Top home organization hacks that support your mental health

Aug 29

Have you had a difficult time transitioning from a relaxing, no schedule summer to the hustle of back to school, sports activites and work? I know I have! As a Mom, I’m perplexed by my ability to yearn for summer to be over, to send my kids back to school and have some sort of schedule for everyone. Now that I FINALLY have a schedule, I’m already tired. What’s the rush? Why are there so many “back to school” bashes? Do I really need to get a physical now for my kids to run track in 6 months? Ughhh…. When is the next break?

My point is, we all need structure and schedules, but transitioning in and out of them is no joke. Remember that getting organized is a gradual process, and it's important to be patient and supportive (of yourself and your kids) as you all develop these skills. By modeling good organizational habits yourself and providing guidance, you can help them build valuable life skills that extend beyond the school years. Plus, we’ll share a few tricks of the trade when it comes to organizing your home to create a successful morning routine for that starts every day off on the right side of the bed.

Photo: Lissa Gotwalls Photography | Architecture: Sophie Piesse
Interior Design: Bartone Interiors

1.) The gold standard mudroom

We all dream of the ideal mudroom that perfectly organizes backpacks, shoes, hand bags, dog leashes, etc… This custom millwork design from architect Sophie Piesse combines drawers for easy, out of sight items like keys, take out menus along with open cubbies for shoes and baskets for the optimal flexibility.

If you have an open concept mudroom like this one, you’ll want to have a balance of open spaces for easy acccess and closed spaces to keep organized and clutter free. No need to add any extra anxiety to your day!

Designer Jessica D'Itri Marés of Renovate 108

2.) Standard Closet to Mini Mudroom Conversion

If you have a small foyer or entryway and no space for a full on mudroom, then multi-functional spaces and furniture is your holy grail! My home does not have a mudroom, so I converted a standard closet into an organizational drop zone for my boys backpacks, hats and other accessories for their day. I added some cork board to organize their school papers and some fun removable wallpaper to. protect the walls from dirty shoes AND add something playful and interesting. Don’t be afraid to use a saturated paint color to hid scuffs from bags and shoes. You can also use this as an opportunity to play with some fun wallpaper AND you may have enough from a previous home improvment project to up-cycle some materials!

In the end, you can take the door off if your kids are neat and tidy. Mine are not, so I appreciate being able to close off the visual clutter.

Interior Design by Melissa Warner Rothblum

3.) Open Plan Foyer

If you don’t have a mudroom or a closet you can convert into a mudroom, then this solution is for you! No matter how small the space, a multi-purpose piece of furniture in an open foyer can help keep you organized and ready to start the day. Incorporating antique pieces can be a great way to showcase your family heirlooms!

Don’t be afraid to add some color and wallpaper to brighten your day and welcome guests into your space.