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What good is having focus if you don’t take any action? Conversely, if you take action without a focus, how will you know you are doing the right things? As you can probably surmise, focus and action go hand in hand.
This is the final blog in this series on taking action to be more productive. Here are the link to the other posts, 3 Secrets to Help You Take Action Now and Reasons Why You Should Become an Action Taker.
The concepts reinforce each other. Suppose you decide that you need to increase sales, or whatever your goal happens to be. You plan out the steps and use them to set your focus. Then, when you execute the plan by taking action, you will learn that your focus was correct. Or, you will learn that it didn’t work out for some reason and that you need to consider alternate plans.
The last sentence of the previous paragraph is important. Not everything you plan will work out and you need to keep that in mind. If you find something isn’t working out, and you don’t believe it is going to get any better, don’t hesitate to find something else. Otherwise, the focus-action loop will get stale, and you will get frustrated. This is a negative reinforcement that will only serve to help you fail.
Failure is part of the process. Your actions should be iterative along with measures of what is happening. It can’t hurt to have alternative plans defined at the beginning of the cycle if that is possible. If not, just determine those alternatives when they make sense.
When you continue in this manner, you will find your focus is more intense. This is because you believe the actions you take will lead you to the desired results and you’ll shift your focus if it doesn’t.
If you need to extend this entire concept to a team, make sure they understand that the possibility of failure exists. This will help you guide them to different paths. Of course, if a few of the team members are not doing their part, this is another path you will need to deal with. These members may not be clear on the benefits of the plan. When that happens, they will lose focus, and they won’t be able to take action. Or, the actions they do take will not coincide with what the team is trying to deliver.
When you approach your goals in this way, you will likely excel at your job or business. You’ll have a renewed sense of purpose, and you will bring the business to new heights.
Let’s work together to help you take action on your goals.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
I started this 4 part series with a blog on 3 Secrets to Help You Take Action.
What’s stopping you from taking action? Is it fear? Perhaps you’re waiting for the right break instead of making your opportunities in life. Or maybe you believe you’re not smart or talented enough? These negative beliefs are holding you back.
There’s a reason why so many intelligent people fail. They tend to overthink everything and are often afraid to take risks. If that’s your case, here are some powerful reasons to become an action-taker:
Get Rid of Doubts
If you don’t take action, you’ll keep wondering What if? You will struggle with self-doubt and question your decisions. Taking action builds experience and boosts your confidence. It also allows you to discover new resources and information that will contribute to your success.
Your Time Is Limited
Steve Jobs once said that remembering you’re going to die is the best way to stop thinking you have something to lose. Your time on this earth is limited. You never know what’s going to happen a month or a year from now on.
You might never get a second chance to rent that perfect office space in your area, go to that meeting you’ve been postponing for weeks, or apply for your dream job. Take action today! Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve!
One Thing Leads to Another
Getting started is often the hardest yet the most important step to success. No matter your plans, you must take action to bring them to life.
Once you make that first step, everything else will fall into place. It may or may not work out as you hope, but it will lead to something new. Think of it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
Let’s say you want to apply for a job that sounds perfect for you, but you know you aren’t quite qualified enough. Yes, it’s scary to apply, but what’s really at stake? Even if you don’t get the job, you’ll get practice interviewing for your dream job. You’ll also get feedback on what you need to focus on to get a similar job in the future. When you start taking action, you get results.
Develop Your Skills
Whether your projects succeed or fail, there’s always a chance to learn new things. Taking action will help develop your skills, leading to greater confidence.
The next time you want to take action on a dream, you’ll feel better prepared and have more experience. On top of that, you’ll approach things from a new perspective and won’t repeat the same mistakes.
Please connect with me if you need a supportive hand to start you on your journey.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Some people are just better at taking action than others. At least, that’s how it can often seem when you want to take action but can’t figure out how you should go about it. You can transform yourself from a thinker to a doer using the following three secrets.
1. Stop Waiting For The Perfect Time
The most obvious difference between a thinker and someone who is a doer is that doers don’t worry about waiting for the perfect time. This is because perfection is a myth. There is no such thing as the perfect time. You will always have a full schedule; you will always have other things to do. It is time to accept that there is no time like the present for whatever you wish to accomplish. So stop waiting, and start doing instead.
2. Write Your Plan Down
Many people don’t take action now because they aren’t sure where to start. If your plan is quite large, like a career change, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. What helps with this is to sit down and make an outline of your plan or goal. Break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Then, start with the first manageable piece that you can do. For the career example listed above, the first step would be to update your resume to apply for new jobs. Seems much more approachable than just thinking you want a new career, right?
