fit, it’s time to let it go. Don’t let items they don’t wear take up valuable real estate.
• Finding the right storage solution: Yes, you need to have the right storage solution in place. This can mean tossing things into a storage bin, decluttering toys and art supplies, and finding the right storage container for everything.

You can accomplish all of this bit by bit, and by that, I mean one weekend at a time, giving your kid a chance to get into that “keeping their own room clean” groove.

This means that if you did the bed area last weekend, this weekend should be the drawers, and the bed area should not need work at all because it has been maintained and kept to your high standard of cleanliness as established the weekend before.

Step 3: Make Sure You Have All the Right Supplies

You most likely already have everything you will need in the house. But to be sure, let’s go over a few things you are definitely going to want to have in easy reach:

• Trash bags can be used for two main purposes: transporting items that are going into storage to the actual storage area and keeping whatever is going to be discarded. You can even use them as storage bags for things like extra blankets, duvets, and pillows.
• Cardboard boxes can be used to store whatever needs storage within the room in a neat and organized pile. Labeled bins will work best for keeping your kids room clean.
• Ziploc bags or sizable plastic food containers for the smaller items that need to be sorted and organized.
• Vacuum cleaner or broom to get rid of all that dirt and the dust bunnies hiding under the bed and in corners.
• Cleaning supplies like Mr. Clean are needed to wipe down flat surfaces, mirrors, and shelves.

Also See: Frugal Toy Storage Solutions

Step 4: Keep, Trash, or Donate

The fact that you are decluttering a kids’ room means that you are going to run into a lot of toy clutter and other stuff and that there are likely little storage solutions for them at this point. They will claim very proudly that they use everything and want to keep everything in that room, but you and I know this isn’t true.

I think it’s safe to say, in most circumstances, that 30–40% of everything in that room hasn’t seen the light of day in terms of usage for ages. As such, it’s up to you to help your kid sort through what they need to keep, trash, and donate.

Trash Option

These are things that are broken and are beyond repair. I’m talking about teddy bears with limbs missing, toy trucks that no longer run, and laptops that have long been replaced. Anything that can’t be reasonably used around the house should be trashed.

Donate Option

Anything that is in good working condition but has been outgrown. These items will include clothes, some gadgets, and toys. If they haven’t used the item in more than two months, but it’s in good working order, they should donate it.

Keep Option

Everything else falls under the keep option. It should be noted that the trash and donate option is a moving target. This sorting process should be repeated every six months or so, especially if you have younger kids.

Step 5: A Clear Overview

You should be done with the entire room at this point. The next step is for both of you to take a step back and look at what you have achieved.

This is where, if you have a teenage daughter, there will be some executive changes, mostly because she doesn’t like how that looks there or this here and so on. But those are minor changes, and they will continue to occur. The point is that the room is now neat and clutter-free.

This is to say that all this decluttering and kid room organization might change soon enough, and you guys will have to go through this entire process again. Thankfully, if you have already taught them about the importance of cleanliness, future decluttering experiences won’t be so painful.

The post Tips From Working Moms On Decluttering Your Kid’s Room appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Mom self care should be at the top of your list. I know it might sound a little selfish, and we don’t like to do it that much because our families need us too, but you can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. You need to take the time to recharge, reboot, and refill your own cup so you have more to pour for the people you love.

Did you know that about 9.8 million working moms in the US suffer from burnout? This is mostly because we keep going and going nonstop. As much as we are the little engines that could, even top-performing engines need maintenance from time to time; otherwise, they’ll seize up and stop working altogether.

That’s why mom self care is absolutely important and necessary. Now the question is, how do you do it effectively? And if I know you guys well, and I like to think I do, the answer would be, efficiently!

Mom Self Care Tips

Now, let’s be honest with one another for a second; the tips I’m going to give you here are things that would and have worked for me in the past and still do. The thing is, they are things that work for me. Of course, many work for the majority of moms out there, and as such, it’s reasonable to assume that they would work for you, too.

However, to really get the most out of mom self care, you need to find something that speaks to you specifically.

I’m talking about the kind of thing that reaches deep down inside and touches your soul. Whatever that is, it’s what makes you happy, and you should strive to do more of it.

I know, I know, many moms have spent so much of their lives giving themselves to their loved ones and their careers that they actually don’t know what it is that makes them truly happy. Don’t worry, I have a little questionnaire that should help narrow things down:

• What makes you genuinely smile? No, not your kids or your partner!
• What do you find yourself fantasizing about when you are tired to the bone?
• What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to doing?
• If you had all the money and the time in the world, what would be the first thing you do?

If you let yourself answer these questions genuinely, you will find that the things that you’ve always known are the things that make you truly happy. You’ve just learned to suppress that knowledge to accommodate others.

Don’t worry if the answers to these questions are varied and quite different from one another; that’s good! It means that you have more options when it comes to mom self care ideas.

I’ll let you think about this for a second. Take your time. Make a list, write it all down, and start checking them off that list one by one.

With that out of the way, here are the more conventional mom self care tips you can try out as you slowly figure that list out and set up your own self care routine.

Get Help

Let me let you guys in on a little secret: my family and I have a chore list, and we follow it as much as possible. However, I am not above asking for or even hiring some help.

I know I have spoken here before about hiring a nanny or babysitter for when you can’t be around or when you and your partner need to reconnect. The truth is, I hire help from time to time so that I can take a day off for myself.

It’s okay to get help. It doesn’t make you a bad or lazy mom; it makes you a smart one. Provided the family finances allow for it, get as much help as you can. That way, all those chores won’t feel as exhausting.

Meditate

I know there are many different opinions about how effective meditation is, whether or not people are doing it right, and all that. All I can say on the subject matter is this:

“The soul already knows what it needs to heal; the trick is in silencing the mind!”

That’s one of my favorite quotes. I have no idea who it’s by, but it simply speaks to me. Your soul already knows what it needs to heal, but your mind won’t let it. If you are anything like me, you are always thinking of a million things at the same time. All that mental noise can be exhausting.

You need to find a way to quiet it all down for at least 10 to 30 minutes a day. It will do wonders for your reset.

That’s where meditation comes into play for me. Research shows that meditation through mindfulness-based therapy (focusing on the present moment) can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

Every day, no matter what I am doing, I take 10 to 30 minutes to just sit there and empty my mind.

I find that this helps me find my center. You might want to give it a try, too.

Have Regular Date Nights

Believe it or not, this isn’t just meant to put the romance back into your lives; it’s also meant to give you some time to recollect and reconnect with yourself. These regular date nights can be with your partner, by yourself, or with your friends.

What I like to do is mix them up. At least twice a month, it’s my partner and me; at least once, it’s just me, like when I go to the spa, on a mini shopping spree, or just out for coffee and a few drinks by myself.

Watch Your Favorite Comedy Series

This is something I have come to truly appreciate. You don’t even have to binge-watch anything; all you have to do is watch an episode or two during your off time. For a comedy show like Friends, an episode takes about 20 to 30 minutes. That’s enough time for you to have laughed whatever stress you have away. If not, watch one more episode or a funny movie you like.

While too much screen time isn’t good for your brain, a little bit is fine for battling stress.

Take a Long Bath

This is one of those things that seems like an everyday thing, but it can really change the entire mood of the day. Let’s say, for example, that you decided not to hire any help and did everything yourself. At the end of the day, or just before you get started with dinner, take the time to take a nice, long, hot bath.

Use everything you like, from scented candles to the right kind of bubbles in your bath. Don’t limit your time. Just sit and soak in that bath until you feel like the stress has washed away enough for you to take on the household again.

Set Firm Boundaries

This is yet another one of those things that sounds like selfishness, but for a busy mom, it is absolutely necessary. You need to learn when to say no or when to cut back on some of the giving. This involves:

• Canceling plans that you simply don’t have the energy to attend or tolerate
• Saying no to work meetings that eat into your personal time
• Farming out some of that housework to your kids or the nanny

What I have found to work is that you can set aside a specific time, say Saturday or Sunday afternoon, as your “no mommy this, mommy that hour.” Let everyone in the house know that between 1 PM and 3 PM,you are not to be disturbed. This goes even for when you are just in the house. It is your recollection and recentering time.

Get Enough Sleep

We all know that motherhood and lack of sleep are no strangers. But as your kids get older and the stresses of taking care of them diminish some, you can slowly begin to catch up on sleep again.

Sleep is definitely something you need to prioritize. Getting enough sleep on a consistent schedule is highly underrated. As part of your boundaries, you need to block out at least six solid hours of sleep. The ideal number would be eight, but that can be a bit of a tall order for most of us.

Getting enough sleep calls for a specific schedule. What I do is set up a specific nighttime routine that not only gets my body but also my mind into the groove. Here’s what it includes:

• Avoiding screens at least 30 minutes before bed
• No heavy-duty house chores right before bed
• Taking a bath (another one)
• Reading a book
• Drinking some tea
• Catching up with my partner
• Going over most of what I am grateful for in my life

That last bit—going over what you are grateful for in your life—is another form of mom self care. You need to constantly remind yourself about how far you’ve come and all that you have achieved as a mom. This alone can give you some positivity and relieve some of your anxiety or guilt when you are feeling as though you aren’t doing a good enough job.

Involve the Kids

This is the silver bullet to that feeling of selfishness that might eat at you. I should tell you, though, that involving your kids in your self-care routine might not feel like you are really prioritizing yourself, but it can.

The trick is to pair it with something you really love doing and something that you can pass off as a teachable moment.

For me, that’s cooking!

This is one activity in which you can involve the entire family and really not feel guilty because you will be teaching them something. From how to make their favorite dishes to cleaning and keeping a tidy kitchen when cooking are activities that can prove to be therapeutic and educational.

Another advantage of this approach is that it will give them a positive road map for when they are adults and need to take a break as well. Things like going for a run, going to the park for some me time, walking the dog, and going camping are all habits that your kids pick up from you.

This kind of behavior establishes a habit, and that habit forges them into who they will be as adults.

How to Find Time for Mom Self Care

Now that you know what you need to do to give yourself a little TLC, it’s time to find the time for it. Here are some ways that work for me.

Prioritize Your Self Care

You simply must prioritize your mom self care time. Even if you have to pencil it in as a chore on your calendar, make sure it has a designated time every day.

Ask for It

I know from experience that most moms don’t want to inconvenience others because they either feel like they should be Superwoman or that asking would put someone else at a disadvantage. I can tell you today that you need to ask for it.

Ask for help, ask for time off, and ask for a break. Your family will understand, and so will your boss.

Every Little Bit Goes A Long Way

The mistake most moms make is to assume that mom self care needs to take a whole weekend or an entire week on a cruise ship. While that would be nice, it doesn’t have to be that extra.

In many cases, all you need are a few pockets of breaks throughout the day. For example, like I mentioned before, I make sure that I have at least 10 minutes a day for meditation. That alone can center and carry me through the day.

Mom self care isn’t a luxury; it’s a priority and something that you need to pencil in just as strictly as your business meetings and the kids’ appointments. Hopefully, these tips will help you find your center.

The post What I Learned in Time Out – A Mom’s Guide to Self Care appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

To be honest, DIY gift wrap storage ideas can be a pretty odd topic for most. But if you take gifting as seriously as we do in my household, you have definitely found yourself stuck with leftover gift wrap, which always seems to disappear the next time you need to use it.

You might have tried to store it without clutter, only for it to disappear after it was cut from the budget. You are not alone if you are looking for ways to tame your runaway gift-wrapping supplies in style.

My Budget DIY Storage Ideas

The following budget DIY gift wrap storage ideas provide tips and tricks to declutter your home while organizing your gift wrapping gear to streamline the process without significantly increasing your budget. You’ll be able to view your wrapping inventory at a glance and make informed decisions about what you need and don’t need.

File Storage

Most wrapping paper is stored horizontally in rolls because it’s easier to sustain them that way. You don’t have to throw away the smaller pieces that have been cut off the roll or stress about them anymore.

This vertical DIY storage solution enables you to store them as sheets instead of rolls. It is also great for gift bags. You can see what you want and pull it out quickly and efficiently.

File storage solutions exist all over the house; your simple magazine racks set on their spines will work for organizing your gift bags and small pieces of unused gift wrap that have been cut off the roll. You can also turn a bookshelf on its side and use it for the longer pieces.

Hooks and Brackets

Hooks are versatile storage tools that facilitate a host of storage options. I have used them to hang baskets and as brackets to hang wooden dowels around which wrapping paper can be spooled. Besides keeping the gift wrap organized, this solution also allows me to cut the pieces I need without taking the whole roll down.

I don’t like to damage my walls, so I go for the least intrusive options. A good number of my gift wrap options are supported by removable command hooks. They are surprisingly strong and can handle heavy weights. Some can even hold up to 10 lbs on just adhesive alone. This is more than sufficient for your typical gift wrapping supplies.

You can also install a peg board that can accommodate as many hooks as you need. I hang my gift bags on different pegs according to size, so it’s easier to pick the appropriate size without rummaging through a bunch of bags to find what I need.

Drawer Storage

Drawers allow you to keep everything tidy and out of the way. Drawer gift wrap storage opportunities are abundant in the home, from the empty dresser drawer in your guest room to beds with built-in drawers, cabinets and storage boxes that can be slipped under the furniture and hidden away from sight.

These spots are great for organizing gift bags and storing wrapping paper rolls out of sight. It also creates space.

Storage Caddy

This is ideally a plastic storage container. Any deep storage box that can hold wrapping paper and gift bags will do. It can have dividers so you can separate your items. The cover can also be partitioned to store gift tags, tape, and other gift-wrapping accessories in an organized manner.

Rubbermaid actually makes a Wrap N’Craft storage container specifically designed for wrapping paper and crafting supplies. There are two compartments. It has a slim design and clear exterior and can hold up to 20 rolls of standard wrapping paper. How’s that for a great storage solution?

I have two tips for efficient use of storage caddies:

• Group your gift wrap storage inventory by type, applicable events, holidays, colors or whatever makes sense in the grand scheme of things.
• Make cool labels that you wouldn’t mind looking at if you stored your gift wrap on an open shelf.

There are also some handy storage containers that you can hide away under the bed! When the storage container fits under other furniture, it can keep everything out of the way.

Consider a gift wrap organizer that can fit up to 24 rolls, has useful pockets for all of your accessories and can easily fit under the bed.

Don’t have money in the budget for this kind of wrapping paper storage? Don’t worry! Even laundry hampers can be repurposed and used as storage caddies. They can accommodate rolls of wrapping paper in the closet or your designated wrapping station.

Behind the Door Storage

I love this option because I get to optimize space that would otherwise be unused, reducing clutter yet allowing everything to be easily accessible. It can be as easy as mounting a peg board behind the door or purchasing a double-sided hanging gift wrap organizer with storage pockets.

This simple DIY storage station can be created in two ways: hanging the supplies on the door or the wall that the door opens toward. The idea is to have them out of the way when they are not in use. They are well hidden between the door and the wall when the door is opened, and they remain organized and neat when the door is closed.

It’s an excellent place to store gift wrapping accessories that you’re always looking for when it’s wrapping time, such as scissors and tape. You can mount storage baskets on hooks behind the door or install an elaborate gift wrap organizer.

