Back-to-School Organization for Adults

As we head into the month of August, even as adults it's hard to avoid connecting with those familiar, yet distant thoughts of "back to school" and fresh beginnings. New backpack, pencils, folders, cool clothes; it's a time to think about the endless possibilities that get us back into the groove. And certainly new "stuff" is a great way to help us realize success by reigning in the challenges that come from the threat of disorganization.

Or is it?

How about those cute little boxes that come in multiple sizes and colors (stacked in the corner of the closet), the gigantic plastic bins that hold (and hide) everything, a colorful floral collection of file folders (still sitting in their tidy little pouches on the kitchen counter), the right pens in your favorite colors (with the perfect grip, still in the package), the best Dymo label maker with personalized labels (how do you work that thing?), the snazziest little Kate Spade personal pocket agenda (it's around here somewhere)? Won't they help? Sadly, more STUFF is not going to result in conquering your issues with clutter, missed appointments, unpaid bills, lost time looking for missing items.

It's not the what, it's the how.

Here are 3 quick and easy steps you can take to start getting organized NOW:

1) Identify a clutter "hot spot" and set a timer for 15 minutes during which time you'll attack the clutter. When the timer rings, either quit, or assess your progress and decide if you want to spend another 15 minutes (don't forget the timer!).

2) Create a family calendar with different pen colors for each member (yippee, get to use the cool pens!). Record activities as they come up, and check the calendar each morning to set the structure of the day.

3) Designate an area by the door (where you and your family frequently leave and enter the house) where family members know that they must "park" their belongings (keys, cell, wallet, purse, backpack, etc.) upon entering, so that they can find them the next day. If something gets moved (backpack with homework), it needs to go back to the spot before bedtime.

Is there more to organizing than 3 steps? Sure, but this is a great start for now.