3. Overcome Your Fear
Are you afraid to take action now because you don’t think you will be successful? Or maybe you are afraid that you will make mistakes along the way? You aren’t alone. Most people who aren’t doers don’t take action because they are afraid of what could happen. Either way, it’s time to overcome these fears so that you can take action now. And the best way to do this is by recognizing that you are human and that making mistakes is part of life. Don’t worry about thinking you may fail; this is okay too. Remember that all successful people have had failures too. This doesn’t mean they didn’t eventually achieve their dreams! Learn more about the fear of failure and how to overcome it in this article, 11 Ways to Overcome Fear.
Taking action now can seem like a tall order, but when you have these three secrets up your sleeve, you may find that taking action is easier than you originally thought. So if you have big plans for your life, don’t sit around waiting for them to happen on their own. Take action today and make your dream a reality.
Book an appointment with me to start on your journey to success
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 10 minutes
Many of the things you do each day to reach your goals can be achieved by creating small routines or daily habits that you perform primarily without thinking about it each day. By making your actions routine and, more importantly, a habit, you’ll get more done and not feel like you’re always working.
- Get Hydrated – Start each day with a couple of cups of water. Some people prefer lemon water. You can enjoy it cold or warm depending on the time of the year. Starting off your day hydrated will boost your energy and make it more likely you get to your to-do list.
- Review Your Schedule – As you go through life, you should use a to-do list each day. Before you start your day, glance at your to-do list to get an overview of what you need to do during your day. I plan my schedule the day before. Then, prioritize the items according to my needs in the morning. Sometimes overnight things change.
- Create a Morning Routine – Set up a morning routine for your self-care, which may include taking a shower, making your bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc. You may also want to add meditation, do some yoga, or journal in the morning routine. My morning routine starts with a walk, then shower and dressing for the day depending on the type of work I will be doing. Next is breakfast and making my lunch. I am off to my office to look at emails and do some social media marketing. Then my day starts and the To-Do list is important.
- Invest in Your Nutrition – One way to become more productive is to eat right. Your diet is as important as exercising. Eat according to your dietary needs. By prepping your food in advance makes it easier to stick to a plan each day. This is why I pack my lunch at breakfast. If I take my lunch to work with me I am less likely to grab fast food. Some people like to pack their lunch after supper. I also plan 1 week of suppers before I go grocery shopping. I enjoy not having to think about what to make for supper each night.
Plan a menu then build your grocery shopping list.
- Develop a Positive Mindset – Find ways to look at the positive aspects of your life. When you have a positive mindset or outlook, it tends to strengthen your motivation. The motivation usually comes after you take action and focus on the feelings you experience after you take a specific action. That successful experience encourages you to be more positive because you feel more productive and helpful.
- Celebrate Your Victories – When you are successful and accomplish something, find a way to celebrate, no matter how small. You can draw on the experience to motivate you to take more action. Treat yourself to a walk, a trip to the gym, tea or coffee, a warm bath, a hot relaxing shower, a movie or a dance party.
- Segment Your Workday – Don’t work all the time. This is especially important if you work for yourself. The work never ends. Set boundaries. Set specific hours for your workday. Stick to these hours at least 80 percent of the time. Keep in mind that remaining flexible is important. Sometimes working hard is going to be required, but it’s not required every single day.
Each time you add a routine to your day that can be repeated regularly and easily, you are beginning to create a habit. Habits are difficult to stop. This is because they incorporate a trigger and have a rewarding response. This is called conditioning. Set up your triggers to be rewarding so you can trigger yourself to succeed in all areas of life. If you need help developing routines contact julie@mindoverclutter.ca
What routines help you to be productive?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 3 minutes
Mind over Clutter offers many virtual organizing services
Virtual organizing allows me to support your organizing projects by providing planning, coaching, accountability and mentoring while remaining at home or in the office.
If you’re unsure about getting organized virtually try one of these complimentary sessions.
A complimentary 30-minute chat
You can show me your space, send me pictures or we can chat about how to start your organizing project.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/virtualorganizingchat
A 30-minute complimentary menu planning consultation
After our 30-minute session, you will be able to build a menu plan that suits your food taste, lifestyle and personality.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/menuplanningconsultation
A complimentary 30-minute home routine assessment
Having systems and routines reduces the stress and energy needed to keep things working smoothly in your home. They become automated freeing up time to do other things. In this complimentary 30-minute session, we will discuss one area of your life that needs a system to make things easier. You will leave with ideas you can put in place and try.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/developinghomeroutines
If you’re ready to start working on your project with me, book an appointment or contact me julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Virtual organizing services
Virtual home and office organizing services can be offered in 4 formations. The A, B, C, D’s Read about each format and then contact me to discuss what system is best for you julie@mindoverclutter.