This door doesn’t have to be the main room door. Hanging wrapping paper storage can be added to linen closets, wardrobes, and pantry doors as well. Wire baskets, hooks, and bins can be fixed to the inside of these doors. Everything is kept in one place with easy access without cluttering the room with paper rolls and gift wrapping supplies.

Storage Baskets

Both wire and woven baskets can be great solutions for holding paper rolls. Provided it’s tall enough, the basket will keep everything tidy and straight. They are versatile and can fit in all kinds of empty spaces that would otherwise go unused, like under the counters.

Rolling baskets are excellent because they are easy to move to and from these hidden corners.

You don’t even need to hide the wrapping if it looks tidy. This storage option can be used to complement your home décor if the print on the basket is something you love or one that blends with the theme of the rest of the room.

In the absence of an actual basket, you can choose a tall, beautiful shopping bag with a rigid structure to store your wrapping paper.

Mobile Gift-Wrapping Storage

The unique advantage of a gift wrap storage cart or rolling wrapping paper storage is mobility. You will particularly appreciate this solution if you don’t have a designated gift-wrapping station or you are moving from home to home. It ensures your bows, gift bags, tissue paper, Scotch and washi tapes are all in one place when you want to use them.

It’s also easy to whisk away the whole cart when not in use, and you can move with it from room to room when looking for a space to set up your gift wrapping station.

Another great mobile solution for wrapping paper storage is a convenient storage bag. Tuck all your Christmas wrapping supplies away, and off you go.

Under the Stairs

The storage space under the stairs is another underutilized asset. It can double up as a gift-wrapping station when organized right. Accessorize it with tension rods, curtain rods or shower rods to hang your gift wrap, ribbons, and other gift wrap supplies so everything is within easy access.

Top Shelf Gift Wrap Storage

The top of your bookcase, linen closet, wardrobe and other storage options in the house are often left bare. It’s perfect for items that are used seasonally, like gift wraps. Don’t just dump them there, though; they need to be organized for the storage to be effective.

For items that are stored this high up, I prefer to use clear containers so that I can see what I’m picking. An empty magazine holder or an unused refrigerator bin works just fine. I place my gift bag handles facing out so I can just grab them when I need to.

I really hope that my DIY and online wrapping paper storage solutions will help you find the inspiration to come up with an awesome, organized storage system that empowers you to work well despite space limitations in your gift wrap station. The transparency should also help you avoid duplication, which is one of the common mistakes households make that kill their budgets.

The post 9 Budget DIY Gift Wrap Storage Ideas appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Learning how to declutter toys from your kid’s room might sound simple enough, but trust me, it isn’t easy. The problem is that kids like to hold on to things almost as much as some adults do. In fact, kids have a bit more of an emotional attachment to their toys than most adults do to theirs.

Unless my kids are just hoarders, and I’m trying to make up excuses!

I am, however, convinced that most kids would rather keep their old toys somewhere in a drawer than actually get rid of them when they get new ones. In fact, from what I have seen, getting a new toy doesn’t necessarily mean that they are done with the old ones.

It just means that the new one is going to get a bit more attention because it’s new, but soon enough, it will join the roster just like every other toy.

So, depending on your kids to sort out the toys that they do and don’t want might not be the best strategy, but it is a strategy! It’s up to you, the adult in the relationship, to help them learn how to declutter toys.

Here are some tips and tricks I have found to work.

Also See: Tips From Working Moms On Decluttering Your Kid’s Room

Tips on How to Declutter Toys

Before we get down to business, it’s important to have a few things in mind. The first and most important factor to remember is that not all toys are equal. There are some toys that, although precious to your little one at some point, are quite limiting. The types of toys you keep around the house will determine how creative your kid gets when playing with them.

Let me explain.

Open-Ended Toys

When asked about what kind of toys are best for children, Professor Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, an Early Childhood Education expert at the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University, said this:

“Basic is better. The highest-scoring toys so far have been quite simple: hardwood blocks, a set of wooden vehicles and road signs, and classic wooden construction toys. These toys are relatively open-ended, so children can use them in multiple ways.”

These are toys that encourage maximum creativity and imagination. They can be deployed in any number of ways, and kids of any age can use them.

Open-ended toys include toys like:

• Classic LEGOs
• Play-Doh
• Balls
• Blocks
• Climbing structures
• Costumes

These kinds of toys are a bit more valuable when it comes to the mental and even physical development of your child. To encourage them to be more creative and open-minded, you might want to keep a lot more of these types of toys in the house.

Close-Ended Toys

These are toys that your kids can “finish” or master playing with after a few tries. Think of toys like:

• Puzzles
• Legos
• Pull toys (talking dolls)

Even though these kinds of toys can be used to teach kids how to stay focused on a singular task until completion, they do have an endpoint and offer much shorter play experiences for the kids. While your kid can always solve the puzzle again and again, once they’ve done it the first time, they get better and faster at it until they finally get bored.

Now that you know the different types of toys and the kind of value that they bring into your kids’ lives, here are some useful tips on reducing toy clutter.

Observe and Learn

The very first thing you want to do is learn which toys can be kept, which ones can be given away, and which ones can be permanently retired. Now, there are two ways to go about this:

• You can ask the kids
• You can simply watch and learn

If you ask the kids, they may give you honest answers, but remember, these small humans are often emotionally attached to their toys, and even when they don’t play with them anymore, they might have a difficult time letting go of a specific toy due to that attachment or nostalgia.

So, asking isn’t always the most foolproof strategy for toy organization, but it’s something you can try for the sake of democracy in the home.

Observation, on the other hand, works perfectly even though it takes time. Here’s what I do:

I sit back and watch my kids play with or interact with their toys for about a week. This works perfectly for me, especially if there’s a long weekend with some kind of school break coming up. What this shows me is:

• Which toys do they play with the most?
• Which ones do they only play with a little?
• Which ones do they completely ignore?

As part of this observation, I check to see which toys are broken, need batteries, or have a missing piece or two. Any of these could be the reason why they aren’t being used. More often than not, the answer is almost always that your kids are bored with them now and have moved on. You now have a pile of unwanted toys.

Sort the Toys

The observation week gives you a rough idea of which toys matter the most to your children. It essentially gives you a rough draft of which ones to drop and which will require some sort of toy storage solution. But you are still not there yet.

From the ones that roughly make the cut, it is helpful to sort their stuff into different categories. Once you sort the toys into different categories, you can easily tell which ones are redundant, and that makes it easier for you and the kids to decide which ones to donate.

Sometimes, it’s just because they have more than one of the same toys in different colors.

Here’s what I do to break them up into different categories:

• Stuffed animals: We all have these lying around the house. Gather all the stuffed animals (except for the ones that share a bed with your precious little ones; I would advise you to leave those alone).
• Baby toys: These are things like walkers, pull toys, play mats, soft books, teethers, and rattles. Basically, these are things that your baby probably won’t need for much longer anyway.
• Creating toys: Things like Play-Doh, jewelry-making kits, and arts-and-crafts options.
• Building toys: LEGOs, magnetic tiles, blocks, and so on.
• Figurines: These include action figures, Playmobil, superheroes, and so on.
• Transportation toys: Trucks, planes, trains, and so on.

The categories are wide and varied, including video games, musical instruments, art supplies, etc. Once you are done sorting them all into categories, the trick is to declutter a single category at a time, making sure not to misplace their favorite toys.

For example, if you are doing stuffed animals this week, look for toys in that category that are torn, have missing pieces, have been outgrown, are considered unused toys, or have more than one of the same, like teddy bears. Either give the excess toys to charity or simply throw them out.

Reorganize Toy Storage

As part of your observation, you might have noticed that the reason some toys don’t get as much attention despite seemingly being in good condition and a fan favorite amongst the kids is simply because they aren’t often within their line of sight. Kids tend to lose interest very quickly, and if they don’t see a toy for a day or two, they move on to the ones that they do see.

You can use this to your advantage. Make sure that the toys they seem to favor are reorganized and stored in such a way that they are both easily visible and accessible. That way, your kids will play with them often, and you can simply get rid of the rest.

Here’s what I do.

• Use small bins: I cluster all the toys that have lots of pieces, such as LEGOs and magnet tiles, in small individual storage bins to keep them all in one place.
• Create a toy curation station: Have you noticed that your kids tend to like playing where you are? Yes, most kids love attention. A good approach to using this to your advantage is to simply find two or three toys in the same category and create a curation station near the living room (where people often are). Take a toy or two from the different categories.
• Keep the rest stored: Rotate the toys on the curation list from time to time. Over time, you will see them looking for their favorites even when they are off the rotation. That will give you an even better clue as to which toys are popular and which ones you can give away.

Proceed With Caution

Even after you have gone through the different categories several times and gotten rid of the broken, the outcasts, and the outgrown toys, you will still find that there are some you aren’t too sure about. These are toys that are sometimes played with and sometimes ignored.

The best approach would be to put all these toys in a box. I call it the “Maybe Box” because I am not so sure that getting rid of them won’t create a riot. What I do is hold on to this “Maybe Box” for a couple of weeks or so just to see if anyone notices. If nothing is missed after two weeks, I simply donate the contents of the box and start all over again.

In some cases, you will find that some contents of the “Maybe Box” will be redeemed. In that case, simply replace whatever gets redeemed with something else that has been recently cast aside or broken. If you keep this rotation up, you will find that you almost always have some toys out of the way at any given time.

The Benefits of Learning How to Declutter Toys

Believe it or not, decluttering and reducing the number of toys in your house can benefit both you and the kids. Here are some benefits (some are actually scientifically proven) to decluttering toys.

Less Stress

Did you know that clutter can reduce both your and your kid’s ability to focus? Yes, there are actually scientific studies showing just how clutter diminishes one’s ability to focus on a single task by elevating their cortisol levels. This is exactly what happens when your kids are surrounded by too many toys.

It’s kind of like letting a kid loose in a candy store; you might think that it’s a lot of fun for them (which it is), but on some level, it’s also very stressful. They simply can’t decide which candy they want; they end up wanting all of it, but since they know they can’t have all of it, they try as much as possible to make a mental choice lest they miss out on it all. See the stress?

Decluttering your child’s room, therefore, is a way for you to help reduce their levels of stress and even satisfaction in the long run.

Fosters Creativity

There’s research to show that presenting kids with a smaller number of toys (preferably one at a time) fosters their creativity and focus. Not only do they learn how to enjoy having that one toy, but they actually come up with many different ways through which they can incorporate that toy into their playtime. They learn to play even more creatively.

Less Clean-Up for You

Even if you have a chore list with designated individuals doing a certain chore on a given day, these things can get overwhelming. Decluttering your kid’s toys means that there are fewer toys to pick up for whoever’s job is to clean up the house.

Kids Will Value Their Toys More

It’s part of human nature to value something scarce, like diamonds, and devalue something that is in abundance, like, say, rocks, for example (unless you are still talking about diamonds). These same principles apply to your kids; the fewer toys they have, the more value they will place on them. In fact, they might value them so much that they actually keep them in a safe place when they are done playing with them; problem solved.

Finally, once you realize just how few toys your kids actually value (based on observing which ones get taken out more), you will completely change how you look at buying toys.

Not only will you be more intentional with your purchases, but you will most likely start spending money only on toys that you think match the interests of your kids. This, in a way, helps you to keep your home clutter-free but also helps you save money.

The above tips on how to declutter toys will give you a broad picture of what needs to be done, and once you are done going through all the categories you can come up with, you will have done most of the decluttering and the number of toys in your home will have reduced significantly.

That, however, doesn’t mean that you are done. More toys will come; more toys will get cast aside; more will break. The trick is to keep the decluttering train going. You have to keep decluttering little by little and quite often.

The post Top 4 Rules for Decluttering Toys in My Kid’s Room appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Who here needs a gift card organizer?

I know I do! As it turns out, so do millions of other Americans. According to research, up to 47% of American adults have at least some form of unused gift card somewhere in their homes or their cars. These include things like store credit and vouchers amounting to an astonishing $21 billion. That’s an average of about $175 per person in unused gift cards.

Imagine what you could do with a random $175 of someone else’s money!

Why People Lose Gift Cards

I can’t speak for everyone but I know why I once lost (let’s say completely forgot it existed) a gift card.

A friend of mine and her husband work so very hard that they hardly have any time for each other. So, on one weekend, I offered to have their kids over to my house so they could have a solid 48 hours to themselves.

As a show of gratitude, my friend got me a gift card to one of my favorite spas. It included everything from a mud bath, to a facial, pedicure—the whole nine yards. That was in the middle of 2018.

I put it away and completely forgot about it. Then COVID-19 did its thing and the next thing I knew, years had gone by without me using the gift card. I came across it again in one of my drawers one day when I was organizing. That’s when I realized I needed a better system for keeping track of my gift cards.

One of the main reasons people lose gift cards is simple: they don’t use them as soon as they get them. This isn’t necessarily because we don’t like being gifted gift cards or because we simply have way too much money to care (at least, I know I don’t!). We often don’t use them for any of the following reasons:

• We forget that we have the gift cards.
• We can’t remember where we put the gift cards.
• We might have issues accessing the retailer or vendor in question, maybe due to our location or some other logistical issue.
• The gift card in question came with some inconvenient restrictions for which we didn’t care to find a workaround.
• We do use the gift card, but not in its entirety. We then forget to use the rest of the amount on it.

As you can see, most of these reasons can be solved by simply getting a gift card organizer or learning how to keep your gift cards organized in a way that keeps them fresh in the mind. This way, you remember to use them, especially when you have to buy something for one of those many birthday parties your kids keep getting invited to, and you just don’t have the budget.

Oh, and some of these tips would also work well for keeping your coupons organized too!

Top Gift Card Organizer Tips

By now, you know that I love finding neat little DIY tricks to do—well, everything around the house. Here are some of my gift card organizer tricks that could help you spend all of that $175 as well as a good chunk of the $21 billion that goes to waste due to unused gift cards every year.

Digital Gift Card Organizer Tips

Everything seems to be online nowadays; why not gift cards? I know some of us still like having the physical cards with us; it makes it feel like you are walking around with money, right?

However, if you aren’t about all that, there are some ways you can ensure that you always have your gift cards with you. The first way is the gift card organization hack, and the second is a way to make sure that you remember to use your gift cards.

Gyft

Gyft is a wonderful website and app that allows you to not only buy and send but also organize your gift cards online. The best part is that it also allows you to keep track of how much you have spent on your gift cards. Gyft supports almost all major retailers, such as Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, and so many others.

It’s the perfect digital alternative for people who are tired of having to deal with bulky gift cards in their wallets. All you have to do is download the app (both Android and iOS), upload all the necessary gift card information to that app, and there you have it: a walking, digital gift card organizer. You no longer have to worry about carrying actual cards or losing gift cards.

Use Google Keep to Alert You

Google has come up with many wonderful apps designed to make our lives easier. One such app that can be multipurpose into a gift card reminder app is Google Keep: It has a feature that allows you to get alerts when you are in a location that you have saved in the notes.

Say, for example, that you have a gift card for a local bookstore but forget to use it every time you go into that bookstore. You can easily create a note in Google Keep, set the location of that bookstore as part of the note, and just wait. The next time you are in that bookstore, Google Keep will send an alert to your phone reminding you.

