Mom New Year

“Maybe once the kids are back in school…” How many times have you said this phrase this summer? It’s a hard time to start new things. Your routine is altered, if not non-existent, you may be away from home often, or you may just not have any time to yourself with the kids home all day.

Hopefully, that is changing now that school is back in session. Routines are firming up and you have room to breathe. Just like your kids are embarking on a new journey this month, I encourage you to take time to reset, refresh, and carve out spaces in your home that are just for you as you navigate what is sure to be another eventful year. 

 

 

Remember that this is a celebration – of you and what you love! Make it fun, fill your cup, and set up systems that will serve you as we settle into a new year and a new season. It’s a Mom New Year!

 

closet

If you followed along with the Back to School challenge, your kids’ closets are rockin’ new systems for the school year – and yours should be, too! It’s not serving you if you just feel overwhelmed every time you walk inside. Editing is hard to do, and clothes can hold a lot of sentimental value, but it will make a big difference in your daily routine to have a space that only holds what you love and want to wear. If you are someone who regularly updates their wardrobe each season, it’s especially important to make room for those new goodies as we head into fall.

One of our favorite things to do in any closet space, is to display your very favorite items. Have a coat you love? Hang it on a hook inside the door. Big fan of hats? Make them a focal point by mounting them on the wall above your shelves. 

 

 

bags & purses

Don’t forget to edit your bags and clean out your purse while you’re updating your closet. One easy way to remember to take care of the upkeep of your wardrobe, is to give it a refresh at the change of every season.

Your purse is no exception. Even if you use the same purse year round, take a few minutes four times a year to dump it out, give it a quick clean and only put back those things you need on a daily basis. The same holds true for the diaper bag if you are in that stage of life. Make sure diapers and extra clothes are the right size and/or season, wash toys and pacifiers, and refill your hand sanitizer. 

 

 

nightstand

Organizing your nightstand can make a big difference in your day. It’s the first place you reach for when you wake up in the morning, and the last place you visit each night. Stock it with things that you use, not clutter. If it has turned into a catch-all station, take the time to find new homes for those items that don’t serve you as you’re relaxing at night or gearing up for a new day. Replace unnecessary items with something more fun, like your favorite treat to reward yourself at the end of a hard day or a linen spray to help you sleep.  

 

 

bathroom

What’s the goal of every homeowner on home makeover shows? A spa-like bath! If a full reno isn’t in your budget, squirrel away some space to create a mini spa that’s just for you. Think about how you like to relax – a face mask, a hot bubble bath, an aromatherapy shower – and gather up a few of your go-to products. Keep them in a little basket or on a tray near your bathtub or shower. Now it will take just a few seconds to add some spa to your everyday. 

 

 

baking station

If baking is your idea of relaxation, another fun project to tackle when you have some extra time is to create a baking station in your kitchen. Zones are a favorite of ours to help families know where to quickly find items. Setting up a baking station keeps everything easily accessible for you to whip up your favorite treat whenever you’d like. A dedicated cabinet, drawer, pantry shelf, or even three-tiered cart are all options.

Decanting your most used items (like flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.) helps you keep track of how much you have left at a glance. As a special bonus, gather up your favorite family recipes and collect them in a recipe binder. You’ll be all set when the holidays arrive later this year!

 

 

a nook

Bibliophile? You need a reading nook. Give your books some love and a little bit of order. We love organizing by color; there’s just something about a rainbow that’s soothing to the eye, and it’s a free way to make your collection look more organized.

Create a vignette with a chair and a side table, a cozy blanket and a pillow near your bookshelf. Any other small items that will help you make the most of your reading time? Add them to the table – think lotion, some chocolate, or maybe a small light. 

 

 

I hope this list gives you a place to start as you carve out spaces in your home that are just for you. Join the conversation on Instagram. Let us know what small things you’ve done in your home to make it an oasis or how you like to relax. Get ideas from others and enter our Mom New Year Giveaway (running through Saturday, September 18th). We’ll be giving away a pedicure, massage, flowers, and a charcuterie box to one lucky winner. 

If you love the idea of transforming your spaces but just don’t have the time, we are here for you. We’d love to set you up with systems that give you back time in your day for what matters most to you. Set up a consult so we can figure out how best to make that happen!

And, as always, Happy Organizing! 

Susie

 

P.s. Most of the photos featured in this post were taken by the amazingly talented Lee Kriel. I love how she captures the spaces we have organized. Design props go to Dreamhouse Studios! 

Special thanks to our local, small business friends at WildFlower, Graze by the Bay, Change Your Pace Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, and Paint Nail Bar Annapolis for supporting our giveaway!