Create your menu plan
In this 2-hour session, we will discuss, your schedule, food preferences, desire to cook and the number of people in your household and create a menu plan that you can use for a year. It will be flexible and adaptable to each week.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/createyourmenuplan
Establishing routines for your home
After this 1 hour session, you will leave with a step by step system developed to suit your needs to help make a specific area of your life simpler taking less energy to get the task completed.
https://mindoverclutter.as.me/establishingroutinesforyourhome
Resources that are available free of charge
Join my Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space for tips, support and accountability to help you have an organized life.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/organizingmindandspace
Follow my Facebook page Mind over Clutter. It has a collection of articles on all aspects for organizing from many authors and sites in one place.
https://www.facebook.com/mindoverclutter
Watch my YouTube Channel for fun organizing tips
https://www.youtube.com/c/JulieStobbe
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer.
Reading time – 10 minutes
My guest blogger this month is Sophia Perry from Arizona Moving Professionals.
Downsizing often requires rethinking how to organize and store your belongings effectively. Whether you’re downsizing locally or moving to a new country, innovative storage solutions are essential for making the most of limited space, offering creative and practical ways to keep your home functional and clutter-free. So, let’s explore various storage ideas and strategies to help you transition smoothly into your new, cozier living space.
Innovative Storage Solutions Through Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is one of the most effective innovative storage solutions for small homes. These versatile pieces serve multiple purposes, helping you maximize every square inch. For example, ottomans that double as storage bins, beds with built-in drawers, and coffee tables with hidden compartments are all excellent options. Multi-functional furniture allows you to maintain a tidy home without sacrificing the essentials.
A Big Step Before the Move
Taking time to declutter and then organize your belongings is vital before moving to a smaller home. Reducing what’s truly necessary can significantly ease the moving process. Sorting through your items and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard ensures your new space isn’t overwhelmed with unnecessary clutter.
This process makes unpacking more manageable and your new home more organized. Professional packing services can assist with this process. Their expertise can help you efficiently pack and label your items, ensuring everything is ready for the move.
Preparing for the Big Day
A well-organized moving day is essential for settling into your new home smoothly. To prepare for the big day, consider creating a packing strategy that includes labelling boxes clearly, making an inventory list, and packing items by room. These steps can save time and reduce stress on moving days, helping you transition into your new space more efficiently.
Utilizing Vertical Space Efficiently
In smaller homes, floor space is often limited, making it essential to use vertical space efficiently. Walls provide an excellent opportunity for storage that doesn’t encroach on living areas. Installing wall-mounted shelves can help you store books, kitchen supplies, or decorative items, freeing up floor space. Hanging organizers are also useful in closets, kitchens, and bathrooms, keeping smaller items tidy and within easy reach. Tall cabinets offer additional storage while maintaining a clean, organized appearance.
Smart Under-Bed Storage Solutions
Under-bed storage is an often underutilized area that can be incredibly valuable, especially in smaller homes. This space is perfect for items that aren’t needed daily, such as seasonal clothing or extra bedding. Rolling bins allow easy access to stored items, while vacuum-sealed bags help save space by compressing bulkier items. Custom-made drawers under the bed provide a more permanent solution, keeping your belongings organized and accessible. Effective under-bed storage keeps your living area clutter-free, ensuring essential items remain within easy reach while lesser-used items are neatly stored out of sight.
Use under the bed storage for extra supplies
Custom Built-In Storage for Maximum Efficiency
Custom-built storage solutions are ideal for maximizing space in smaller homes. Tailored to your needs, these built-ins, such as cabinets, shelves, and closets, provide ample storage while maintaining a streamlined look. A custom pantry in the kitchen can help organize groceries, while built-in living room bookshelves offer storage and a place to display items. In the bedroom, a custom closet with a mix of hanging rods, shelves, and drawers ensures all your belongings have a place.
Maximizing Closet Space
Closets in smaller homes can quickly become overcrowded, but you can significantly increase their capacity with a few adjustments. Double hanging rods maximize vertical space, allowing for more clothing to be stored. Shelf dividers keep items organized and easy to find, while stackable bins help manage smaller belongings. Slim, non-slip hangers free up even more space, ensuring your closet remains neat and functional. These simple changes can transform a cramped closet into an organized and efficient storage area.