To make sure you don’t forget to use your gift card, simply make sure the note is to remind you to use the gift card. And since you will already have that information on Gyft on the same phone, you will have everything you need, including how much is left on the gift card.

Rudimentary Gift Card Organizer Tips

Now that we have the digital tips and tricks out of the way, let’s look at some rudimentary ways to keep your gift cards organized at home.

Credit or Business Card Holders

Many things can prove to be pretty useful when it comes to organizing gift cards. For example, you can easily repurpose a credit card holder to become a gift card holder to keep all your cards organized and in one location.

A good example would be this 12-slot Black Credit Card Holder Wallet for those who want something small and compact.

However, if you find that you have many gift cards and would like to categorize them, you can use this basic plastic business card holder with protector sleeves. With this, you can organize your gift cards into categories and label them accordingly.

If, however, you want to go really hardcore, you can use this 900-pocket trading card binder to keep all your gift cards in one place. Not only does it have enough sleeves to keep almost every gift card in the world in there, but it’s also compact, well-organized, and easy to flip through.

Use a Key Ring

Another excellent idea is to simply punch a hole in the corners of your gift cards and put them all on a key ring. This way, you have all your cards in one place, and they are much easier to flip through when you need to choose which one to use. It is similar to how you would keep a store loyalty card for your favorite grocery store on your key ring for easy and quick access when it’s needed.

Now, of course, there’s the concern of how easy these cards are to remove from this kind of key ring, considering the fact that some cards are plastic or that you might not want to tear through them just to present them to the vendors.

To solve that issue, you can use something like this Lucky Line 5” Twisty Lock Key Ring; they are cheap and easy to open and close. You won’t have to ruin your gift cards at all.

Now, these rudimentary options, while very effective at keeping your gift cards organized and in one place, have one limitation: you won’t know how much you have left on the card unless you make a point of leaving a note with the gift card balance within the specific card sleeve.

For me, the best way around that is to simply use Gyft. It makes my life so much easier when dealing with gift cards. When combined with Google Keep, I have the perfect gift card organizer hack!

The post Stop Losing Gift Cards – My Top Organization Tips appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Small rooms can be tricky to organize unless you have these small room organization ideas up your sleeve. The biggest challenge we face when organizing our increasingly constrained houses is optimizing the space without compromising style and functionality.

If, like me, you’re constantly looking for ways to eliminate clutter, any additional tips are highly welcome.

Small Room Organization Ideas for a Clutter-Free Home

This compilation of small room organization ideas summarizes actual space hacks I have successfully implemented in my household over the years. They apply to all rooms and should help you declutter and manage your space, even when that space is limited.

1. Utilize Your Vertical Space

The more floor space you can free up, the easier it is to organize a small room and keep it clutter-free. A combination of open shelves and hooks on walls and the back of doors can be used to hang essentials you feel will not affect the room’s ambiance. If the shelves are the same color as your walls, they might even create an illusion of height and, by extension, space.

We also use the back of the doors and the fridge to hang paper bags, chore charts, and to-do lists in our homes.

Other ways of maximizing vertical space include incorporating a hanging organizer inside your small closet or installing a second rack to create another level for holding more items. This allows you to take stock of what you actually use and makes it easy to access what you need without rummaging through rubble.

Installing one or two extra storage shelves provides space to stack more items on top and allows you to hang others underneath them. That space in the closet beneath the clothes can also accommodate a free-standing organizer for shoes, clothes, or any other relevant supplies you have to store.

My latest kitchen installation was a pegboard. I can hang pots, pans, mugs, and other utensils as soon as they are washed. This clears up my countertops, and everything is easily accessible. And since it’s organized and matches the rest of my kitchen décor, it isn’t an eyesore.

2. Invest in Multipurpose Furniture

A storage ottoman or storage bench at the foot of the bed will increase your storage space. It even gives you a comfy spot to put your shoes on in the morning.

You can also use your bookcase as a nightstand or install floating shelves to keep a bedside lamp and your books. Keep thinking of multifunctional pieces because they eliminate the need for extra furniture.

3. Separate Items for Easy Access

My closet drawers have been much more organized since I discovered dividers. I can separate socks, bras, lingerie, underwear, and other clothing items so they hardly ever get jumbled up, even when I don’t have the energy to fold them perfectly on laundry day.

There are plenty of shelf dividers to choose from that allow you to stack your items neatly and efficiently. They make it much easier to find what you need without tossing everything out of the drawers until you find what you’re looking for. You can also use stackable containers, baskets, and boxes for the same function.

Create categories to sort your items so they are easily accessible as the need arises. You can use function, color, season, frequency of use or any other parameters that apply to your household. You want to make your daily routine smooth and reduce the chances of your items spilling out into the room and forming clutter.

Store similar items together, label containers, or use clear bins for easy identification. These room organization hacks will also enable you to monitor levels of supplies so that you can identify your staples and restock them on time.

Don’t want a clutter relapse? The KonMari Method is simple to follow but effective when you want to tidy up and ditch old clutter habits of the past.

There are five steps to follow with the KonMari Method: discard items by category, break a bigger category into subcategories, keep only those items that spark joy, organize thoroughly after you are done discarding items, and do it all in one go (ikki ni, in Japanese).

Spark joy?  According to Marie Kondo, the items you keep around should inspire joy, provide you with the thrill of pleasure, speak to your heart, move you, and be something you love. She says, “Life truly begins after you have put your house in order.”

4. Use Hidden Spaces to Store Items Out of the Way

There is plenty of storage room that often gets overlooked when organizing the household. Seasonal clothing items, for instance, can be stored under the bed in a small bedroom until needed. There is also plenty of storage space under sinks and worktops for extra supplies.

My comforters and quilts go under the beds in storage bags or baskets until winter. The baskets keep them clean and protect them from dust. The best part? They are easily accessible when I need them, and I don’t have to lug a bunch of dusty boxes down from the attic or dig them out of the closet.

Also See: How To Organize A Small Closet

5. Customize Your Furniture to Optimize the Small Space in the Room

Look for furniture with small footprints that fit the shape and size of the room. Space-saving ottoman-style beds, for instance, will make your work easier when dealing with limited floor space. If there isn’t enough space on the sides of the bed to pull out boxes and drawers, get one that can be lifted to reveal storage space that is typically as big as the bed’s footprint.

Reserve this storage space for items that are out of season or that you don’t use regularly, as fishing under the bed is not something you enjoy doing daily.

I love to make an example of this slim storage cart I came upon that fits neatly between my daughter’s bed and her nightstand. She uses it for her books, small items, and makeup. Keep your eyes peeled for such gems, as each room in the household has unique needs and additional storage requirements.

Blind corner cabinets are another underutilized small-room organization idea. These corner drawers have sharp angles due to their position in the rooms. Their awkward shapes make them hard to organize, but they are ideal for small items like dish towels and cloth napkins if you fit them in sideways (instead of piling them on top of each other).

They will enable you to declutter without adding pressure to your kitchen cabinets.

6. Declutter

At some point, I got rid of extra pillows and throws from my bedroom as I realized we hardly used them at night anyway. They were adding an extra layer of clutter in our small space that was unnecessary.

This concept applies to the rest of the house when space is scarce. Decluttering is the most effective way of creating space in a cramped environment. What you don’t need can be gifted or donated, creating more storage room for your regular items.

These room organization ideas can be applied collectively or individually depending on your circumstances. The underlying principles are to keep it simple, lean, and orderly.

The post 6 Small Room Organization Ideas to Keep Your Home Clutter Free appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Garage toy storage might sound like a foreign concept to most moms because, let’s face it, there are better things you could be doing with your time than finding a storage solution for the garage.

But think about it, when was the last time you walked through the garage without tripping over something? Whether it’s a child’s toy, some of your own garden tools (the better things you could be doing with your time), stuffed animals, or sports equipment, the garage floor always seems littered with one thing or the other.

For your kids, this level of disorganization doesn’t even register on their radar (the adorably clueless bundles of joy).

For a mom, however, it could quite literally keep you up at night, especially if you are anything like me, a “super mom” who believes in finding a DIY project for every problem.

Don’t laugh! You know you are the same way!

Sometime during those long nights of tossing and turning, I came up with a few ingenious garage toy storage hacks that I think might help you keep your garage neat, the floor free of kid’s toys, and, most importantly, clean.

Assessing Your Garage Space

If you want to make good use of your garage space, the first thing you need to do is take a long hard look at how you are using it now and realize that you could do better. In most garages, you will find so much wasted space that it could be used in a different way.

Think about it this way:

• When you look around your garage, do you see the wall? That’s potential wall storage space right there!
• How about the roof? Are there bits of it that the naked eye can see? Again, potential storage space given the right DIY and organizational skills.
• What about the garage floor? With the right organization, that, too, can be used more efficiently. You must consider accessibility and safety when dealing with the floor and roof.

Looking at it through the right DIY eyes, you will find that your garage has so much underutilized space that it could easily be turned into storage units in its own right.

Also see: How to Organize the Garage

Sorting and Decluttering

Now that you know your garage actually has plenty of underutilized storage space, it’s time to start sorting through everything and deciding what will go where.

This is the hard part. It calls for decluttering and letting go of some things. If you have a family made up of semi-hoarders like me, they won’t be very happy about you discarding or donating any of the stuff they still deem useful in some way.

It, however, must be done. It gives you less clutter, less to clean, and more storage space for new stuff.

So, here’s how I go about it:

• I grab a trash bag and ask everyone to give me five things they would like to give away.
• If that doesn’t work (it hardly ever does), I ask for toys they haven’t played with or clothes they haven’t worn in the past month.
• Use the 12-12-12 rule. Find 12 things to keep, 12 to donate, and 12 to throw away. And if it really comes down to it and they can’t possibly let go of a single item, I will choose for them!

Do this every month or so, and you will find that your home has less clutter over time. You can even add this to your child’s chore chart so they don’t forget to clean up.

Creating Zones for Toy Storage

Your kids probably look at the garage as just another part of the house. That means they probably leave all the tidying up to you. However, if you designate a specific section of the garage just for them—for their toys and stuff—they might develop a sense of ownership, and that might just encourage them to keep that part of the garage tidy.

Dividing the garage into different functional storage zones is efficient and smart.

• Have space for equipment like roller skates, football cleats, etc.
• Have a storage box for gloves and other outdoor kids’ toys.
• Designate a section of the wall for their bikes (although this can be shared).

Make sure to give everyone their own section of the garage, whether shared or not. It gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility. Also, it gives you specific people at whom you can point fingers when that particular section doesn’t meet the military standards of cleanliness that every home should hold. I’m kidding.

Innovative Storage Solutions

In most homes, the garage is just one big open space. It doesn’t have a smart layout to help you work your magic regarding garage toy storage ideas. That’s why you have to get really creative.

That’s easier than you might at first think. All you need to do is buy some stuff. Here are some excellent options:

Shelves, Containers and Bins

Shelves and storage bins are your best friends when it comes to garage storage. Storage bins are particularly useful when organizing your garage floor space. Every child can have their own clear plastic bin in which they can throw everything from toy cars to other small toys.

Clear bins not only clean up all these tiny items but also make them easier to find since the bins are see-through.

Hooks

These are perfect for walls and ceilings. You can use something like Slatwall panels paired with hooks to hang pretty much everything, including bikes, scooters, skateboards and slightly larger tools or gear.

Cabinets

If you aren’t a big fan of clear bins or feel your garage needs a bit more pizzazz, you can try garage cabinetry. Cabinets are efficient and offer plenty of space for organization.

Labeling and Organization Systems

When done correctly, everyone should know where their items are located, but if that fails, as it will when dealing with kids, a labeling system will come in handy. Simple stickers or a grouping of toys will work just fine.

For example, outdoor toys go in one box, wheeled toys in one section, power tools in their own cabinet, etc. You could also just leave some items in clear bins. This kind of labeling often makes everything so much easier to find and helps to avoid the inevitable mess that will come with everyone trying to find what they need while disregarding everything else around them.

These hacks work for me, and I am sure they can work for you too. But no two homes are ever alike. I would advise you to start by assessing the kind of space you have and then pick and choose which hacks might work best for you.

If you want lasting results, I encourage you to involve the entire household in this DIY garage toy storage project. It’s not only more hands to make the workload lighter but also brings the sense of responsibility we discussed earlier. Also, the kids might have more garage storage ideas from TikTok they can share!

The post Garage Toy Storage Ideas: How to Make the Most of Your Space appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

We all love an organized household. The following organization hacks for the house have been tried and tested in my attempt to achieve a stress-free home environment.

1. The Magic of Vertical Storage

Take advantage of the vertical space you have to optimize storage in cramped areas. Your walls, ceilings, closets, and cabinet doors are all potential storage opportunities. Try using unexpected items like unused frames or garden hooks; your creativity is the only limit!

For example, hanging a rack on the wall for your pots and pans provides extra storage and keeps everything easily accessible. No more digging around deep cabinets on your hands and knees to find the pot or pan you need for dinner.

Kitchen organization also goes beyond aesthetic value and affects health and safety. Accidents are better mitigated when cookware is easily accessible, and there is extra space to work with. No one wants to break their back digging out equipment and utensils.

Over-the-door organizers and wall-mounted racks make house organization easy and provide stress-free access to needed items.

Also See: How to Organizer a Small Closet

2. Take Advantage of Drawer and Cabinet Dividers

I finally got a set of drawer inserts that are the perfect size for my silverware. I arranged them in a certain order, which I taught the kids, so they could adopt it when they do the dishes. It makes picking what we need from the kitchen drawers so much easier.

How often have you found yourself looking at cutlery trays in the store only to bring one home to find out it doesn’t fit? Finding the right size of cutlery trays is difficult, so I set up small containers inside the drawers to separate the cutlery.

These nifty little organizers are super affordable and keep the drawers neatly organized. You can use small organizers and DIY drawer dividers to customize each drawer according to your needs and dimensions. They are also useful in a messy closet and help organize clothing items better to keep everything neat and tidy.

Also see: How to organize dresser drawers

3. Creative and Functional Labeling

I love using clear containers in the kitchen, as you can see what is inside. This saves time and makes it less tedious to pick what I need. Some ingredients are less discernible, making it safer to label the containers.

I’ve also realized that labeling makes finding items easy for other household members and allows me to be creative with the containers. They don’t have to be clear. I use tags, color-coded stickers, and marker pens for my labeling.

Also see: 16 Dollar Store organizing ideas

4. Declutter With a Purpose

Go through every room in the house with an empty bin or trash bag, taking an inventory of items as you remove everything that you haven’t used in a while or feel is out of place.

Separate these items into piles to keep (seasonal stuff and those that are only used occasionally), donate (items that are in good shape but you don’t need or won’t use in the foreseeable future), and dispose (damaged and/or can’t be repurposed).

Separate frequently used items from less popular or seasonal items and designate spaces for them. If you use stackable containers, keep your less popular items at the bottom.

Correlate essential items that align with your decorating theme so they are not eyesores. TV remotes can be placed inside attractive baskets to maintain easy access without detracting from your organization and aesthetic.

Alternatives for reducing visual clutter are decorative boxes or repurposed jars. The instant transformation of a pile of cluttered mess into something functional is amazing.

