With the holidays vastly approaching deciding what to get  loved ones, friends, or co-workers, is on everyone’s mind. Throwing a wrench in things are the recent supply issues we have had in the country.
So the question becomes what do we get as gifts? This holiday gift guide is not only clutter free but will also increase the happiness of the receiver, which is the best part about the holidays!  

Gifting experiences is not only an easy task (many can be purchased online), but it will help the receiver of this gift create memories that they can have forever, opposed to something that is used a few times then forgotten. Some examples of experiences to gift are as follows: ​

Gifting a personal service shows the receiver that you care about their wellbeing and creates an excuse for them to take time for themselves. Some examples are as follows: 

• Manicure/Pedicure
• Massage
• Spa Days
• Facials
• Tattoos
• Hair stylists
• Make up artists
• Car detailing 

Gifting a class for someone to try something they have always wanted to do or something new will creates a wonderful memory and skill they can use in the future. You also might help them find their true passion in life! Some examples are as follows: ​

This gift CAN cost no money if you choose to offer the service or you can get a gift card for a time service. Offering someone a time gift can help assist someone in your life with an area they can use a break from. Some examples are as follows: ​

Gifting someone a membership is a great way to provide a service for someone that they may have either not been able to purchase themselves or just didn’t think of. Some examples are as follows: ​

The average American spends $1,250 on Christmas gifts, sometimes even putting themselves behind for bills come January, paying a bill for someone can relieve some of that stress and they will greatly appreciate it. 

These are items that a person can enjoy without taking up any space in their home, you can hand-make them or get them from a local business. Some examples are as follows: ​

Giving one of these gifts can make the receiver happier and can provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them. As always consider supporting a small business when shopping. And don’t forget the holidays are more about spending time with family and friends, not how much you spend on their gifts! 

If you live in an area that sees all the season like I do. September is a reminder that you have some long months coming up. Not only are you getting back to school, but you are thinking about upcoming holidays, colder weather, snow, etc. I have complied a detailed checklist of things to do to help ease those concerns and get ready for the fall and winter months! 

With school in full swing, artwork and accomplishments are going to soon be flooding into the house. Every piece of it being important and sentimental. The question then becomes how to store all these amazing items?? Well here are a few suggestions to preserve these precious memories. 

Creating a file box to store your child(ren)s accomplishments is a quick, easy set-up, and is flexible in terms of how you organize. This system also allows you to create individual bins if you have more than one child.  Using the steps below you can create individual areas to store all that paper. 

Step 1: Get a file bin. Like the one pictured above a file bin, as opposed to a box, will help protect the paperwork inside and allow you to store them in a basement, attic, or even garage. Check out this one from Amazon- $13.59 per box

Step 2: Get 13 expandable, hanging file folders, label them K-12. Using these expandable files allows you to store up to 400 pages in one file.   
Check these files out from Amazon- $18.99/25 pack 

Step 3: Get regular file folders, label them ARTWORK, REPORT CARDS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SCHOOL PHOTOS (any other ones you deem necessary), once labeled place one of each in every grade. You can color code them as well, for example, all report cards go in the red folders, all pictures in the green folders, etc. Labeling and/or color coding will allow for quick filing when these papers are coming in.
Check these files out from Amazon- $7.99/36 pack

Step 4: File! Once you have created the system you are all set up and ready to file all those memories.

TIP: School papers and artwork are a great way for your child(ren) to start learning what is special, what is not, what to keep, & what to get rid of. Don't make the decisions for them, teach them organizing strategies they'll be able to apply for the rest of their lives. ​

In today’s day and age you no longer need to keep physical documents if you don’t need/want to. This way is probably the easiest and most effective use of space. 

Step 1: In whatever time frame you wish (weekly, monthly, quarterly) scan or photograph all important documents you wish to save. 

Step 2: Upload to your computer. 

Step 3: ORGANIZE! Use the same system you would in a file bin but store them digitally on a computer. Create folders with each grade for each child. Then create subfolders to separate the documents into. 