Off-Site Storage: A Practical Option
Even with the best innovative storage solutions, some items you can’t fit into your new home may still exist. Renting off-site storage can be a practical option for seasonal items, sports equipment, or family heirlooms. This option allows you to maintain a clutter-free home while still having access to your belongings when needed.
When choosing a storage facility, look for one with climate control and secure access to ensure your items are well-protected. A reputable company, for instance, in Victoria, like Hendra Moving and Storage Victoria BC, provides a range of storage solutions to meet your needs, whether you require short-term or long-term options.
Keeping Clutter Out of Sight
Hidden storage solutions are perfect for maintaining a tidy home. Furniture with concealed compartments, such as sofas with storage under the cushions or benches with lift-up seats, provides discreet storage for items like blankets, books, or board games. These solutions keep your home looking clean while keeping your belongings easily accessible.
Kitchen Storage: Maximizing Small Spaces
Kitchens in smaller homes often have limited storage, making it challenging to keep essentials organized. Stackable containers, magnetic knife strips, and over-the-door organizers can help optimize kitchen storage. Pull-out shelves or lazy Susans provide easy access to items in deep cabinets, keeping your kitchen functional and clutter-free.
Room Dividers with Built-In Storage
Room dividers with built-in storage offer a versatile solution for open-plan spaces. These dividers, excellent space-saving hacks, help create separate areas while providing additional shelving or cabinets. They are ideal for storing books, decorative items, or office supplies, helping you stay organized in your smaller home.
Embracing Innovative Storage Solutions
Moving into a smaller home requires thoughtful planning and creative solutions. Embracing innovative storage solutions allows you to create a functional, organized, and comfortable living space that meets all your needs. These strategies will help you make the most of your new home’s space, from multi-functional furniture to custom-built storage and off-site options. Start planning your move today, and choose the storage solutions that best suit your lifestyle.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for some people. Coordinating schedules, planning menus and preparing the house can make it a busy time.Make your Thanksgiving Day full of giving thanks. Share on X
Here are some tips to make the day full of giving thanks and you less stressed.
Let everyone help by bringing a dish to the meal.
1. Let people help
Ask them to bring some of the food. If you have someone who doesn’t like to cook ask them to arrive early and help greet people at the door. Ask them to bring some fall flowers to help decorate your home.
2. Plan a menu
- record the amount of food you cook.
- record the cooking time for each dish
- reuse the menu, grocery list and cooking schedule for next year
People enjoy having the same menu each year. They know what to expect and it becomes a tradition. It also makes planning the menu easier.
3. Plan to take a walk
Enjoy time together, and be thankful for the beautiful nature around you.
- Between the main course and dessert have your guests go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air and build an appetite for dessert
- While your guests are out, you will have time to clear the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator
4. Be thankful
- let everyone say something they are thankful for, it is amazing how this can create a happy atmosphere at the dinner table
5. Use simple decorations
- when you cover your table with a colourful tablecloth and napkins your home will look festive.
- pick a few leaves, nuts or flowers and place them around your home
Share your best tip for making Thanksgiving celebrations less stressful.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Julie can coach you to break-free of the physical or emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time: 2 minutes
Success in doing laundry starts with packing the right clothes. When packing for college or university stay away from white clothes, they will turn grey and red clothes will turn everything pink. Leave them at home. Pick clothes that can survive a washer and dryer. There won’t be much hand washing of clothes. It is about that time in the term when your student may make a trip home to see you. Really it is to get their laundry done. Who is going to do it?Discuss who is responsible for doing laundry before your student leaves for university. Share on X
1. Practice
If your student has not done laundry at home use the last week or two before they leave to teach them how to use a washer, sort laundry, empty pockets and use a stain remover. If they bring their laundry home from school it is a good time to teach them how to do it
2. Money
Find out if the washers and dryers need coins or if money is put on a plastic swipe card. Put some money on the card or send coins to get them started and into the habit of doing laundry. It is a good investment for both parents and students.
3. Laundry ” Basket”
Provide a central collection area for their laundry in their room. It might be on the back of a door or chair, a bin or bag in the closet. It needs to be portable so they can move it easily to the Laundromat which may be on another floor.
Mesh laundry baskets let damp things dry until they are washed
Put a laundry bag on the back of a door.