Also see: 11 Lifestyle tips from organized moms

5. The Power of Hooks

Hooks are a versatile tool for organization and storage in the home. They help you optimize vertical storage to create extra space without clutter. You can use them to hang items like keys, bags, hats, or even cleaning tools like mops and brooms.

They come in handy when you don’t have a closet or your closet space is inadequate for your items. Hooks let you expand your closet space and extend your organization efforts.

Also see: 6 Small Room Organization Ideas to Keep Your Home Clutter Free

6. Hidden Storage Options

There are plenty of storage opportunities in areas that are commonly overlooked when organizing the house.

A great organizational hack is incorporating storage into your furniture. The day I converted my old wooden chest into a cushioned ottoman with hidden storage was a game-changer in my living room organization. Inside, I store my hand-knitted quilts and patterned rugs, all within arm’s reach. Think of the pieces of furniture you have that could secretly double as storage. If you’re handy with tools, try crafting your own hidden storage pieces; it adds a personal touch and solves storage woes.

A good number of beds also have storage drawers underneath where extra bedspreads and sheets can be stored. Or you can purchase affordable, basic under-the-bed fabric storage bags to organize your linen.

The space under the sink is also an excellent storage option, as you can keep items out of sight but within reach. I use it for my toiletries in the bathroom and the most used cleaning sprays and essentials in the kitchen.

7. Efficient Cord Management

Tangled cords and messy cables are not only an eyesore but are also a challenge to use as they are disorganized and hard to identify. They also pose safety concerns, as people can easily trip on them. If you don’t have cable sleeves, apply binder clips or repurpose paper towel holders.

8. Optimize Existing Storage Spaces

Before considering a complete overhaul, remember that enhancing what you already have makes it much easier to create extra storage space and improve organization for a stress-free home.

A shelf riser, for instance, enables you to double the storage space in your kitchen cabinets. It also doubles as an organizer, separating dishes, cookware, or pantry items on the same shelf or cabinet. A drawer organizer or drawer divider provides the same service.

You could also install a rotating Lazy Susan on your table, countertop, or in the pantry. This is another underrated decluttering solution. It enables you to easily retrieve what you want without disturbing other items.

I had one installed in my refrigerator. I no longer have to risk frostbite digging at the back for that elusive ingredient when it’s fully stocked. And we all know how frustrating it can be when items get pushed to the back and lost or forgotten about.

9. Streamline Household Routines

A well-organized routine minimizes stress and saves time for everyone in the home. When you have designated drop zones for keys, TV remotes, and wallets, you won’t find yourself turning the room upside down looking for them, so the order is easy to maintain.

I also find it more sustainable to distribute housekeeping chores than to do them all at once. Implementing a more systematic cleaning cycle in my home lets me stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed. This way, the entire household can also act more as a team.

Organization is an ongoing process that becomes easier to maintain if implemented consistently. So, I hope my tips and tricks have inspired you to find what works best in your own home to make things more stress-free and manageable.

The post 9 Creative and Easy Organization Hacks for a Stress-Free Home appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

The toy box is an indispensable playroom accessory that can become the perfect gift for your children, grandchildren, family, friends with small kids or other special people in your life. Customizing it for an individual implies that you hold them in high regard.

Keep reading to see how a personalized toy box creates a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Why Is the Toy Box Important in Your Little One’s Playroom?

The toy box will prove to be one of the most important components of a playroom or bedroom. Why? Because for many parents, myself included, the toy box is almost a catch-all. It is where everything goes in a hectic pick-up at the end of the day. It stores toys and sometimes a wide range of items that the kids cherish, like books, jump ropes, frisbees, and balls.

Because it stores a wide range of toys and makes them all available to the kids simultaneously, it gets their creativity going. It encourages them to develop new games to apply different toys instead of using the first toy they lay their hands on. This organized yet unstructured playroom offers a variation of a Minecraft environment that allows their imagination to kick in.

It acts as a playroom organizer, ensuring toys are easy to access and put away, which makes it easy for the kids to clean up after themselves. This keeps your house safe and tidy and creates space for other indoor activities when needed.

What Is a Personalized Toy Box?

Speaking from my firsthand experience as a parent, a personalized toy box isn’t just a storage solution; it’s a custom piece designed with the unique personality and interests of a child in mind. It’s more than just an excellent gift idea – it’s an expression of appreciation and recognition of the child’s individuality.

Personal Information

If you have more than one child and want to separate their toys into separate toy boxes, one way of differentiating them is by inscribing the child’s name or nickname onto the toy box. Depending on the material, it can be printed, etched, or carved.

You can also purchase a sticker pack if you don’t want to spend extra money on an inscription. Alternatively, you can paste their favorite photo onto their toy box.

These enhancements give the child a sense of ownership, so they will enjoy putting away their books and toys when playtime is over (fingers crossed).

Personalized Messages

Instead of personal information like a name or nickname, you can have a special catchphrase you share with your child on the toy box. These can be wise words, phrases from their favorite show, or any other inscription the child identifies with.

It can also be something shared between a child and his parent if you want to get all warm and fuzzy about it.

Custom Colors

Custom colors are easy to apply if you know your child’s favorite color (what parent doesn’t). They will be drawn to the box like they are drawn to everything else with that color.

Toy Box Design Personalization

Another way of customizing your toy box is molding it after the child’s hobbies and interests. Some come shaped as trucks, others as dolphins, soccer balls or even unicorns and spaceships, which we love.

I knew my daughter would be thrilled by the CoComelon school bus-shaped toy box even before we got it home. CoComelon is a popular YouTube channel for kids that keeps her glued to the screen, singing children’s songs and nursery rhymes. She was ecstatic.

A car-shaped toy box, for instance, adds a playful touch a child will love. They will enjoy pushing it like an actual car, which gives them more incentive to put away toys. You can make clean-up time a game. See how fast they can drive around the room picking up their toys.

Another customized toy box could be a pretty castle where the prince and princess live with their nice trinkets. If you have a little princess in the family, this toy box will probably blend nicely with the other princess-themed toys and décor.

If you are looking for inspiration for your own personalized toy box, check out Etsy and Amazon.

What Else to Consider When Choosing a Toy Box

Having scoured the market for the perfect toy box for my own children’s rooms, I’ve come to realize there’s more to selecting a personalized toy box than meets the eye. Based on my experiences, here are a few essential considerations that could make your choice more fitting and rewarding:

Storage Space

My daughter’s Cocomelon toy box can’t fit all her toys, so we still use the larger one she shares with her siblings, but her favorite toy, Elsa of Arendelle, is always riding the bus and going everywhere with her. If you want to make do with a single toy box for everything, you should consider a large wooden toy chest that is heavy-duty and typically stationary.

You should also consider neutral or all-inclusive customization to personalize the toy box if it’s shared between siblings. You can engrave all their names on it or select a theme based on shared interests.

Functionality

You might find yourself torn between toy packaging boxes and needing a tie-breaker. Look for added utilities that apply to your playroom.

Our larger toy chest came with a lid doubling as a sitting bench. Such designs enable them to supplement your nursery or playroom furniture, providing extra sitting areas. They also double as foot benches when placed at the end of the child’s bed and can be used as nightstands on the sides of the beds. Some stores even throw in bonus cushions with toy boxes to make sitting comfortable.

Some personalized toy boxes come with wheels and require less exertion to move around. This allows your kids to have their toy storage at hand as they move from one room to another. Their toys are more likely to end up safely back in the playroom this way. When looking at portable toy boxes like this, you want to find one with handles so it is easier for your child to lug around the house.

Drawing from my own parenting journey, I can vouch for the joy that a personalized toy box can bring to your loved ones. It’s about finding that perfect piece that not only fits your budget and aligns with your home’s aesthetics but also encourages your kids towards self-discipline and organization. I’ve learned that a modern toy box transcends its basic function as a storage item—it can become a treasured piece of childhood.

The right personalized toy box can make an otherwise chaotic playroom orderly, clearing room for the child to actually play. At the same time, it can also save mom and dad a few headaches since the kids will probably be more willing to clean up their toys if they love their toy box.

The post Personalized Toy Box: The Perfect Gift for Your Little One’s Playroom appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

One area in my house that tends to get messy quickly is the pantry. It’s a revolving door of getting snacks, planning dinner, and fixing breakfast — so it can turn from easy to find things to “didn’t I just buy a bag of noodles last week?”

Not only can a messy pantry make it difficult to find the food you’re looking for, but it can also result in waste. You could have canned food set to expire and you don’t know it because it’s hiding in the back. Or you could end up buying more of something you already had but didn’t know it. There goes your hard-earned money, right into the trash can.

Here are some pantry organization tips for creating a useful storage space and keeping it clean.

• Pro tip: If you’re ready for a pantry makeover, you will want to grab my pantry organization checklist. It will guide you through each step to get your space organized.

AN ORGANIZED PANTRY STARTS WITH SHELVES

First things first: You need some sort of pantry shelves to hold all of your food and storage containers. Shelves are a must-have to increase your visibility into your food stores, so if you don’t have a pantry cabinet in your kitchen, you should install inexpensive wire shelving somewhere. Even inside a coat closet will work! I once saw a small pantry made up of wire racks hung above someone’s washer and dryer in her utility room. Get creative — you don’t need an official kitchen pantry to keep your food organized! Anywhere you can install open shelving will work as pantry space.

If you’re worried about crumbs, spills, or peanut butter smudge, you can invest in a shelf liner to protect your shelves.

Also See: 11 Lifestyle tips from organized moms

USE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

Besides shelves, you’ll also want to invest in some sturdy containers designed for food storage. A clear container will allow you to find things faster, and if you get a modular set of them, they’re easy to stack and keep things tidy. I never keep any food in the original store packaging. The minute I get home from the store, I put everything in see-through plastic containers. Not only does that help my kids find the snacks they want, but it also prevents the food from going stale. (There is nothing worse than popping a cracker into your mouth and realizing it’s stale because it wasn’t stored properly. BLECH! A pop container will solve that right away.)

I spent about $50 purchasing clear containers for my pantry makeover. However, I know that this was an investment as I will save more than $50 in the long run by not having to throw away stale food.

And if you don’t want to put things in plastic, a big recycled glass jar works well for small items like elbow macaroni or other pastas. I like to buy staples like lentils and rice in bulk and then measure out cooking-sized portions that I keep in a mason jar right in the kitchen. Then I seal the rest of what I purchased in an airtight container and put it in the pantry.

MAXIMIZE YOUR STORAGE SPACE

If you have a small kitchen and are short on storage, you’ll need to be creative to get the most out of your pantry space. For storing items that you don’t use regularly, like birthday cupcake liners or other special-occasion baking supplies, consider putting them on a lazy susan on the top shelf of your kitchen cabinet. If you’re short on shelf space, you can also create space for storage on the back of your pantry door (if you have one) by hanging a closet organizer there. It’s a great spot for a makeshift spice rack.

Check out a dollar store for more inspiration on storing pantry items! (If you find anything great, let us know in the comments.)

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PANTRY ORGANIZED

I clean my pantry weekly. It’s not a DEEP clean, just a quick clean-up and organization. Then, once a month or every six weeks, I do a deep clean and end up with a wonderfully organized pantry … at least for a while!

Deciding to clean and organize my pantry regularly was one of the best things I’ve done to improve my grocery budget (and my sanity). Pantry organization isn’t hard, but if you don’t know where to start, it can seem like a daunting task. I recommend starting small and then working your way up to a bigger cleaning.

So for a smaller project that’s easier to bite off, here’s what I do each week to make sure the pantry stays clean:

Check for empty or nearly empty bags, containers or boxes. Add any items that you need to replace to your grocery list.

Look for crumbs on the shelves and floor, such as crackers that fell out of packages, etc. Clean up the messes as needed (sweep and wipe down shelves).

Make sure that all like items are next to one another (keep cereal together, crackers in one area, and cans stacked neatly). We even put all of our noodles together.

Keeping things together like this saves my family time. If I am making spaghetti for dinner, I know I can look in the “noodles section,” and the “cans section” to find what I need to make dinner. It not only helps me but helps my husband, too! Rather than me having to help him find something, he can (usually) see what he needs because it is organized! Ahhhh … simple things that make me smile!

• Pro tip: One fun pantry organization idea is to use a snack basket for the kids’ snacks so they can find what they need quickly. This helps with portion control, too, so they don’t eat all the granola bars in one day!

And that’s it. That’s all I do in my cleaning every week, and we can find anything we need when we need it. Our family also wastes much less food because items don’t go stale and need to be thrown out. It just works!

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR PANTRY

At least every two to three months, I declutter and do a deep clean. I take everything out, wipe down every shelf, and create a pantry inventory of what we have on hand and what we will need. This helps me determine if there are foods that we are not eating, so I don’t buy them any more (which ends up wasting money).

This process does take more time than the weekly cleaning, so make sure you have set aside at least an hour (possibly longer) to clean yours. Here’s what I do:

Remove everything from the pantry; do this shelf by shelf (or drawer by drawer!).

As each pantry shelf is empty, wipe it down before putting anything back.

Check for expired food — both for pantry staples that are already expired and for “best by” dates that are coming up fast.

Make a stack of cans you can donate (for those your family has decided not to eat).

Make sure that all like items are put back near one another.

• Pro tip: You might end up throwing away items while cleaning, which means you need to buy replacements. You might also discover that you are running low on a staple like rice or flour. So if you make a shopping list while you are putting items back on their shelves, you’re sure to remember to get what you need. There is nothing worse than having to run to the store for one ingredient when trying to make dinner! I HATE doing that!!! By taking a few minutes to do this simple step when you’re cleaning, you’ll save yourself time later.

The final step in your deep clean is to sweep and mop the floor.

HOW TO USE YOUR PANTRY BEFORE AND AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING

I visit the grocery store every Friday, and I always do my weekly pantry clean-up before I head to the store. That way, I can update my shopping list if know if I am out of cereal or the box of crackers is nearly empty. So, weekly cleaning serves double duty for me!

When returning from the store, take each item out of its original packaging and put it into a food storage container. Make sure all your pantry goods are put away next to other like items (i.e., keep canned goods together).

NOW GO GET STARTED ON YOUR PANTRY ORGANIZATION!

Grab yourself some shelves, containers, and time (which is probably the toughest of those three to get!) and get cracking. With a little planning and work, your pantry can be the organized space you’ve been dreaming of!

The post How to Organize Your Pantry appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Life with kids can be busy and chaotic. This chaos is only amplified when you find yourself in a new place or situation that takes you out of your regular routine.

Whether it’s summer vacation, an unexpected snow day or even just a busy weekend, a family schedule can help to bring some structure and flow back to an out of the ordinary day.

If you’re looking for some tips on how to create a family schedule that will work when you’re out of your normal routine, read on!

