5 Things To Get Organized With Now

Since summer is beginning, the kids are out of school and travel is in an upswing, I thought I would share 5 things that you should be organizing right now. As a professional organizer, each season comes with various things to organize or activities and events that are popular during those season. When you are trying to pre-plan anything think about all the aspects of things that need to get done and how to best get organized for those events or activities. 

Now that school is out for most kids, it is the perfect time to start going through all your kids art work. Toss what you don't like or need. Display, make a book or put away in keepsakes what you want to keep. Use weathertight bins or archival boxes. 

Are your kids going to summer camp? If so, now is the perfect time to get organized for it because most kids go to summer camp in June and July. Think about what you need to pack and what the kids need to bring with them. Order name tags for clothes, swim and all items. Don't forget to buy stamps. Stock up on sunscreen and bug spray. Here are some past posts I have written in regards to how to get organized for summer camp and summer camp packing list. 

Are you traveling this summer? Now that people feel more comfortable traveling since many people have COVID vaccines, there is an increase in summer travel and people going stir crazy and wanting to get out of the house and out of town. Start thinking about what you will need to take with you. Start making packing lists, gather specific items in a particular area of your house of what you will need, if items are too bulky consider having them sent to your destination via Amazon or by mailing them, don't forget cables & cords, what meds you will need, put together an itinerary if you made plans for specific activities, don't forget to bring cash, etc. Here are some travel tips & tricks, how to organize for a weekend getaway, and road trip essentials. 

Do you live in an area prone to hurricanes? If so, start gathering your emergency prep items, so you have them in case you need them. Stock up on water and batteries. If you have to evacuate know where you will be going and have an evacuation plan. Make a list of items you want in your go bag. Have a mini go bag ready in case you have to leave unexpectedly. Make sure all external batteries are charged. Always keep your gas tank full. Here are some past articles about emergency prep, how to start an emergency preparedness kit and things you should do, what you should have in your emergency go bag, preparing for hurricanes and free resources, and get organized: hurricane preparedness. 

It is officially move season and there are so many upcoming client moves we have. We specialize in move management and coordination here in Houston and beyond. Moves can financially add up really quickly so start planning now if you have an upcoming move. Declutter your house before you move, book movers & packers, if you are diying it start packing a little at a time, make a list of address changes, book professional organizers, etc. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

Houston Professional Organizer // Summer Camp Organization

Summer camp is a big thing for kids in Houston and all over and lately I have been helping clients get their kids organized for summer camp. Right now, if you book an organizing session with me you get one of the summer camp items pictured above free until I run out. Here is summer camp organization tips & summer camp packing list posts I wrote last year. How do you prepare to get organized for summer camp? 

ecomodernconcierge.com

How to Get Organized for Summer Camp

With Summer right around the corner, so many kids are getting ready to head off to summer camp. As a professional organizer I get called to help with summer camp organization and have been helping families around Houston prepare to send their kiddos off to summer camp. Last week, I wrote a blog post with a summer camp packing list. This week I thought I would go over some tips for getting organized for camp.

Packing list. If you don't have a packing list you can use this one as a guide or start writing down and creating your own. 

Gather. Gather all items you will need from the list.

Label everything. Write your child's name in their clothes, towels, bedding, etc. with a sharpie or get labels similar to these. 

Plan outfits. Begin to layout outfits and you can pack outfits in individual plastic baggies or reusable ones if that would be helpful to them. I have done this with many clients and it makes it very organized and the kids have no worries about what to wear. Or you can pack clothes items, towels, bedding, etc. in packing cubes. 

Gather toiletries. Begin packing their toiletries this or this are good options depending on how much stuff your child will be taking to camp. 

Contain. I have used this to hold items such as their stationary, markers, coloring books, creative activities, journals, etc. 

Contain some more. Using shoe boxes or these accessory boxes are great to hold other small accessories.
Consider shipping items. If there are items that are too bulky to lug through an airport or not enough room in the car, consider shipping items to the camp.
Pack. Begin packing everything into large duffel bags, suitcases or trunk.
Have fun!
Plan something fun. When they get home have something fun planned for them, so they can keep the excitement going.
Forgetting things. If they forget something or need something at camp, ship it or Amazon Prime it to them.

Let me know if there is anything I should add. Now happy camping!

ecomodernconcierge.com

Summer Camp Packing List

Lately, I have been helping with summer camp organization and thought I would compile a list of everything needed. Let me know if I left anything out. 

Clothing. This includes shirts, shorts, pants, sweaters, outwear, layering items, pjs, workout gear, etc.
Socks. Regular and hiking socks.
Underwear.
Shoes. Tennis shoes, hiking boots, flip flops.
Raincoat / poncho. In case it rains.
Hat. To protect you while you are outside.
Swimsuit. In case there is a lake or pool.
Toiletries. Include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, tooth paste, hair brush, hair ties, face wash, make up, razor, deodorant, vitamins, etc.
Sunscreen. A must for being out in the sun.
Bug spray. Great to keep off unwanted bugs and mosquitoes.
Camera. This can be digital, disposable or underwater or instant film camera to get photos with friends.
Film. For camera that need it.
Batteries. To power your fan, radio &/or clock.
Fan. To keep you cool.
Sheets. For your bed.
Comforter. For your bed.
Blanket. For your bed.
Pillow. For your bed.
Bed pad. For your bed.
Towels. Have several to switch off and don't forget the beach towels.
Laundry bag. For all of your dirty laundry.
Backpack. To take with you for various activities, such as hiking.
Shower caddy. To hold all of your toiletries for the bathroom.
Journal. To write down all of your memories.
Stationary. To send letters.
Pens / pencils. For the journal and stationary.
Stamps. To send letters.
Address book. To send letters.
Art supplies. Include markers, coloring books, scissors, glue, etc.
Pouches / baggies. In case you need them for various things like mementos, toiletries, etc.
Medication. Include medicine taken on a daily basis, pain relief, heart burn, allergies, etc.
Flashlight. A necessity for camp.
Personal photos. To remember those at home.
Book. To read in your spare time.
Book light. In case you want to read at night.
First aid kit. Just in case you need something immediately and can't make it over to the medic.
Outdoor gear. Such as fishing poles, life jackets (if needed), chairs, etc.
Radio. To listen to.
Clock. For the alarm to wake up or to just see what time it is.
Cash. Just in case you need it for the camp store.
Snacks. In case you get hungry.
Compass. To know what direction you are going during hikes.
Waterproof matches. In case you need them while camping.
Wipes. To clean off surfaces, your body, etc.
Multifunction tool. Just in case you need it for various things while outdoors.
Water bottle / canteen. For your outdoor activities.
Mini disinfectant spray. To clean down surfaces.

ecomodernconcierge.com