Step 4: Back up the information on a flash-drive and you will never have to worry about losing those precious memories. 

This zone focuses on all those school supplies your child(ren) need. Having these items in separate containers but in the same location will increase the likelihood your child(ren) will replace the items they use. Several different types of containers can be used to store these items such as:

• MASON JARS- label each container with its contents, most cost effective, smaller jars for small items like paperclips, larger jars for writing utensils (Available at retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, vary in price depending on size & quantity)
• ART CADDY- can store items of various sizes, multiple items & be carried to another location, limited space (Get one here- $15.99 on Amazon) 
• PENCIL BOXES- store items that cannot be stored in a jar/cup. Label each box so that everyone knows where they can find these items.​ (Get a 3pk here- for $13.99 on Amazon) 

This zone focuses solely on homework papers. As much as there is parent paperwork from your child(ren), they have more paperwork than you do, upcoming assignments, workbooks, study guides, etc. Having a place to organize these is very important.

• MAGAZINE FILE HOLDER- use 1 for each child, within those holders, have a separate folder for every subject. Have specific folders for other things like “I need help” or “Check This”,  at the end of each night go through & see what your child(ren) might need your assistance with. (Get this 12pk- $19.97 on Amazon)  
• DOCUMENT SORTER- achieves the same goal as the magazine holder, no need for folders but can be used to keep documents upright (Get this 2pk- $37.64 on Amazon) 

This zone focuses on all the paper you child(ren) need while in school. Having a central place to store this where your child(ren) can access it is an easy way to make them more self-sufficient. 

• MAGAZINE FILE HOLDERS- store extra paper supplies, such as printer paper, colored paper, extra notebooks, loose-leaf paper, use 1 file holder for each type of paper

There is a lot of paperwork involved with school and having a central location to organize it is important. The key to any of these organizational tools is to check them daily, weekly, & monthly to attend to any matters & clear out old items. There are many ways you can do this:

• CASCADING WALL ORGANIZER- label the files in the organizer that make the most sense for you & your child. Some examples include Documents to be signed, School Notices, Graded homework/tests, Urgent (Get this 6 Pocket Organizer- $12.93 on Amazon) 
  • have more than 1 child, use one section of the organizer for each child, then use file folders to separate paperwork within each section. Or get 1 organizer for each child.
• CLIPBOARDS- hang multiple clipboards on the wall and label them similarly to the hanging organizer (Get this 3pk- $7.15 on Amazon) 
• CORKBOARD- pin large binder clips to the cork board and label each clip with the same sections you would use in a wall organizer (Get this one- $29.68 from Amazon) 

Every school year there are hundreds of events parents must attend, organizing yours & your child(ren)s time is imperative.

• 12-month wall calendar or 1-month dry erase calendar is useful for keeping track of everything. You can not only track school & family events but deadlines for projects/assignments so that you and your child(ren) won’t miss any important deadlines.
  • Multiple calendars- one for each child and one for the family
  • One calendar- use different colors to denote each child & yourself/family. This way its easy to keep track of where everyone is in one space. ​

Using a task list is a visual reminder of things that need to be done every day. Most commonly used task-list items for children include:

• Afternoon snack
• Homework
• (X-time) of Reading
• Backpack Ready
• Clothes set-out
• Chores
• Shower/bath

When you have a home that doesn't have the luxury of a mudroom, your entryway becomes the main point of congestion and clutter. Everyone drops anything from backpacks to umbrellas there and without some sort of system to organize these things, it can get real frustrating, real fast. Here are some products I use that can help keep your entryway organized. 

