By Dana Phillips

As we focus on finishing our business for the year and getting ready to enjoy the holidays, it’s hard to think of organizing our homes right now. When the holidays are over, and the decorations are put away, it’s a perfect time to create or fine-tune our household systems. Here are three of my favorites that worked for our family.

  1. Create a family command center. You’ll need a monthly family calendar with everyone’s activities, including Mom and Dad’s. Color code each family member and write all activities, parties, birthdays, travel, homework assignments due, etc. This can be a big paper calendar or a whiteboard calendar that’s wiped clean and started every month. It can hang on the wall or the side of the refrigerator. If possible, have a small desk with a computer or iPad. You can keep pens, paper, scissors, tape, etc., in the drawer, giving the family a place to put their activity schedules and party invitations so you can get them on the calendar right away. You can also use the space to menu plan and make your grocery list. This becomes the hub for your family, and you’ll be on top of their activities.
  2. Let the kids help! You can show the younger kids how to pick up all the recyclables, i.e., papers, magazines, and plastic bottles, and put them in the recycle bin. As they grow, they can help load and unload the dishwasher. When our kids became teenagers, they were responsible for washing, folding, and putting away their clothes. You’ll also want to consider creating a place for backpacks, jackets, shoes, and schoolwork. All you’ll need is a place to hang some hooks and shelves. Even a tiny peg board with shelves under it helps control the clutter.
  3. Have a dedicated space to work. I know that many of you have begun working on your kitchen table. Not everyone has an extra room to turn into an office. I started my business with a small desk in the corner of our bedroom and stored products in the linen closet in the bathroom. Not perfect, yet it worked. Many of you work from your dining room or in the basement. I even knew someone with a big closet that she turned into a workspace. It doesn’t matter where it is; it needs to be a dedicated space for you and your business.

As you finish with the holidays, decide what area you want to work on, set a plan, and go for it! ENJOY!!!

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