We all have one—that friend who has it so together and makes everything look easy.
She gracefully tackles every challenge as though it were a walk in the park. While we love to hate her, we also vie for her secrets. Here are a few of them.
CONTAIN YOURSELF: “I use containers for everything. Every item has a home, which means less clutter. We rarely lose a game piece.”
—Lori Weisskopf, Highland Park
Our motto? “Have container, will organize.” Try this $10 set rom Rubbermaid.
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lid 24-Piece Food Storage Container Set
HAVE PLANNER, WILL TRAVEL: “I allot time for every event—and even workout—in my planner. I carry it everywhere, so I’m never unsure of what to do or where to go next.”
—Dana Kotler, Glencoe
Want to try a planner? It’s already mid-2010—try this journal from Kailani that runs July through June.
Blue Sky Kailani Pink Planner 8.5×11 July 2010 through June 2011
SUPER SIZE SCHEDULE: “We keep a huge dry-erase board on the wall in our kitchen. We write everything down for the week. Everyone in the family uses a different colored marker, so the board stays lively and bright.”
—Debi Frank Raff, Highland Park
Admit it—you love the smell of a fresh Expo marker. Now you can set up dry erase boards anywhere. And we mean anywhere! Try these peel and stick dry erase boards from Wallies.
4 Peel & Stick Dry Erase Panels by Wallies
LAW OF THE LIST: “I keep notepads next to the refrigerator and our pantry; every time someone finishes something, they write it down. It’s my shopping list, ready to go.”
—Madelyn Kandelman, Deerfield
No time to write? We love this list from Knock Knock—just check items off as you run out.
BE A NIGHT OWL: “Never underestimate the power of planning before lights out. I make lunches, pack backpacks, choose clothing (for the kids and myself) and have a breakfast menu in mind.”
—Vanessa Ladin, Deerfield
Don’t stop at just the day before—with this kids’ closet organizer, you can have their entire wardrobe ready for the week.
Kangaroom 5-Shelf Kids Clothes Organizer, Pink
BACKUP PLAN: “I keep an extra supply of everything in my car. Diapers, wipes, sippie cups, extra cash, quarters, coloring books … ”
—Sasha Diskin, Wilmette
Caselogic ACC-15 Black Center Console Organizer
RELAX, REALLY: “I take two minutes a day for a tiny dose of ‘me’ time. I step away (into a closet or even the bathroom), take a breath and enjoy the moment, which helps me rejoice in what’s to come.”
—Jamie Robbin, Deerfield
Our advice? Take more than two minutes—a lot more. Make a spa appointment today.
Does your organizational style, or lack thereof, require a more serious intervention? Try these books:
Organize Now!: A Week-by-Week Guide to Simplify Your Space and Your Life