MASK STATION- With kids going back to school and masks being required in many spaces once again, setting up a mask station at your entryway can serve as both a reminder to grab one and help keep masks organized for all family members. Custom mask stations like on the right can be found on Etsy (various prices- starting at $34.99) and generic stations like the one on the left can be found at Target for $30.00

COAT HOOKS- Putting hooks right at your entryway creates a designated space for you and your family put wet coats, hang backpacks, and keep access to your most used outwear. If you have young children, putting hooks at their height will ensure they can always place their items in the space. You can use individual hooks or a wall- mounted hook rack like the picture above. This hook rack and ones like it can be found at Target for $32.00

BOOT RACK/TRAY- Being from the Northeast, my most used entryway item is a boot rack. This allows you a space to put wet shoes or snow-covered boots to dry without tracking the wet shoe prints throughout your whole house. Boot Racks/Trays come in many different options. The first shows a boot and shoe rack combo, that has space at the top to put decorative items or a key bowl. This option from Target is $38.00. The next photo is a simple boot tray, the come in various sizes this one is 1'7 x 3'3 and is available at Target for $9.99. The next option is a boot stand, this can be used on top of a boot tray or as a stand alone item. I also happen to know you can stick shoes on there too. You can get these from various places, the one pictured is from The Container Store, holds six boots, and retails for $39.99

KEY RACK/MAIL SORTER- Having a key rack by the door is the only reason I can find my keys in the morning. Having a single place where you and your family keeps their keys is a great way to make sure everyone can find their keys. A key rack with an attached mail sorter can provide a space for things that are needed when you go outside. You can use it to keep dog leashes, masks, sunglasses, lint rollers, hand sanitizer, wallet, or anything else you need to keep by the door. Though the mail sorter was traditionally used to place mail, they have evolved to be a catch all for things you need to grab before walking out the door. This option is available from Target for $30.00.

STORAGE BENCH- If you have the space a storage bench is an amazing addition to any entryway. You can keep shoes, umbrellas, winter gear, summer gear, and so much more. Plus having a place where you can sit down and put on your shoes or take them off, will help keep all the shoes in one place. This storage bench is available through Target for $170.00

DECORATIVE BINS- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, bins, bins, bins. Bins can add a pop of style to any entryway. I use a cute, little rope basket in my entryway to keep flip-flops in the summer and “fuzzy” slippers in the winter. You can also add them to most entryway storage benches. Create a bin for each member in the family to keep winter gear, shoes, or other grab and go items. Use a decorative bin to throw dirty masks in when they are done. Bins can be found at most retailers and vary in price starting at $5.00. 

As a professional organizer I come into a clients house and organize anything they need help with but eventually I go home and it is up to them to keep it organized. I have put together a few secrets that help keep your home organized in the long run. 

Are great for entryways, closets, and even on doors. They can be multifunctional: 

• ​​Entryway Shoe Organizers: can handle shoes, boots, winter gear, umbrellas, re-usable bags for the grocery story, and anything else you want to keep at the ready 
• Hanging Shoe Organizers: can handle shoes, sandals, flip-flops, accessories (scarves, hats, gloves), they can be turned into a catch all behind the entryway closet door     (I use mine to keep winter gear, re-usable shopping bags, and umbrellas), or they can become a make-shift pantry    (you can use them to store cleaning products in a linen closet) 
• Closet Shoe Organizers: can handle shoes of any kind and you can use them as extra shelf space by placing bins on top of them

I love my folding shirt board and take every occasion to use it. Not only do you get store quality folds but you can save so much space by folding all your clothing the same way.
​They can also be used for sweaters, coats, and even fold pants! 

I own enough velvet hangers to stock 5 closets! These hangers are amazing because they are a slim space saving design and the velvet helps keep your clothes on them.
No more picking up clothes from the floor of your closet. 

Pant Hangers are another little secret of mine, not only are they great for hanging multiple pairs of pants but you can use them for sweaters and dresses. The multi-tiered hanger helps save space in your closet as well! 

These are great to hide all the things you stuff under the bed. I personally use them for sandals, hiking gear, beach towels, and more! They are easy to pull in and out and under a Queen size bed you can fit at least 4 or 5. 

From decorative storage bins like plastic weave, fabric, and wicker to outdoor bins, I cannot get enough!
Bins help create specific areas to put away things in. You can have bins for sheets, towels, electronics (batteries, cameras, etc.), craft supplies, planting supplies the possibilities are endless. Good thing is even if the bin inside is not super organized, you will appear organized because the mess is contained. 😉