Getting organized with tweens really starts with a great calendar system and it is what we practice in our home. Truly developing good organizational skills is a key ingredient for success at home, at school and really in life. Having a system that is visual for keeping appointments, activities, reminders, schedules and more has really proved to be beneficial in several areas than just home. Creating and maintaining a calendar also creates more organization around morning and night routines, study skills and at for at school.

As a professional organizer, you would think that I would have a Candy Spelling-worthy wrapping room but this has always been an area of my life and home that has struggled. However, as we are heading into the holiday season I am changing that-I took a trip to The Container Store and am setting myself up for success this year. Because hey, I have decided that this year, I deserve it!

Today, June 1st, I turn 40. I am closing out my most challenging, rewarding, and life altering decade. In my 30s there were at least 5 major life changes where organization helped me…and when I say “helped” me at points, being organized actually saved me. Saved me from having to focus on the unnecessary and waste time, saved my sanity so that I could just stick to the routine and saved me money because I knew what I had and didn’t overspend which saved me lots of unnecessary stress. Here is a little insight into my life and how I navigated it all!

We’re kicking off December with our first ever organizing gift guide! We know that there are a ton of gift guides floating around online during this time of year, so we made sure to carefully select products that: (1) we know you’ll love; (2) are on the practical side; (3) aim to tame the clutter in the recipient’s life, not add to the clutter. Whether you’re shopping for a picky teenager or want to pick something special up for yourself, we hope that our list helps you find just what you’re looking for.