The benefits of creating a family schedule

There are tons of amazing reasons to start using a family schedule. A schedule can help you to:

• Reduces decision fatigue: We have a finite amount of decision-making capacity in a day. A well-planned family schedule can help reduce the number of decisions you have to make and you can save your capacity for other things.
• Increases efficiency: When you have a schedule in place you don’t have to waste time thinking about what you should or could be doing. You already have a plan in place so you can just do it.
• Clarifies expectations: A schedule helps to get every family member on the same page. The plan and expectations are literally written down for everyone to see.
• Reduces stress:  For kids, too much change and inconsistency can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. I would argue the same is even true for adults. When everyone knows what to expect, it’s easy to plan and prepare, and it makes everyone feel more in control of their day.
• Helps to increase good habits:  while simply having a schedule won’t force you to exercise or make your kids do their homework, it is a helpful tool in reinforcing good habits. When you’ve scheduled outdoor time/exercise time from 1-2 p.m. you’ve eliminated the “I don’t have time to exercise” excuse.
• Helps to reduce bad habits: a schedule helps to prevent you and your family from spending the day being inactive or sitting in front of a screen. By having a plan in place, you’re less likely to just sit around wondering what you should do.

General tips for creating a family schedule

By now I hope you’re convinced that having a family schedule is a great idea. I mean, look at all of the benefits. Now let’s get into some general tips about how to create your family schedule.

Get your supplies together

Gather up a whiteboard and markers or a big piece of poster board and think about where you want to post the schedule. It should be somewhere central so that it’s accessible and easy to see like on the fridge in the kitchen.

Make it a family affair

Since this is a family schedule every family member should be involved in its creation. Make sure everyone gets a chance to have their say to ensure that there are no big schedule surprises! This will hopefully result in less resistance when it comes time to follow the schedule.

Tips for what to include on your family schedule

It’s up to you to decide what you want to include in your family schedule, but here are some different things to consider.

Activity time

Whether you have young kids or school-age kids it’s great to include some structured activity time. You can add some example activities such as experiments, reading, or certain crafts. By thinking of some activities ahead of time you can make sure you have all of the materials that you’ll need. Also, when your kids come to you and say they’re bored, you can tell them to go and look on the schedule for some things to do!

Schedule outdoor time

Every good schedule should include some outdoor time. When you have small kids this is essential to help release some of that toddler energy. A trip to the park or a bike ride will help everyone sleep better. Getting outside will give you a dose of vitamin d and, as an added bonus, your kids won’t sound as loud when they’re out in the wide-open air.

Mealtimes

Incorporate snack and mealtime into your schedule to ensure that no one goes hungry. No one wants to deal with a hangrey (hungry/angry) child!I know it’s easy to opt for quick options when you’re away from home or out of your normal routine, but try and stick to nutritious foods. A good meal plan can help you to prepare ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling and turning to junk food.

Nap/relaxation time

A bit of quiet time gives everyone a chance to replenish their energy, and it gives mom and dad some necessary time to clean, eat or do anything else they haven’t had a moment to do.

With young kids sticking to scheduled nap times helps to ensure that they actually get the sleep they need. With older kids, you can implement an hour of quiet time where they can read, do homework or even watch the iPad.

Incorporate chores

This is more relevant for older kids but even toddlers have things they can help with. Include different chores that your kids can do throughout the day. For example, in the morning make bed, brush teeth, etc. At mealtimes, put your dishes in the dishwasher and at bedtime put your dirty laundry in the hamper. By having the chores listed on the schedule this makes everyone aware of what is expected and hopefully reduces any arguments or negotiations.

Bedtime

Set a bedtime. It doesn’t have to be exact, you can have a range, but it’s important to stick to a general routine when you have kids so they don’t get overtired. All parents know, an overtired child makes bedtime miserable. If you’re away from home try to replicate your normal nightly routine the best you can.

If at first you don’t succeed…

If your first go at the schedule isn’t a great success, no problem. Nothing is set in stone, this is a work in progress. But, a few things to consider before you scrap your first iteration and replace it.

Give it time

When you introduce a new schedule it will take a few days or even a week to adjust and get used to your new routine. People generally don’t like change and it will take everyone time to adapt.

Adjust

If after a few days or a week you feel like something isn’t right, adjust. Your schedule is a work in progress. Get the family back together to discuss what’s not working and then readjust.

Be flexible

When you’re out of your normal routine there’s a certain amount of flexibility required to get through the day. If you mess up and don’t follow the schedule one day, don’t worry. Just try to get back on track the next day.

Also See: Simplified Cleaning Schedule for Working Moms

Now it’s time for you to create your family schedule

While to some, a schedule might seem rigid and unnecessary I find it helps me and my family to make the most of our days. Rather than wasting time trying to figure out what to do we all know what to expect. The family can prepare for the days ahead and I can ensure that we have everything we need to enjoy the activities and meals that we’ve planned.

Happy planning!

–By Jessica Martel

The post How to Set a Family Schedule When You’re Out of Routine appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Life gets busy. At times it gets so busy that it distracts us from our day-to-day to-do list. Then, you look around and everything is a mess. A literal mess.

You have clutter all over your dining room table.

The laundry hasn’t been sorted in three weeks (#trueconfessions) and you are afraid to look at that questionable Tupperware in the back of your fridge.

I totally get it, no judgment on this end.

I’ve been there and understand the dread of tackling that mess on your precious Saturday. This is precisely what made me rethink my chore list process.

I’m a full-time working wife and mom of two girls. As if that weren’t enough, I also run a blog called The Frugal Convert. So, my days start at 4 a.m. and end at 9 or 10 p.m. I’m usually sleep-deprived and running on empty.

So, I had to adopt a system that would help me organize my life while giving me TIME to do the things that mattered. No one wants to spend every waking moment tackling a chore chart day in and day out, so here is how I do it.

1. Make a list of the important chores

It’s important that you’re realistic with your chore chart. So many people look at the ideal scenario when they plan out their tasks. But the best way to get things done is to give priority to the chores that make your life easier. So, tackling the gardening on a week where you’re running from soccer practice to the recital to the birthday party is probably not a great idea.

Download my free Family Chore Chart Printable

2. Enlist the family

I know you want everything to be done PERFECTLY, but I promise, done is good enough. Many of us (myself included) are perfectionists when it comes to how we like things done around the house.

But, if the counter is decluttered and wiped down, it’s going to look 10 times better than a cluttered counter that’s waiting for your undivided attention to declutter, wipe down, and buff into an Instagram-worthy sparkle.

Enlisting help with the chores will help you check off your list MUCH faster and with less energy from you. It also teaches your kids responsibility and ownership of those tasks, a life skill every kid should learn. (And chores can be tied to whether your kid gets an allowance.)

3. Use the 80/20 rule

This is also known as the Pareto principle, which basically says that  80% of the results are affected by 20% of your actions. So, in order words, you need to find the small habits or tasks you can do that make the biggest impact on your week.

So, meal prep an hour on Sunday to save three hours during the week. Take 15 seconds to wipe down the bathroom sink after every use and keep it looking clean longer.

Small steps often make the biggest impact. Find the small steps you can take every day that will help you shave off hours of time and energy from your week.

4. Assess each person’s ability

We’ll assume that your partner or spouse can do ANY of the things you do. So, we’ll jump right into assessing the kids.

Based on your child’s age, they can do many chores around the house.

Here is a list with some ideas of what your child can do based on their age:

You’ll notice that the list starts with age 2! It’s incredible what our little ones are capable of doing.

5. Use the KISS method

The Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) method is a great way to simplify chores for your family.

Creating a chore chart for each child is quick and helps them SEE what they’re responsible for. If they’re young and can’t read yet or respond better to pictures, add graphics and pictures to help them engage with their chore chart.

Perhaps laminate it and allow them to add stickers for every day they finish their chores.

For adults or grown kids in your family, Trello is a great option to stay organized. Your family can digitally check off their completed chores and it’s easy for you to keep track of the chore chart on your phone.

Easy peasy.

6. Incentivize the chore chart

Incentives can be a wonderful thing. It’s a great way to encourage help from your family.

For the younger kids, they can get an extra 30 minutes on the iPad if they reach a certain number of chores done in a week, or an ice cream at the end of the week, or some money to spend at the Dollar Tree toy section. For your older kids, they can earn extra allowance or some time past their normal curfew for EXTRA chores completed.

Also See: Free Printable Chore Chart for Kids

It’s about making life easier

Chore charts don’t have to be a daunting list of to-dos. Keeping your chart realistic and enlisting help will make completing your chores so much easier. It’s a relatively simple thing to do that pays off extremely well.

—By Gina Zakaria

The post How to Make a Family Chore Chart That Actually Works for Busy Families appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

It is not difficult to organize the laundry room or linen closet. This easy to follow checklist takes the guesswork out of what you need to do. You’ll have an organized laundry room in just a few hours by following these tips.

Whether you have a full-size closet for your linens or if they are on a shelf in your laundry space or even a cabinet in your bathroom, this is prime real estate as you have many items you have to keep here.

From sheets and towels to toilet tissue, cleaning supplies, and more, these spaces are home to many items you need — some of them every single day.  The idea is to keep this space clean and organized so that you can find what you need when you need it.  That can be a virtually impossible task if your area is not kept tidy and organized.

Since some people have a linen closet and laundry room combined, and others have separate areas, I wanted to make sure our checklist would work for all of you.  Print it out by signing up below (access our library to find all of the forms).

You will also find all steps outlined at the bottom of this post in detail, to help you understand more about what each step entails.

Catch up on our ENTIRE 21 Days to a More Organized Home series!!

Grab this checklist to use as a guide when you are ready to organize your laundry room or your linen closet.  Check each item off as DONE!

MUST HAVE PRODUCTS FOR AN ORGANIZED LAUNDRY ROOM

Once you get the space cleaned up, you want to keep it clean and organized.  That means finding the right tools and products that are so simple to use – that even your family can do it (or at least we can dream they can do it).

Also see: 6 Small Room Organization Ideas to Keep Your Home Clutter Free

But in all seriousness, there are countless products out there that promise to keep your room organized.  The truth is that most of them aren’t worth the investment.  I am not big on spending money if I do not need to, but if there is a way I can do so that makes my life easier, then it is worth it!

Laundry Organization Station

Most people use a traditional hamper, where all of the dirty clothes get piled, one item on top of the other.  When you use a laundry cart, you can sort your items as they are added.  Imagine walking in to do a load of laundry, and all of your darks, lights, and whites are sorted and ready to be washed.  What a time saver!

The one pictured above has three sections, but you can find others with four and even five sections that will make sorting and getting caught up on laundry a breeze!

Baskets & Bins

Use baskets to collect items such as money from the washer, missing socks, and other treasures you happen to find in your machines.  I love this set of three sizes — so that they can hold an array of items!

You can also get larger cloth bins to stack your kids’ clothes in so that they can transport them to their bedrooms to be put away.  Teaching your kids how to do laundry at a young age will ensure they know what to do as they grow up.

Foldable Drying Rack

You will have sweaters and other clothes that can’t be tossed into the dryer. That means they need to hang to dry.  Investing in a foldable drying rack means it can be put away when not in use – keeping your space organized.

Laundry Cheat Sheet

As your kids get older, they need to help with the laundry.  Grab this handy washing guide that helps you tackle every stain and even the settings to use when washing clothes.  A must-have for every laundry room!  (Here’s a tip — print it out, put it into a frame, and hang it on your wall. It is “useful” artwork).

Laundry Guard

There is nothing more frustrating than those freshly washed shirts sliding off the back or side of your machine –to be retrieved covered in lint! UGH!  Use a laundry guard that surrounds the top of your machine so nothing can fall off and end up right back into the wash again.

Storage Cart

If you lack space with shelving or cabinets in your laundry room, get a small rolling cart that will fit between your machines!  You can slide your supplies out of view when not doing laundry, but they are right at your fingertips when needed.

Add Wall Hooks

You will have towels, bags, and other things that need to be hung up.  Find decorative wall hooks that will not only compliment your space but look gorgeous!  Above, you can see examples of an industrial, farmhouse and a shabby chic look.

Small Ironing Board

Yes, believe it or not, many people still iron clothes.  But there is no need for a large, heavy, awkward board.  You can get a small table top ironing board that can be stored away and pulled out only when needed.

Also See: How To Organize A Small Closet

HOW TO ORGANIZE THE LAUNDRY ROOM AND LINEN CLOSET

Step 1: Remove all items that do not belong in the space

This is the first thing you must do when you want to organize the laundry room.  You may see shoes, blankets, or even toys lying in the laundry room.

Your linen closet may be housing electrical cords or items that should be in another location in your home.  Take a moment to move these to their proper place (make sure you put them away so you don’t create more clutter in a new space).

Step 2: Remove all items from closets, shelves, and cupboards

Empty all cabinets and drawers and set the things aside. Wipe everything down before returning any items.

Step 3: Go through all items removed before returning them to their place

Before you put anything back, you should go through it all.  Here is a simple guide to follow:

TOWELS and WASHCLOTHS

1. Keep no more than 2 – 3 bath towels, two hand towels, and four washcloths per person living in your home.
2. Fold large towels in half and then half again, and finally into thirds to ensure they fit onto the shelf correctly.
3. Check for holes in threads and discard.
4. If new towels are needed, make a note so you can order them at the next big sale.

SHEETS

1. Keep no more than two sets of sheets per bed (if more than one is the same size, you can keep just two total).
2. Fold the flat and fitted sheets and one pillowcase and place inside of one pillowcase.  Doing so holds everything together and makes it easy to grab when needed.

CLEANING SUPPLIES
1. Toss anything that you no longer use.
2. Discard anything that is leaking or torn packaging.
3. If the item is more than one year old, dispose of properly.
4. Make a list of anything you need to purchase.

4.  Put items back into the cabinet or closet neatly

Place like items together and keep those you do not use as frequently higher up on the shelves.  You may also need to add bins or baskets to help hold smaller items so that they do not roll around and fall onto the floor

TOP SHELF:

1. Sheets
2. Paper Towels
3. Additional household supplies (cleaning, soaps, etc.)

CENTER SHELVES:  (eye level for ease of accessing)

1. Bath Towels
2. Washcloths
3. Hand Towels
4. Basket with smaller items (brushes, sponges, etc.)

BOTTOM SHELF OR FLOOR:

1. Toilet Paper
2. Kleenex
3. Trash Bags

5.  Clean appliances

Make a bowl with hot, soapy water (I use dish soap).  Scrub the sides and doors as well as the top.  Make sure to clean the soap dispenser as well.  You may need to use bleach to remove mildew or mold that may build upon the gasket around your washing machine door.

Use a vacuum to clean out the lint trap on your dryer.  If needed, use a crevice tool to get into small cracks

6.  Clean behind appliances

Move the appliances, vacuum, and clean behind/underneath.  You want to get all of the lint and dirt that has accumulated cleaned up.

There you go!  Now you have a laundry room that is clean and organized – so you can find what you need – when you need it!

The post How to Organize The Laundry Room appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Kids accumulate so many toys, animals and treasures that they can quickly take over their room.  As an adult, we know we need to get rid of items and can quickly discern which will keep and those things that need to go away (be it donations or trash).  However, for a child, this is different.  All they own in this world are these items, so letting go of them can be very difficult.

We live in a materialistic world.  And, try as we may to not raise materialistic kids, they do become attached to things. They mean something to them.  We have to help instill values and help themrealize what matters most are experiences and the people in our lives.

There are some things you can do to help your children learn to let go of their toys and treasures, while not being too emotionally challenging for them.

Related Posts:

• How to Store Kids Artwork and School Papers (30 minutes once a year)
• Cleaning and Declutter the Toy Room

TEACHING YOUR KIDS HOW TO LET GO OF STUFF

Talk about growing up

Have a chat with your kids about growing up and how it is OK to let go of toys they no longer play with.  Explain to them that you are going to give them to other kids so they will be able to have toys and stuffed animals to cuddle at night.

