Better Homes and Gardens BH&G Secrets of Getting Organized - Spring 2023

By the time we’ve managed to get everyone out the door in the morning, worked a full day, driven the kids to various activities in the evening, and somehow squeezed in dinner before bed, many of us are left wondering where the time went. The struggle to fit everything in a day is frustratingly real. Although we can’t give you more time, we can help you use the time you have more efficiently. That’s why we’ve packed this issue with time-saving tips from professional organizers and productivity experts. Getting your house organized can help you find more time too. An efficient mudroom (“Easy Entries,” page 36) can simplify getting everyone out the door on time, and an organized pantry (“Pantry Power-Up,” page 54) will expedite finding cooking ingredients. A messy closet…

EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME This cleanse gives you three clusters of mini decluttering projects. You start with clutter you can see (think of these as the easy wins) and then move on to the trickier clutter—the stuff that hides in cabinets, behind doors, and in drawers. Finally, you’ll address the clutter you didn’t even realize was weighing you down. Keep the following tips in mind during every project as you learn to master the decluttering process. LEAD THE CHARGE. Decluttering may sound overwhelming, but it’s not out of your reach. If you’re reading this and wanting to declutter, you’re probably the best person to start the cleanse. Don’t wait, just start small. RECRUIT HELP, BUT BE REALISTIC. If asking your family for help sounds unrealistic, try to be firm in your requests. Get…

IF YOU’RE LIKE MOST PEOPLE, you talk about time a lot, but much of what you’re saying falls into just two categories: “I don’t have time for that!” and “Where did the time go?” In order to get the most out of this issue, take a moment to dig deeper into both complaints. GET REACQUAINTED WITH TIME When was the last time you wore a watch? Watched network television in half-hour blocks of entertainment? Looked at a calendar that summarized an entire month? Part of the reason you feel like you don’t have enough time is because you’re disconnected from time itself. Rediscover what 60 seconds or 10 minutes or an hour feels like by setting an old-school egg timer and carrying it with you for a day. If you find…

CALENDARS An easy-to-follow schedule starts with making the most of your calendar. Use it to establish routines, identify conflicts, and prioritize tasks. 1 ON-THE-GO SCHEDULE With 60 weeks worth of pages included, this portable calendar will become your to-go list for appointments, events, etc. It comes with a stand so you can prop it on your desk too. Paperian Brilliant Weekly Scheduler, $11; amazon.com 2 CUSTOMIZABLE CALENDAR Every member of the house can have their own custom calendar with this affordable download. Place it in a binder, attach to a clipboard, or laminate. 2023 Printable Calendar, $3; etsy.com/shop/populier 3 CHALKBOARD DECAL See your week at a glance with a 33×26-inch vinyl chalkboard sheet, which can attach to most surfaces. It also comes with the “This Week” vinyl letters. Weekly Chalkboard Calendar Decal, $54; simpleshapes.com 4 DESKTOP PAD This supersize…

I FEEL OVERWHELMED AND CAN’T SEEM TO GET THINGS DONE. WHAT CAN I DO? WENDY BUGLIO It’s important to have some compassion for yourself and acknowledge there’s a lot getting in the way of our ability to be productive, and it’s not all in our control. Communicate when you’re feeling overwhelmed and be willing to take a step back. JAMIE STEELE I think we need to reframe how we look at our to-do list. It is a living document and things are never going to all be done. Once we relax into that, we remove some of the stress. HELENE SEGURA Try to rejoice in having this never-ending to-do list because it means you have a full life. And give yourself permission to not do everything today. RACHEL FONTAINE Planning your time is about being intentional about how…

1 REFRAME YOUR MORNING Take a few moments to eat with your family and check on the day’s schedule. “Mornings can be a good time to enjoy one another’s company,” time-management expert Laura Vanderkam says. “Family dinner may not happen if life after school or work is hectic, but family breakfast can happen. That’s quality time together.” 2 GIVE EVERYONE A SPACE Whether it’s a hook or a cubby, assign a place to hold each person’s jacket, bag, gear, etc., so they can find and put away things quickly. “That spot remains sacred: Coats, backpacks, and shoes come off and stay there,” Vanderkam says. 3 TURN IT INTO A GAME Coaxing young kids to get dressed on their own—or even older kids to tie their shoes—can be a struggle. Have a timer ready and make…