As a mom of twins I’ve had a lot of practice with getting kids organized before, during, and after school. I have come up with a game plan to help you and your kids get all that end of the school year ‘stuff’ organized. Check out the tips below!

Happy New Year! I hope that you all are looking forward to everything that is to come in 2019. From resolutions, personal goals, business checklists, self care intentions, and more, the beginning of the new year is always a great time to start new. To me, the beginning of the year always feels like a clean state and an opportunity to start off on the right track. Do you feel the same way? I like to set a couple of goals to focus on and work towards, if anything just to get my mind, body, and business moving in the right direction. And I know that sometimes, those goals and resolutions can feel a bit lofty once the new year rolls around and it’s time to put them into action. So, how about a little motivation to get the ball rolling?

There are a couple of topics that win the title for “most requested” when it comes to creating content. It’s probably no surprise since you’ve likely seen the commercials and been inundated with ads and store sales pushing products and reminders, but back to school season is a big one over at Rachel and Company. I definitely see a rise in requests for clients asking for help around the home to get organized for the upcoming school year. As a parent, I totally get it! There are lists of products to buy, clothing and supplies to get prepared, and maybe even a rogue backpack or two left to unpack from the last school year (hey, no judgement!).

On Monday I found myself cleaning out my inbox, setting goals and prioritizing my to-do lists so that I would feel ready to tackle not only the week ahead, but 2017 as a whole. But I of all people know that it can be overwhelming to begin the process. Ready or some guidance? Here are a few questions to ask yourself and some to-dos that will make your newyear goals achievable.

You’ve probably heard of “skeletons in the closet,” but what spaces are clients most ashamed of and afraid to organize? Here’s a hint: if you have one, you’re probably not sure what’s there, and when you find out, you may be surprised. Basements. Here is some advice on how to keep one of the most easily disorganized parts of your home neat and tidy.

Professionals are the least likely to judge us when we need help, and yet, often, they are the ones we fear the most. Life happens, and we provide a nonjudgmental approach. We are professionals. We see clutter and disorganization on a daily basis. We also experience it ourselves. Believe me, we’ve seen it all. You are not the worst, and even if you were, we do not judge. We’re not shocked. We understand, and we want to hear from you.

This week, we interviewed Hillary Denham, owner + designer of Free Babes Handmade, the “classic bows for adventurous souls.” I came across Free Babes on Instagram and quickly fell in love with these darling bows, and of course, the beautiful, organized, and heartwarming photos on the @free_babes Instagram feed. We posted a photo on our Instagram feed of some of her organized bows and are so impressed by Hillary’s success as a designer and entrepreneur. I couldn’t be more grateful to feature her on our series, The Organized Lifestyle.

It was time for a change and something major: a rebranding of Rachel and Company. I had an idea of what I liked and what I wanted, and realized it wasn’t as easy as going blonde! That’s when I met Marcela, a branding expert and designer for one of my favorite brands (Framebridge), and she offered to redesign my logo and create a new look and feel for Rachel and Company. Take a look.

There are several strategies for when you’ve missed the community yard sale deadline or the one in your head. The most important thing to remember, though, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR and hold onto your clutter. Feel free to call your favorite and most fabulous friends to discuss the utter annoyance of missing the community yard sale, and even go as far as asking to join in on their neighborhood yard sales. OR, plan your own yard sale! There are even online yard sale options.

Consigning is a great idea for clothing, shoes, purses, and even jewelry that you’ve kept in great condition, but no longer use. But you want to know the dirty truth about consigning? It takes work. A lot of work. In contrast, holding onto things because you paid X amount for them, or don’t make the time to consign, can be stifling. Once you do it, though, it’s like ripping off a BAND-AID, and you might never go back when you realize the benefits and get a good system in place.