Get Back-to-School Ready with these 5 Simple Tips

The end of summer always sneaks up on us- one day it’s popsicles and pool time, and the next you’re staring at school supply lists wondering how it’s already September. The good news? With a little prep (and one clever organizing tricks), you can help your kids start organizing tricks), you can help your kids start the year calm, confident, and ready to shine.

Here are my favorite 5 ways to set your family up for success this season:

1. Create a Launch Pad

Pick one spot near the door where backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes, and sports gear always go. A basket, cubby, or even just a sturdy hook can work wonders. No more morning scavenger hunts for sneakers!

2. Streamline Supplies

Instead of spreading school supplies all over the house, make a simple “homework station.” This could be a rolling cart, a caddy on the kitchen table, or a small desk. Stock it with pencils, markers, scissors, and paper-so homework time is smooth, not stressful.

3. Set Up a Weekly Routine

Kids thrive on structure. Hang a family calendar or use a big whiteboard to track after-school activities, homework, and even family dinners. Visual reminders help kids learn responsibility (and save parents from repeating themselves 500 times)

4. Prep the Night Before

Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and tuck homework into backpacks before bedtime. Even little kids can pick out tomorrow’s outfit (bonus: fewer morning meltdowns!). Future you will be so grateful.

5. Make it Fun

Organization doesn’t have to be boring! Let kids decorate their homework caddy, pick their favorite color folders, or use stickers on the calendar, When they feel involved, they’re more likely to stick with it.

Back-to-school can feel overwhelming, but with a little structure, mornings get easier and kids feel more confident. If you’d love a helping hand setting up systems that actually work for your family, that’s what I do best.

Book a Clutter Free Bre back-to-school session and let’s turn the chaos into calm!

What to expect when hiring a Professional Organizer

If you’ve toyed with the idea of hiring a professional organizer but feel unsure, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many of my clients don’t know what to expect at first. This post will walk you through exactly how the process works, what I bring, and why its not about perfection, but progress!

If you’ve ever walked around your home and thought “where do I begin?”-you’re one of many! Life gets busy, and sometimes our spaces reflect that chaos. Hiring a professional organizer isn’t about making things look pretty (although that’s always my goal). It’s about creating systems that work for you, reducing daily stress and giving you back time and peace of mind.

So, what exactly happens when you hire a professional organizer? Here’s what you can expect:

1. A JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE

First and foremost: no shame, no judgement. We’re not here to criticize or make you feel bad about your space. Life happens, and we’ve seen it ALL. and we mean ALL. The goal is to meet you where you are and help you move FORWARD.

2. A PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENT

Every space, and every client is different. We will start with a phone call to get to know each other on a personal level so I can get a feel for your needs. Then we schedule an in home consultation to assess all the areas you would like help with.

3. A CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION

Once we’ve walked through your space, we will sit down and come up with a custom plan tailored to your lifestyle, timeline, and preferences. You’ll know what to expect, how long the process will take, and what is needed going forward.

4. HANDS ON DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING

This is where the magic happens! Whether working side by side or independently I do the heavy lifting and work fast and efficiently to sort all items, room by room into categories. We will then edit and you make the decisions and have the final say on what comes and what goes. Seeing things organized categorically in front of you makes a world of difference in the organizing process! The less physical labor you are required to exert saves much more energy for decision making!

5. SYSTEMS THAT STICK

Organizing isn’t just about bins and labels (although we LOVE a good label!) It’s about setting up systems that work for YOU. Maintaining these systems are tailored to each clients individualized needs. That might mean creating a “drop zone” for mail, organizing your kitchen to support the way you actually cook, or setting up a playroom that help your kids find and put away toys and art supplies.

6. MAINTAINANCE PLAN

Some clients just need a “quick fix”, someone to come in and wave the magic Clutter Free wand and then problem solved. I love those! However many clients, especially those with families, pets, frequent life changes, busy careers, and/or ADHD want and need ongoing support. We then build a plan that works for YOU. We offer maintenance sessions and phone/virtual check-ins should you want “refreshers” down the road.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I know how overwhelming it can feel to invite someone into your home-especially when it feels out of your control. But I am not “someone”. I am your daughter, your granddaughter, your sister, your friend. That fiery, motivated, annoying friend that always gives you the push you need and helping you face the tough tasks with a helping hand and a laugh. When you hire Clutter Free Bre you’re not just getting an organizer, you’re connecting with someone who sees your struggle, you’re vision, and truly cares about creating a space that supports you’re lifestyle, family and peace of mind. Whether you’re overwhelmed, too busy to tackle it alone, or just need a second set of eyes, my job is to help make things feel lighter, easier and more manageable. Whether its one drawer or your entire hone, I’m here to walk with you through the process, one step at a time-with compassion, patience, and a good dose of humor when you need it the most. Clutter Free Bre is here to help.