Move items to a temporary home before getting rid of them

If your child is not yet ready to part with items, you can give them a temporary home, outside of the bedroom.  Have your child help decide which items they want to try to get rid of.  It can be difficult for them as getting rid of toys means they are growing up, and they may still want to cling to them so they can stay your little boy or girl.

Place items into a box or bag and store them in the garage or basement.  If they do not look for or ask for items after six months, it is OK to get rid of them.  In most cases, kids will only ask for one or two toys. But, you are still able to declutter and get rid of quite a few things they no longer need or use.

Also see: My Top 4 Rules for Decluttering Toys

Let your kids sell their toys

Take to Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Amazon to find out if your child’s used toys can be sold.  Your kids can even set up their own table at your next garage sale.  Items such as LEGOs can be packaged and sold for good money on Amazon (just make sure you have the book and can account for every single piece).

When your kids can sell their stuff and make money, they are more willing to get rid of things.  Your child is in complete control of the items leaving – and gets to turn their toy into money, which they can use towards other items they may want.

Have them choose the charity (teach empathy)

Teaching your children about how other kids may not have toys and clothes helps them learn empathy.  They can relate to another child their own age not having items like they do.  An easy way to help instill this value is to allow your child to select the charity where you will make your donation.  You can research local organizations and your child can decide where the donation will go.

When they get a say, they will feel that they are making a difference and are in control of the items leaving the house (rather than mom or dad telling them what to do).  They may even surprise you by getting rid of items you didn’t think you’d ever see leave their bedroom.

Include them in the process

Whether you are doing a mass clean out and throwing or donating items, make sure your kids are part of the process.  Have your child go through and select their ten favorite toys and ten least favorite toys.  When they see what you are keeping and getting rid of, they are involved and are much more willing to let items go.

Keep special toys

There are some toys you just don’t want to donate or toss.  These may be a first stuffed animal, the truck your son carried everywhere or the wooden train grandpa made.  Tell your child you are saving them in a special box so that they can give them to their kids when they grow up.

Whatever you do, don’t force your child to get rid of items.  They will let go of items in due time – and perhaps even sooner than you may be ready for them to do so.  Helping teach your child about letting go of items is a valuable lesson, which will help them later in life.

The post Teach Your Kids How To Let Go Of Toys (And Other Items) appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Every day, Americans all venture to the mailbox in hopes that there might be good news waiting.  Alas, that seems to no longer be the case.  Instead of a letter, we will find four credit card offers, six catalogs and a stack of other junk mail.

For most of us, we end up with things we do not want, which means it ends up getting tossed into the recycling bin or the trash. What a waste of money!  I hate the idea that I am getting things I do not want nor need.  But, how can I change this?

I was able to get our name removed from mailing lists.  It may sound impossible, but it is true. The thing is when your name gets on one list, which gets sold over and over (and over) again. This, in turn, is what creates so much mail coming your way.    Check out these tips and ideas you can implement and try to get your name removed from lists (for both regular and even e-mail).

HOW TO STOP GETTING JUNK MAIL

REGULAR MAIL

Register To Remove Your Name From Mailing Lists

While it would be great to have a No Junk Mail Registry., there isn’t one.  However, you can go through Directmail.com, which is a free junk mail removal service.  You indicate the types of mailings you wish to receive or not receive and they submit it to the National Do Not Mail List.

You will enter your information on the first page and hit submit.  On the second screen, you can opt out of absolutely everything, or you can select the ones you no longer wish to receive.

Keep in mind that although you submit to them, they can not guarantee that the mailings will always stop.

Notify your bank, credit card and other subscription accounts

Did you know that these organizations actually will sell your information to third-party companies and that in turn generates junk mail?    Contact them and request that your data is NOT to be rented nor shared/sold with any other parties.

Stop getting catalogs

One site you can use is Catalog Choice.  You can easily subscribe to or unsubscribe from various catalog mailings.  These are such a waste of paper and always end up in my recycling bin, and I’d rather just shop online.  Here is how to do this:

1. Visit CatalogChoice.com.
2. Click the green SIGN UP NOW button to join.
3. You can connect with Facebook or enter the information requested.
4. Enter your address.  You can enter more than one (so if you have a PO Box and a home address or an office you want to include, you can do it under one account).
5. After you sign up, click over to your email account and watch your inbox for an activation notice.
   Click the link in the email to confirm your account.
6. Next, click the Find Companies button.  Go through the list and find those that you receive and those you don’t.
7. You will want to have the catalog handy so that you can enter account and other information as may be on the mailing label.  This will help them identify your account so that they can cancel the mailing.
8. Repeat this for all publications you receive.

You will create a permanent login, so each time you get a new catalog in the mail, you can sign into your account and add that one to the list, and they will stop sending them to you.

Whenever you place an order through a catalog company (online included), your information is sold to a company called Abacus.  You can be removed from their list by contacting them via e-mail at optout@abacus-us.com making sure that you include your name (including any middle initial), current address as well as any previous address if you have recently moved.

HOW TO GET REMOVED FROM EMAIL LISTS

Junk mail doesn’t only clog up your mailbox; it can also take up space in your inbox, which can make you waste time filtering through them.  You can take a few simple steps to reduce inbox clutter.

Unsubscribe to get rid of junk email

Many times, you subscribe to an e-mail newsletter for a coupon or a freebie.  Each of these must contain an unsubscribe feature in the email. You can find the link located either at the very top or the very bottom of the e-mail.  Click this, and within ten days you should no longer receive these emails.

You can also use a service such as Unroll Me.  This will help you clean out your inbox without your having to click through and unsubscribe to each one individually.

Use a Junk email account

I always recommend to set up a Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail account that you can use for anything you request online.  This can keep the junk and spam from cluttering up your inbox.

I’ve personally taken these steps and have seen the amount of mail we receive drop dramatically, and now, rather than junk mail, I find coupons, freebies and of course BILLS are all I receive in our box these days.

The post How to Stop Getting Junk Mail appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

I’m a very organized person. That’s true with everything, even papers such as manuals, receipts and warranties. I was just always afraid to throw those items away. There have been times when I was glad I saved them. It saved us money!

A while back, I noticed our faucet was leaking. My husband and I couldn’t believe it because the faucet was less than a year old! Rather than running out and buying a new faucet, we did some research to see if we could replace the broken part instead. I was able to find it for $50 (much less than the cost to replace the faucet). However, just as I was ready to click the button to buy, I noticed that there was a link to warranty information.

I clicked over and read, and sure enough – our faucet was under warranty! The kicker was the receipt. We had to be able to show proof of the date of purchase. I went looking and ended up finding just that! We were able to call and order the replacement part at absolutely no cost to us.

We have had this happen in other situations as well. We had a freezer stop working. The compressor went out. The same thing happened with this: It was still under warranty. I had the receipt and paperwork available to prove this to the company, and they replaced our $400 freezer – for free!

In those moments, I was glad I had been so diligent about saving our paperwork. Doing so can also potentially save you money. If you’re not sure how or what to save, here are some ideas.

Read more:

• How to Organize Any Space

HOW TO ORGANIZE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

1. File box

We use this method to keep all of our documents (you can find the style of box HERE). I have several of these boxes with hanging file folders inside them. The folders are labeled, so I can track down what I need. The categories depend on what you need. Here the ones we use:

Taxes

Owners Manuals

House

Small Appliances

Large Appliances

Medical

Dental

Vehicles

Insurance

2. File drawer

If you don’t have very many of these papers, you could easily find a file cabinet or desk drawer in which to store them. It is still best to keep them organized by category, so you can see what you need when you need it.

3. Notebook

I tried this filing system, and it didn’t work for me (you can read about that here). It does work for many people and might be the best option for you. If you do decide to go with this method, I would recommend that you purchase high-quality, STURDY plastic sleeves for your items (I think that is where I went wrong). You should still divide the papers by category, so you can find them when you need to.

4. Going paperless

You can make a digital copy of items via a Neat Mobile Scanner or the scanner on your printer. Then create a file folder on your computer and organize files accordingly. For example, create a folder called Home Items. Under that heading, make additional folders called Electronics, Appliances, etc.

5. Safe deposit box

Certain important papers, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card and life insurance policy, belong in a safe deposit box at a bank or a lockable fireproof safe at home. (If you put life insurance policies in a safe deposit box, keep copies at home with your other financial documents.)

HOW LONG TO KEEP DOCUMENTS

It’s one thing to know how to store your important papers and documents. But how long do you need to hang onto them?

1. Tax returns

Hang onto your tax returns for seven years. This includes all receipts and additional documentation. When you file your latest income tax return, find the oldest and toss it. That way, you always have just seven years’ worth of tax returns.

For example, when you file your 2020 tax return, track down any returns from 2013 and before. Shred these tax documents to prevent identity theft (don’t just toss them into the trash or recycling). You can find a shredder for about $40 on Amazon.

If you have a unique situation, such as a business or a complicated return, you may need to retain these papers for a longer period. You may want to consult with your CPA.

2. Owners manuals

There’s no need to keep and organize manuals anymore because most of them are available online. I will admit that I still have some filed, and I like to pull them out and read them when needed. But again, you can toss these.

3. Warranties

You should always keep these along with your receipt (stapled together) for the length of the warranty period. By doing this, you will quickly find the details about your warranty as well as have the documentation you need.

4. Receipts

Most store receipts are valid for returns for up to 90 days. For big-ticket items, it’s always good to keep the receipts and attach them to the warranties (as mentioned in #3 above).

5. Bank statements

There’s no need to save each monthly bank statement as long as you have access to your statements online. If your bank doesn’t offer this feature, it’s only necessary to keep statements for one month. As you reconcile your account, toss out (actually shred) the prior month’s statement.

6. Bills / Credit card statements

If you use these to keep track of payments, you should keep them only until the next month’s bill arrives and you confirm your payment was applied. These should always be shredded or destroyed. We don’t keep any of these, and we shred all of them. However, we do scan in those needed for tax purposes, so we have them as documentation.

Also see: How long should you keep credit card statements

7. Tax records

As you go through the year, there are things you know you’ll need for your taxes. Rather than putting them where you have to go digging at the end of the year, you could instead put them all into one folder. Place your receipts and similar papers in a single folder all year long. At tax time, everything you need is in one place. No digging or research is necessary.

8. Medical receipts / Insurance paperwork

These items should be saved through the end of each calendar year, in case you need to check payments to show deductibles, additional claims, etc. If you include anything from the paperwork on your taxes, save those items with that year’s taxes. If any items are associated with worker’s comp, you should contact your attorney or CPA about the length of time to keep those records.

9. Pay stubs

Keep one year’s worth of stubs. If you need to show proof of income, most companies will not require anything further back than this period.

To ensure you purge items you no longer need (warranties that have lapsed, etc.), be sure to go through your files at least once a year. The easiest time to do this is when you are filing away a copy of your most recent tax return. You are already looking at your files to do this, so you just take a little more time and clear out those old items you no longer need.

The post How to Store Important Documents & How Long To Keep Them appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

As your child starts another school year (or is starting for the first time), you may find that you have a stack of artwork and papers.  What should you do with these?

Maybe you will toss them into a bin until you figure it out. But, wouldn’t it be better if you could figure out how to organize your kids’ school memorabilia, photos, artwork and papers?

As a parent, you want to keep many items for your kids to have when they grow up.  I still have things from kindergarten that I share with my kids.  They find it hilarious to see that mom couldn’t write very well either!

Organizing these papers will save your sanity and help you find the item you want when you need it.  Not only that, but you won’t end up looking at a paper your child wrote and ended up wondering — how old was he when he wrote that?  You might see that handprint and think, was she 5 or 6 when she made that in school?  I’ve got a simple way for you to keep those cherished items AND help organize them.  The best part of all is that you only have to do your filing ONE time a year!

With three kids, I had to find a better way to stay organized.  I came up with an easy system that I know anyone can use. And, it will take you just 30 minutes a year (max) to get everything organized!!!

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH SCHOOL PAPERS TO KEEP

Unless you have countless storage space, you just can’t keep everything.  Ask any mom and she would probably agree as much as she wants to keep everything, she just can’t.  There is just too much to store it all.

But, at the same time, throwing anything away can leave you feeling heartbroken and like you are tossing out things your child has created.  So, how do you balance this?  How to you determine which pieces of artwork and school memorabilia to create and what to throw away?

Artwork

I try to keep the majority of the artwork that was created. However, it was a coloring or a sketch, I may toss them aside. However, I save almost all original creations.

Bonus tip:  If you run out of storage space or don’t want to save every bit of artwork, take photos of them!  Later, you can create photo books filled with your child’s creations.

Stories

My kids have created countless stories that are too amazing to toss.  I add the date and their age to the back and keep every one of them.  These are too priceless to toss.

Report Cards

I only keep the last report card of the year.  There is no reason to keep one from each quarter.  Narrowing it down to just one save space.

Handprint art

If it has my child’s handprint on it, it gets saved.  No matter what.  They are only that size for a little while and those handprints are very, very precious. I keep every single one of these.

Certificates and Awards

Each year my kids get a multitude of rewards and certificates. I keep all of these.

Cards

I don’t keep every birthday card.  However, if someone happened to pass after they had sent a card, I always keep that, so we have their signature. I also keep any handmade card the kids created for birthdays or Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Photos

We always save the school pictures, including their class picture.  If they received any from their friends, we make sure to save them as well.  Below I have a bonus tip to help you organize your photos AND help you quickly identify which year your child was in the specific grade.

DAILY WORK

When it comes to day-to-day work and tests, I toss them all into the recycling bin.  With three kids, I have to narrow down what we keep and what we toss.  This system has worked very well for us over the years.  We have the most important items set aside so they can look back at them when they get older.

HOW TO STORE SCHOOL PAPERS

It is important to develop an effective system to store children’s school memorabilia and papers.  The one I’ve created requires. It requires bins, folders, and plastic sleeves.  Below you’ll see each of the products I used so you can create your own system.

STORAGE BIN

You can use any bin you would like.  However, I recommend yours have a lip on the inside so you can hang folders on it.  For example, you can use this hinged storage bin with hanging folder features.  I loved the winged lid because it was easy to open and had the ability for me to put a hanging folder inside of it.

FOLDERS

You will also need folders.  I recommend box bottom folders, so that expand wide enough to hold all of the items you need to store.  These were a little more expensive, but, you should have no problem storing an entire year’s worth of papers in a single folder.

PLASTIC PROTECTORS

Grab a package of plastic protectors, or sleeves, that you can tape to the front of each folder.  Placing your child’s picture inside helps you easily identify the year (and prevents them from getting crushed or creased).

FOLDER TABS

You can use the tabs that come with the folder if you wish.  I prefer something more durable, such as these 3M tabs.  They stick easily to the top of your folder.

CREATING YOUR FILING SYSTEM

To start, write the school year on each folder tab.  I made them for preschool through twelfth grade, but you can make them with whichever grades you would like.

As you can see in the photo below, I have mine created from Preschool up through 6th grade for my kids.  I then filed the paperwork for each year into each folder.  I didn’t have to cut anything. I didn’t have to put it into a scrapbook. I literally just placed each item into the appropriate year for each child.

