BACK TO SCHOOL ROOM ESSENTIALS FOR A CLUTTER-FREE AND ORGANIZED SPACE

Well, back to school is upon us; and not only do we have to think of pens and books and all the other cool stuff, but we also have to think organized, clean, and eco-friendly, right?

Whether your child lives at home or in a dorm room, we all know that nothing creates chaos, heightens stress, induces procrastination, wastes time, and causes more dysfunction like a cluttered and disorganized space. These tips and essentials will help you minimize all that and get your day and night off to a great start, from floor to ceiling, closets and in between. Think clean, tidy, and essentials only.

Walls:

Keep walls clean and bright with a fresh coat of paint in the youngster's favourite colour that is toxic-free. This will create a healthier environment, and lungs plus trigger fewer headaches. Which in turn encourages your son or daughter to stay focused. Keep walls to a bare minimum; with a few good artworks for aesthetics. Add a large wall bulletin with a calendar to promote scheduling tasks and extracurriculars, and to glance quickly at upcoming events. They can also secure any tickets and other keepsakes there too. According to Jonathan and Drew Scott, hosts of the popular T.V. show, Property Brothers, “To get the best results, make use of items that inspire [studying] and hard work.”  An organized space will make your youngster feel more prepared and motivated to study. Walls are a great way to utilize your space and get maximum storage. Think vertical. 

Bed:

The bed is the largest item in the room, so situate it to maximize the space and flow. The bed should be comfortable for a good night's rest. Proper sleep and rest are essential for staying functionally organized. For a cozy feel, keep a throw at the foot of the bed. It will keep you from making a mess of your entire bed if you need to take a nap or snuggle up with a book. And for warm cozy feet, keep a rug at your bedside. A small plant can be added for a personal touch. Plants also clean the air and boost energy. Add a full-length mirror for visual aids and dressing. And don't forget to utilize under-the-bed storage to maximize the space and aesthetics.

Desk and Chair:

Think age and size appropriateness for the desk and chair. Then consider the chair's ergonomics to support the back and neck lumbar system.  A chair that is adjustable and on wheels is best.  Keep the top of the desk as clutter-free as possible—a desk lamp and a pen/pencil holder. All notes should be kept in a binder or a notebook. There is a quote by Albert Einstein that I find very fitting and it goes like this, with my own little twist:

If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what then, is a clear desk a sign of?

Lighting:

Proper lighting is pivotal to promoting studying.  Look into ergonomic desk or floor lamps and ones that are technologically-friendly with extra outlets for charging and docking gadgets, like the ones above.

Consider features such as mood, ambiance and study purposes. Aim for more stylish fixtures to add some oomph to the room and encourage studying. Choose bulbs with the proper brightness and glare sensitivity. This prevents headaches and eye strain. Also, choose ones that are energy-consumption-friendly.

Bookshelves:

These come in all shapes and sizes. Pick ones that suit your fancy without overcrowding the space. Think horizontal and vertical. Remember to use up wall space for these as well. In fact, the more shelves on the wall, the more floor space you'll have and the less cluttered your space will feel. Just make a mental note that if it's out of sight, it's out of mind. So keep the things you need to use more frequently on display and easy to grab without disturbing other things.

Other Necessaries:

If you are tight on space, opt for a desk and chair over a dresser and add extra shelves in the closet. Use a lingerie chest instead of a chest of drawers. They are the skinner version.  You may also opt for a bed with drawers underneath for storing small and personal items. Bulky items such as sweaters and sweats can be folded and stacked on shelves in the closet. Hang pants, blouses/shirts, and dresses in the closet uniformly. Make or purchase pretty boxes with labels for storing catch-alls and memorabilia out of sight. They can be stacked or stowed conveniently. You can find, at Ikea and Home Organization stores, those nifty hangers for ties and scarves, and belt hooks for easy storage and selection. Remember, time is money, so little things like these help you stay organized and make dashing quick and simple.

Organizational Skills & Routine:

Organization means a place for everything and everything in its place. For easier morning routines, preselect your clothing and try them on the night before to avoid the frantic, “this doesn't look good” or “uh oh!” syndromes. Once selected, put everything back in its place and set your selection over the back of a chair or on a hanger. Oh! Don't forget to iron and check for missing buttons, spoiled zipper, or loose threading, and fix or re-select. Place whatever needs fixing in a basket for your weekend needlework to avoid selecting it again. Keep a hamper for worn, soiled, or smelly items to be laundry on the weekend.


To err on the side of caution, keep television out of the bedroom. Especially if you or your child cannot exercise a disciplined study or bedtime routine. Electronic gadgets such as alarm clocks, computers or laptops are essential. However, a time for everything.

Snippet from an article in "The Post," according to Dr. Michael Cusimano, a neurosurgeon at St. Mike's Hospital, Toronto, and professor of neurosurgery, education and public health.  

When all is said and done, less is more. Determining the purpose of the room is key to success: study, leisure, sleep. Here are six easy-to-remember tips: 

• Keep it clean. 
• Keep it simple. 
• Keep it functional. 
• Keep it eco-friendly. 
• Keep it organized.
• Keep it feng shui. 

Let the energy flow. Someone once said, “Through hardworking and tireless dedication, dreams become reality.” 

Happy back to school!
Andrene ❤️

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Andrene Gregory is a life coach certified in LifeSkills training and Personality Dimensions. She helps adults live a strength-based life, regain their confidence and find the courage to navigate through challenging situations. Her unique approach to reaching desired results includes personality assessment, self-knowledge, goal setting, and action planning.

Andrene provided one-on-one coaching and group workshops. Find out more at contact me.