Backpack laundry bags make it easy to get everything to the laundromat.
A basket can be put in any convenient location and is sitting open easily to throw clothes in.
4. Supplies
Buy liquid laundry detergent because it dissolves quickly and comes in small bottles. It is better to have a supply of small bottles than a large one which is heavy and hard to take to the Laundromat. Buy fabric sheets for the dryer as the student will probably never be there for the rinse cycle to a fabric softener.
5. A place to hang damp clothes
Have a place to hang up clothes – a line, door hooks or a free-standing wire rack in their room for things that are damp or that they don’t want to put in the dryer.
Use a rack to dry clothes and save money
Folding wooden or wire racks can be hidden away when they are not in use under the bed or in the closet.
Over the door hooks come in many styles to fit the door and space.
over the door hooks are great for hanging up damp clothes
6. Who does the laundry, parent, student, at home or at school?
Decide if you will do their laundry when they come home on weekends. Set the policy early so there are no surprises.
Share your experience about laundry successes and failures.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Scheduling helps everyone to understand what needs to be done and when it needs to be completed.
Weekly Agenda Page
I like to develop a weekly agenda page for each child in the family. When they are young, they have their own page posted on the refrigerator or bulletin board. Once they have phones they can keep their schedule on their phone and give you access.
Record all Weekly Activities – School, Home and Extra Curricular
At the beginning of each week, I record all their activities, music lessons, group activities, sports, etc. I also record their special activities at school so they remember to bring library looks, physical education clothing, and musical instruments. It also includes any chores that they have to do around the house. If you prepare it on the computer, many things don’t change from week to week, you can print up the agendas weekly.
Record Additional Activities for the Week – Test, Projects, Parties
The children will add to the page, tests and projects that have been assigned at school. Start this habit for them when they are young, it teaches them how to organize their time. You will be helping to instill in them a habit that will last them a lifetime. They can play, watch TV or have screen time when they have completed everything on their list.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Library books | Physical education | Class trip | violin | |
| Practice piano | Girl Guides | Collect garbage | Skating | Birthday Party at Susie’s |
| Set table | Empty dishwasher |
Paper or an AppI like paper because I can see everyone’s week at a glance without switching between screens and accounts. If you enjoy technology because you can access information from anywhere at any time try Choice Works for scheduling your children’s activities. It allows you to select activities and list them by picture for non-reading children or in words.
Timeboxed Schedule Maker
Thanks to Whisper Wels for sending me this link for their schedule maker to create your own timeboxed schedule.
Time management is about finding a system that works for you and your children to make life easier. Please leave a comment about agendas, systems and apps that you use.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time: 3 minutes
No more arguments, plan the best time to do homework.
Helping your child to be successful with their homework is about planning. Plan a time when your child can concentrate and an adult is available to lend support to the task. Some children will be able to do homework right after they finish school other children will need time to do some physical activity before they can concentrate and yet other children will need to eat first.
Have a quiet area near an adult. Children may need support from an adult at times to be successful
Plan the best space for doing homework
You will need a spot with limited distractions, minimize stimulation from video screens and phones and reduce loud conversations with other family members in the homework area.
Plan a schedule for completing large projects
Large projects take more than one night to complete. Help your child learn how to plan ahead. Look at the week and weekend and see what time is available to work on the project. Divide the project into smaller sections that can be completed a little at a time during the week and on the weekend. At first, it takes a lot of discipline from the parent and the child but as the family gets used to planning ahead your child will tell you that they need your help with some homework and the only night you are both home is Wednesday. It will be great when they take over the time management of homework.
Teach your child management so they will have enough time to complete large projects.
Each child will be different, some will like quiet spaces and others will like to be around people. Some tasks will need large spaces and others will need hardly any space. Share on X
Have a portable homework station that can move with you.
Many families have shared custody of children between parents and some families are always on the move taking children to after school events where children need to do homework while they are waiting for siblings to finish an activity.
Help your child be able to complete their homework quickly anywhere.
Have a portable homework station that can be taken anywhere
Taking into consideration all the variables, homework areas need to be portable. Children need to have a container with all the pens, pencils, markers, erasers, rulers, a stapler, tape, glue, paper, calculator etc. they need. This container can be used in any room in the house allowing for flexibility. Let your child organize the container since they know what they need. This container can be put in the car and taken along to activities, babysitters, and parent’s homes. It is important that children have the supplies they need and learn to take care of them so they can get their work done. If you choose to have one room or area for homework consult your child about what it should look like so they want to work in that area.
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Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
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