If you have more than one child, you should also label the bin itself.  That way, you can find the one you need for each of them (and keep all of their information separate).  I printed their names on paper and taped them to the front of each box.

The final step is to organize your papers!  Place all of the items for each school year into the appropriate folder.  And that’s it!!!

THE THIRTY MINUTE FILING METHOD

As I mentioned, I only file once per year.  I have a large box which I set on top of these in my basement.  All year long, I just toss in the items I may want to save into the box for all of my kids.  Once the final report card of the year is issued, I print it out (they email them to us) and that is my cue to do my filing.

I go through the box of papers and open each child’s storage box.  I file the items I need to save and toss those things we don’t need to keep.  It takes me no more than 30 minutes to do this for all 3 of my kids!

There you have it!  A quick and easy way to get those papers filed away and off of your kitchen counter, desk or wherever they happened to lie.

The post How to Organize Kids School Papers & Artwork appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Daylight savings happens twice a year. We set our clocks forward an hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall. This is the perfect time of the year to remember to do tasks around the house. When daylight savings comes this year, take time to address these issues.

Daylight savings time begins soon! However, if you live in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands, nothing changes!

It may be a pain to have to change the clocks and the time of day.  Even worse is often adjusting to the time change. However, changing your clocks is an excellent reminder that it is time to take care of some essential tasks!

WHEN IS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME?

Daylight savings time starts on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 2:00 am (your local time).  It ends Sunday, November 4th, 2018.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO WHEN IT IS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS?

Set your clocks forward one hour

Your clocks will “spring” ahead one hour at 2 am. It is better to set them forward one hour before you go to sleep the night before.  That way, you won’t be late for anything you may have planned on Sunday morning.

Check the batteries in your smoke detector

A working smoke detector is a must.  If you don’t have any, get them.  Now.

If you do have detectors, this is the time of the year you should change your batteries and test every detector in your house.  This simple task gives you peace of mind that they work well.  Take a minute to find battery coupons to save money at the store.

Safety tip: If your smoke detector is ten years old (or older), replace it. If you can’t afford smoke detectors, your local fire station will provide them to you, free of charge.

Switch out your clothes

Go into your closet and pull out all of your winter clothes.  Move your spring and summer items forward.  As you do, turn the hangers backward on the rod.  Then, in the fall when you change your clothes around again, you will know which items you never wore.  It helps you quickly identify the things you no longer need and can donate.

Before you hang your winter items back in the closet, go through them.  Toss items that are worn or stained.  Donate clothing you no longer wear.  Then, hang your winter items at the back of your closet.

Flip your mattress

It is always smart to flip (or rotate) your mattress every six months.  Doing this when you change your clocks will keep you pretty close to this schedule.  Just don’t forget to vacuum it before and after you flip it.

Clean the medicine cabinet

Find old prescriptions you no longer need.  Check the expiration date on other items.  Make sure you properly dispose of things you no longer use.  If you do not know how to do so safely, you can read tips here.

Change the filters

You might have a service tech who will service your air conditioning unit and change the filter.  However, you should also change out the filter in any coffee makers, refrigerators, your vacuum — and any other items that use one.  If you do not swap them out, then at least clean them according to the manufacturer’s instruction.

Check your disaster kit

Spring is the time of year when storms creep up and can bring with them tornados and flooding.  Check your disaster kit to make sure you have all of the items you need including making sure the food is not spoiled, adding fresh bottled water, checking medications and more.  Make sure the shoes and clothes still fit and replace as needed.

If you do not have a disaster kit, make one.  If you aren’t sure where to start, you can learn how to make your disaster kit.

Clean your vents 

Vents are something we often forget to clean.  If you take a look, you might see yours has a little much dust on it.  Clean off the vents on your walls and floor.

As you do this, make sure you also clean your dryer vent.  Don’t forget to sweep/vacuum under your washer and dryer, as this is where you can often find a build up of dust and lint.

Finally, check behind your stove and refrigerator and vacuum the dust there as well.

Clean the pantry/fridge/freezer

Time to go through and toss any expired food and to take inventory of what you need.  Check spices as they can lose potency over time so it might be the time to replace.

Wash all your bedding (including pillows)

Toss the blankets into the wash to clean them (and then put them away if you no longer need them).  Make sure you also wash your pillows too!

If needed, replace blankets and pillows (but don’t do so unless there is a sale).

Clean the fireplace

You will not have a fire in your fireplace until winter.  That means it is time to clean it. Wipe down the walls and clean out the ash.  You should also bring in a professional to inspect and clean the flue.

Switch the direction of the ceiling fan

You want your fan to run counterclockwise to bring cooler air into your room.  If they run clockwise, make sure you flip the switch, as clockwise will force warm air down into your room.

HOW TO ADJUST TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

The time change can be tough on your sleep and your body in general.

Start Adjusting Early

Around 7 – 10 days before daylight savings begins, adjust your sleep cycle.  Your entire family, including babies and children, should do this. If possible, go to be around 10 – 15 minutes earlier each night.  Eventually, you will be in bed and (hopefully) asleep earlier, allowing your body to have an easier time adjusting to the time change.

Keep a Dark Room

The time change means longer days and brighter evenings; especially at bedtime.  Get room darkening shades or blinds to help keep the room as dark a possible.

Follow  Your Routine

It is essential to keep the same routine, at the same time of the day.  Continue to eat wake, eat your meals and do other things at the same time each day.  Doing so will help your body adapt.

One routine that can make a difference is the one at night.  Both kids and adults need to wind down in the evening.  It may mean taking a bath or shower, dim lights and quiet rooms.

No naps

Well, for adults, at least.  As tired you may be in the afternoon, try not to nap. That could affect your sleep at night and lead to more problems.  Do things to keep yourself awake and go to bed at your regular time.  Your body will eventually catch up, and you won’t be as tired in the middle of the afternoon.

The post Daylight Savings: What To Do When You Spring Your Clocks Forward appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

We’ve all heard the phrase “there’s an app for that.” It’s because it’s true. Our phones are what we use to store contacts and to connect with people. But, we also use them for so much more. From organizing your schedule to keeping notes to time management – there is an app to help. We’ve got the top apps you need to use to simplify and organize your life.

A quick search through the app store or Google Playlist and you’ll notice there are thousands of apps for everything you need.  It can honestly be a tad overwhelming trying to figure out which ones may work.

To help you navigate the muddy app filled waters of mobile devices, I’ve pulled together one of my favorite lists.  These apps below are all to help you stay organized!  We’ve got everything from shopping to schedules to help you keep track of everything going on in your crazy life.

Other ways to get organized:

• How to Get Your Family Schedule to Work
• Ten Apps for Your Budget
• Creating a Workable To Do List

APPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE

Download these apps to your phone and organize your daily schedule, to do list and keep track of your notes and so much more!

Key Ring
(iTunes and Google Play)

It seems everyone has some type of loyalty card these days.  You may have so many keyring fobs that you can never find the one you need.  That’s where Key Ring is the app to organize your loyalty cards.

This organizing app will scan your loyalty cards into a list.  Then, you just pull up the card on your phone when you shop and show the cashier.  No more fumbling around to find the correct key fob.  Just open your app, and your cards are all stored right there for you.

I recommend you take a photo of the front and back of your card (an option when you add it to your list).  That way, if you have a problem with it scanning, the cashier can look at the card and manually enter the necessary numbers.

Cost:  Free

Cozi Family Calendar
(iTunes, Google Play & Windows)

Cozi app connects your family.  You can record schedules, events and even share grocery lists! What is great about this daily planner app is that when you update it on one device, it will automatically push out to all of the other devices connected to your account.

Cost: Free for basic, but can pay to upgrade to pro for $29.99 annually ($2.50 per month)

Evernote
(iTunes, Google Play & Windows)

To keep track of your to lists and other notes, you should give Evernote.  One feature you will find in this app is the ability to scan documents and photos.

Add essential notes about meetings or medical details.  You can also use to create shopping lists and track your holiday shopping and spending.

Cost:  Free for the basic version. Pay $24.99 annually to have more features

Dropbox
(iTunes, Google Play & Windows)

Dropbox is the best app for organizing your photos. Set it up to automatically sync to your device so everytime you take a picture; it syncs to your folder.  When you connect the same account on all of your devices, everyone has access to your photos whenever they are needed.

Creating sub-folders keeps your images organized so you can find the photos when you need them.  For example, make one called Birthdays and beneath that, the years.  When you need to find pictures of the party in 2016, you can quickly find them.

This app also saves memory on your devices.  Once you have the photo in Dropbox, you can delete it from your phone, freeing up storage space (you know, for more apps and games).

Cost:  Free up to 5 TB of storage and then it is $9.99 per month (refer friends for free storage)

AllRecipes Dinner Spinner
(iTunes, Google Play & Windows)

If you find yourself always wondering what to make for dinner, you need to download the AllRecipes Dinner Spinner. Search the recipes by ingredient, and they’ll give you ideas.

Do you have chicken thawed and need to use it?  Search up chicken and get hundreds of ideas!

The app even has an added feature that it will look through the ingredients you need and let you know which items are on sale at your local store!!

Of course, if an app for your meal planning doesn’t work, you can also get our meal planner printables instead.

Cost: Free

ShopSavvy
(iTunes, Google Play & Windows)

ShopSavvy is a deal hunters dream!  The app helps you find the best deal on any item you need and will also help you get paid when you shop.

If you need to compare prices, just use the scanning tool.  It will return the prices from both local retailers and online stores as well.  That way, you know if you can get a better deal elsewhere – or even price match that competitor’s price right there in the store!

Cost: Free

Last Pass
(iTunes, Google Play & Windows)

Let’s face it, everything these days requires a password.  Your passwords need to be strong so you are safe online. Not only that, you need different ones for your various websites – so that they are not all the same.

Last Pass is an app that organizes and stores your passwords.  They are all stored via ONE single password (which means only ONE to remember). The app syncs between all devices.  If you update the password on your laptop, it will be the same on your phone.

Cost:  Basic is free, but you can upgrade to premium and use one account across all devices for $12/yr)

Grocery IQ
(iTunes and Google Play)

GroceryIQ is the app you need for grocery shopping!  Create and organize your shopping before you go to the store, so you never forget anything you need.

But, this app has a bonus! It will total your bill before you get to check out.  Knowing how much you have spent vs. what you have to spend helps you stay on track with your grocery budget.

Cost: Free

RescueTime
(Google Play)

Do you find yourself getting sucked into Facebook or Pinterest for hours on end?  You aren’t alone.  The RescueTime app organizes your time. Well, it doesn’t really organize your time, but it helps you track it better.

You can use the app to set goals to spend less (or more) time on specific tasks.  You can also set the alarm to remind you when you’ve been involved in a task for the time you want.  For instance, if you do not want to spend more than 30 minutes on Facebook, you can set the reminder, and it will let you know!

Cost:  Basic is free, but you can upgrade and add more features.

AnyDo
(iTunes and Google Play)

AnyDo is the ultimate to do list.  Many of us love paper lists because we get to cross things off when they are done.  Keep track of everything you need to do and you get to do the virtual cross off right on your phone!

Cost: Free for the basic version; premium has additional features

The post The Best Apps to Organize Your Life appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Creating a weekly menu plan is a task I personally dislike.  However, making one week after week is one of the simplest ways to save money.

Using a weekly meal planner will do the same for you.  It is as simple as that.  There are two main reasons that a menu plan can save money:

1. You don’t eat dinner out as often.
2. You know what to buy at the grocery store.

Let me explain how each of these really can affect your budget.

THE DINING OUT SNEAK ATTACK

See if this relates to your life:    You are heading home from work, and look at the clock.  The time says 5:22 p.m.  As you look ahead, you notice that traffic has slowed down.  At that moment, you realize you are still at least 30 minutes away from home.

You finally tear through the door at 5:50, and the first thing you hear is, “What’s for dinner!?!?” or “I’m starving!!!!  When are we going to eat?!”  After the hectic day you’ve had, you realize you have no clue what you are going to feed the family.  So, you say get into the car – we are headed out to eat!  And that means spending another $20 (or more) for the third time this week.

Now, imagine reliving that same scenario 8 – 10 times per month. That means you will eat out more than 200 meals in a year. Put a dollar value on this ($20 per meal), and you will have spent more than $4,000 dining out! At the moment, $20 isn’t too bad, but when you take another look at what you pay annually, it can be shocking!

Dining out is great, but not several times a week (nor does it favor healthy eating).  Determine how much you will spend dining out and stick to it.  That may mean one meal a week out.  We started doing this when we were working ourselves out of debt. For us, it is normal to fix dinner at home and something to which we are accustomed.

Your menu plan helps you know what you will make for dinner every night.  There is no worry that you have to come up with a new idea. The list is there telling you exactly what you need to make.  It is one less thing you have to worry about night after night.

HOW A WEEKLY MEAL PLAN SAVES MONEY

The other way I have noticed that we save money with our weekly meal plan has to do with my weekly shopping trips. Before we had a plan, I would walk the aisles of the store with my list, while trying to figure out what I might have for dinner that week.

Of course, despite my very best efforts, I always found myself forgetting items.  That lead to more return trips to the store during the week.  And, when I did that, I would often toss additional things (that we did not necessarily need) into the cart.  I was spending more money than I needed to!

When you create a menu plan, you know every meal and snack you will have for the week.  Your menu plan then becomes your guide to creating a shopping list.  The list will include all of the items you need for every meal and snack for the week. You end up with a comprehensive, workable shopping list.

Related:  The Mistakes That Are Killing Your Grocery Budget

HOW TO MAKE A WEEKLY MENU PLAN

When it comes to menu planning, the key is just that. You absolutely must plan ahead.  Meal planning is not complicated and does not take much time if you have the tools and tips to help you do just that.

Sometimes, it just isn’t in the cards to do your own, and you need some help. It is simple to create your weekly meal plan by yourself, but you will need to consider a few things before you do.

The trick to having a successful plan is to create both your weekly menu and shopping list together.  That way, you always have everything you need on hand and aren’t tempted to go out to dinner!

STEP 1 – CHECK THE FREEZER, PANTRY & REFRIGERATOR

The first thing you must do when working on your weekly meal plan is to make sure that you use any foods you already have available.  After all, if you have foods that may spoil soon, it is a waste of your money not to use them for your meals.

To start, look at items that may spoil or expire soon. Come up with a meal where you can use these foods before you end up tossing it into the trash.

Next, check for items you have on hand.  You may have found a great deal on noodles last week and stocked up.  That means spaghetti might be something to have this week.

You should also look for ways to make multiple meals out of one item.  For example, you may have roast chicken for dinner one night.  That will result in leftovers.  Later that same week, whip up a batch of chicken and noodles with the leftovers. You’ve used all of the chicken and will not have wasted food.

Also See: Make Ahead Freezer Meals

STEP 2 – CHECK THE GROCERY STORE AD

You might have several items on hand to make four meals, but that still leaves three more to plan.  Rather than make what you want, look at the store flyer to find items on sale.  You may see that ground beef is on sale, so that may lend itself to grilling burgers.

Even better than looking at the entire ad, check the front cover and any shorter sales dates.  These items are the best deals you’ll find (often the best deals you will see for weeks).  You should not only plan on making meals with things you can find here but also stock up on these (so you have them on hand for future meal plans).

Also See: 50+ Ideas To Save Money On Groceries Without Using Coupons

STEP 3 – CREATE AND CHECK YOUR FAVORITE MEALS LIST

Create a list of your family’s favorite meals (our family favorite meal template can help you do that). It is a simple way to generate ideas without having to rethink the wheel from week to week.

Start small and add a few meals from each week until you have at least 25 or more ideas, which you can look at each week. As you try new meals on Pinterest or from your favorite site, add them to your list (and then bookmark or pin your recipe to find it when you need to).

STEP 4  – ASK YOUR FAMILY

I consider this a crucial step in using your weekly meal plan. Sit down and ask your family for their input.

For example, if you find a package of chicken breasts in the freezer, ask them what chicken-based meal they’d love to have that week.  Doing so not only helps you come up with new ideas but also helps you know that you are selecting meals your family will enjoy.

STEP 5 – PUT YOUR MENU PLAN IN WRITING

When you create a meal plan, it is imperative that it is in writing. You should also plan for every day of the week — Sunday through Saturday. Don’t forget to include your breakfasts, lunch (even if packing them for school or work), and your snacks, in addition to what you will have for dinner each week.

You can create your own weekly meal plan list, or use one of our meal planner forms to ensure you get your list put into writing every single week.

STEP 6 – DON’T PLAN TOO FAR IN ADVANCE

Many like to menu plan for a month. While that can be good for some, I don’t recommend it. You need to check the weekly ad to ensure your meals use items that are on sale. Planning meals for any period longer than two weeks can result in missing those key deals when prepping your meals.

STEP 7 – MAKE SURE YOUR MEAL PLAN IS VISIBLE

The final step is to make sure your meal plan is visible.  If you and your family can’t see it, you can’t use it.  Rather than tuck it into a drawer, put it on your refrigerator, where you look at it every morning.  Then, before you leave for work, make sure that any frozen items get thawed so you can use them to make dinner.

I recommend that you print out the menu plan you wish to use and then head to the UPS or office supply store to have them laminate it for you.  Pick up flat magnets to place on the corners and then, you have a form you can use over and over again.

Another suggestion is to print one menu plan. Then, visit your copy store and get it reproduced in black and white.  It is less expensive than using ink and paper for a new form each week.

WEEKLY MEAL PLAN IDEAS

Getting started can be tough when it comes to planning a menu plan.  Here are some ideas to help you come up with menu ideas (with your recipes):

WEEK ONE MEAL PLAN

Sunday – Italian
Monday – Mexican
Tuesday – Meatless
Wednesday – Sandwiches
Thursday – Seafood
Friday – Left Over
Saturday – Seafood

WEEK TWO MEAL PLAN

Sunday – BBQ
Monday – Asian
Tuesday – Taco Night
Wednesday – Slow Cooker Meal
Thursday – Left Over
Friday – Dinner Out
Saturday – American

Now, you can figure out which meals your family loves that fall into these categories.  Add them to your list so you know which meals you can refer to from week to week.

It took my family and me a little time to get used to the menu plan, but now that we use it, we can’t imagine NOT having it available to help us plan our meals. I still am not a fan of sitting down to plan out what to eat each week.

However,  when I am done and realize the time (and money) I am saving because of it, I always smile and then hang the plan back on the fridge.

If you want to get organized and have the proper tools to create the perfect meal plan from week to week, grab our free meal planning template.  It was designed with the busy parent in mind.

The post Weekly Meal Planner Guide appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Sick of arguing with the kids over chores? Try one of these creative chore charts!

Sometimes I feel like when I ask my kids to do something around the house, what I am actually asking them to do is give me one of their fingers. With chore charts, I don’t have to ask at all and the kids enjoy doing them because they are rewarded for a completed chart.

Here are some of my favorites.

Paint Chip Chore Chart

Chore Chart By Age

Lego Chore Chart

Summer Chore Chart

Clipboard Chore Chart

Responsibility Chart

Magnetic Chore Chart

Simple Chore Chart

Chore Chart With Tickets

Wooden Chore Chart

Burger Chore Chart

Ice Cream Chore Chart

Instant Gratification Chart

Fidget Spinner Chore Chart

Door Hanger Chore Chart

Star Wars Chore Chart

The post Creative Chore Charts That Make Cleaning Fun appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Toy storage ideas are a must for any parent! Toys tend to take over the house, but you can corral them with these ideas!

It takes my kids approximately two hundred hours, seventy million complaints and three bathroom breaks to clean their room. It takes them a whole 5 minutes to mess it up again. Please tell me I am not alone?

Other organizing ideas:

• How to Organize Your Garage
• Personalized Toy Box
• Garage Toy Storage Ideas

To make it easier for them to clean their room, I have added a few creative storage solutions.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Double Paper Bag Bin

Fabric Storage Basket

Painted Toy Jars

Pallet Board Pool Storage

Matchbox Car Storage

Stuffed Animal Zoo

Used Tire Toy Shelf

Cardboard Box Shelves

Lego Head Can

Hanging Storage Bin

Bath Toy Bag

Laundry Basket Shelves

Wooden Crate Toy Box

Toy Box Bench

Paper Tube Shelves

Animal Swing

The post Over 15 Super Frugal Toy Storage Ideas appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Back to school is a fun time for both kids and parents.  While it can be enjoyable to get all of the supplies and clothes, getting organized and back into your routine can prove to be a challenge.

One way to make your days (and evenings) better, is to get organized.  We’ve rounded up some of the most brilliant back to school organizing ideas you’ll find anywhere!

Also see: How To Organize Kids School Papers and Artwork

BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING IDEAS

Snack basket for simpler after school snacks.  Fill Ziploc bags and find other snacks to have handy for after school.  Makes them quick to grab when running to practice too!

Organize clothes for the week by using a hanging sorter.  Have the kids plan their outfits for the entire week and place them into each section. No worries about what they will wear every morning.

Homework Nook with Supplies.  All of the supplies they will need in a designated location in your home.

Keep school papers organized  easily!  Drop all of your papers into one box all year long and then, at the end of the year, sort them by year for each of your kids.  30 minutes and you’ll be DONE!

Homework Station – daily checklists, supplies and more all in one location.

Simple school supplies organizer  with a shoe organizer!  Hang it on a closet and fill with all of the supplies the kids need for homework — or for when they run out at school!

Backpack Organization Center where the kids can hang their backpacks after school — and can find them every morning when it’s time to head to school!

Custom wall calendar  that will show all of your family’s activities at at glance!  If this how to is a bit too much, try one of the simple dry erase calendars available at most stores.

School Routine Clock so your kids know when it is time for everything from homework to going to bed!

After School Schedule to remind your kids everything that they need to each night before they go to bed.  What a simple way to teach them responsibility (printable form available at this same link).

Create a Homework Caddy to store supplies that you can set on the table for homework time – and put away when you are through!

School Lunch Guide with ideas you can use to create your own kids’ lunch!  Even considers those kids who have allergies or sensory issues too!!  Get a free printable you can use at home by clicking on this link.

Create sponge ice packs so they are ready for lunches

Organize shoes so you can find them every morning

Create an in-box where kids can place papers that need to be signed

Lazy Susan Homework Caddy that can remain on the kitchen table.  That way, the kids can find their supplies when they are needed.

Paper Wall Caddy to organize school papers, bills and more — keeps them off of the kitchen counter.

Family Command Center  to get your entire family organized.  They will know where to find papers, notes and everything they need.

Lunch Bins so the kids can pack what they want for lunch (source: Facebook).  Add a number to the front so the kids know how many of each they need to pack for school every day.

The post Back to School Organizing Ideas appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

A well-organized home is a less chaotic home.  There’s a lot of truth in that statement.  After all, when you can find the things you need quickly, it reduces the stress.  But, the reality is that many systems are costly and often out of reach for your budget.

Fancy organizational stores (*cough* Container Store*cough*) try to get you organized by spending thousands on neat-looking containers.  However, you don’t need to go any further than your local Dollar store to come up with some great organizing ideas and systems.

Check out this fun list of DIY organization hacks and ideas we’ve found.  Best of all, these work well on your tight budget, so you can get organized without spending too much!

Read more:

• 21 Days to a More Organized Home
• 25 Awesome Cleaning and Baking Hacks
• 6 Small Room Organization Ideas
• Dollar Store Penny List and Weekly Clearance Updates

EASY DIY ORGANIZING IDEAS

1. Pantry Bins. Isn’t this organized pantry just gorgeous with those matching labels? It’s hard to believe that these items did not cost a small fortune!!

2. Family Command Center. Everything you need for your family in one centralized location.  Pens, calendar, menu, notes — right at your fingertips!  This is the perfect solution if you don’t have an office or a desk in your home to keep these things.

3. Organizational Bins. Use those affordable Dollar Store bins you find at your local store and toss items into them.  That way, you are not only organized, but you can find the things you need, when you need them.  This idea is the perfect solution if you don’t have a linen closet or lack bathroom storage space.

4. Lazy Susan.  Seriously simple.  Two pie tins and some marbles are all you need to make this creative way to make your own lazy Susan.

5. Magnetic Spice Rack.  Don’t those organized spices make you smile? Best of all, they aren’t taking up valuable cabinet space!  Get the instructions to make this simple DIY spice rack in just a few minutes.

6. Tiered Tray Create this tray to place in your closet, on your dresser, or in your bathroom. Keep your accessories at your fingertips, where you can easily find them in the morning.

7. Drawer Organizer.  What a simple way to organize a drawer on a budget!  Get some little bins and everything will be in its place, keeping your bathroom drawers neat and organized!!

8. Fridge Baskets.  These fridge baskets are so smart! I love the idea of turning one into a snack basket for the kids – so they know where to get something to eat when they get home from school.

9. Gift Wrap Storage.  Isn’t this a fun organization hack?!  Turn that shoe organizer into a place to keep your gift wrapping items. Since it is something you don’t use frequently, it keeps it all together, but out of your way until it’s time to wrap a gift.

Also see: 9 Budget DIY Gift Wrap Storage Ideas

11. Baseball Hat Holder.  Sometimes the simplest organizing ideas are the smartest.  A hanger and shower hooks to keep baseball hats organized.  Genius!

12. Under The Sink Brush Holder.  Why didn’t I think of this?!  Hooks to hang your gloves and kitchen tools right under the sink!

13. Kitchen Utensil Organizer.  A little paint is all it takes to turn these jars into colorful utensil organizers to put on your kitchen counter!!  Not only can you find what you need, but they add a splash of fun color to your kitchen too!

14. Canned Food Organizer. Find your soups and other canned items quickly by using a simple basket!

15. Cupcake Liner Storage.  It seems the cupcake liners take over a shelf quite easily.  A clear jar keeps the organized and helps you find the colors you need when baking.

16. Trash Bags On A Roll.  Hooks and some dowel rods and you’ve got instant trash bag storage directly beneath your sink!

These ideas are not only creative, they are budget-friendly ways to organize your house.  Check your local Dollar Store, Dollar Tree or Dollar General for some unique DIY organzing solutions.

The post 16 Dollar Store Organization Ideas appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.

Most kids need a regular schedule.  They get this during the day at school, but what about when they get home?  You will want to develop your own after-school routine that your kids can follow.  Trust me; you will be thankful you did.

There is a lot of great information out there to help make your morning routine go more smoothly.  However, what about after school?  The kids come bursting through the front door, and then chaos seems to begin.  There are shoes, backpacks, homework, and snacks. It all can quickly drive mom insane!

The trick is to create an effective after-school routine or schedule.  When you have one, everyone knows what to do and can help keep a good rhythm running in your house.  Of course, you may need to tailor this to each child, depending upon age and maturity.  Even my own kids are different.  That means the way I run our daily routine differs a bit for each of them.

Also see: Tips from working moms on decluttering your kid’s room

AFTER SCHOOL SCHEDULE

No matter your child’s age, there are things each of them can do.  For us, it is simple,  they have three things they need to do the minute they walk through the door:

PUT YOUR BACKPACK WHERE IT BELONGS

The first thing to get kids in the habit of after coming home from school is putting away backpacks. Find a designated spot in your house where your child’s backpack will “live.”  It could be a hook on the wall, in the hall closet, or on the floor by the entryway.  In our house, my kids put their backpacks on the bench in our hallway.

PUT YOUR SHOES WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM

To make the morning more efficient, have your child take his or her shoes off, along with any belongings, and set them near their backpack or another place. That way, there is no rushing around the morning to find that sneaker that is hiding beneath their bed.

GRAB AN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK

Kids are usually hungry when they come walking through the door. Have a snack basket filled with “mom-approved” snacks ready for them.

SCHEDULE SOME DOWNTIME

Whether it is right when they get home or later in the evening, give your kids some free play time.  It may mean playing outside, watching one TV program, or limited time on a tablet.  Kids need a chance to do what they want each day. I personally like having downtime after snack time, and I try to limit devices to try and sneak in a few minutes to check in and see how their day went.

As adults, we need a break after a long day, and our little ones are no different.

COMPLETE YOUR HOMEWORK

For some families, kids must do their homework as soon as they walk through the door after school. For others, it happens after dinner time.  There is no right or wrong time to do your homework. Find the time that works best for your family.

If there isn’t an activity, I’m a big fan of getting the homework folder out as soon as they come home to check homework assignments to gauge how much time to set aside, plus check if there are any important papers to send back or class events happening tomorrow that need attention.

PACK TOMORROWS LUNCH

Afternoons can be difficult balancing homework, activities, and getting everything prepared for the next day, but if your kid is taking their lunch to school, packing a lunch bag the night before is a great way to cut down on it stress the following morning.

DO YOUR CHORES

Kids have things they need to do each day.  It might be cleaning their room, unloading the dishwasher, or taking out the trash.  It may also include helping with dinner by setting the table and doing the dishes.  It can be helpful to keep a list of chores displayed so your child knows what he or she has to do each day.

The above is a guide.  You know your kids and your family’s routine.  There may be days when you have practice or games that throw your after-school schedule out of balance.  Those are the days when you may need to be more flexible. It might be the day of the week when they get to skip the chores to allow more time for homework.

While this is all great, it is good to help teach your kids how to do this themselves.  My kids are very visual.  They will do everything they see on a sign or a list much more frequently than they do if they have to remember on their own (or even if mom has to tell them).

AFTER SCHOOL ROUTINE CHECKLIST DOWNLOAD

The printable checklist is a simple way to help kids remember what they need to do when they get home from school and make mom’s life a little easier.  We have ours hanging up in our pantry.  This way, they see it when they grab their snack, so they remember everything they need to do.

Get your Free After School Routine Chart

It really makes our afternoons so much better!  Here are ways to help ensure your kids use this after-school checklist:

• Laminate and attach it to the refrigerator with adhesive magnets.
• Put it in a photo frame and use a dry-erase marker for them to check it off daily.
• Print out copies and give them a new one to use every single day (I’d print in black and white to save money on printer ink).

Whatever you do, try to set a routine for your kids.  They need to know what comes next, and it really helps reduce stress (and even tears)!!

The post How to Create an After School Routine appeared first on Penny Pinchin' Mom.