This looks to be a small series of back to school ideas for parents, families and kids at heart a-like! But let’s start with the basics, so you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and sometimes wonder what it would be like to have professional organizer help at home?
Le Concierge SF receives a number of calls from existing and prospective clients with a frequent question, "is it possible to keep my life and at the same time help our children be organized
at home and school?" For most of our clients we have not only been able to physically organize homes, but we have also had the opportunity work with parents on how they can be effective in helping their children be efficient with homework, healthy snacks, communication and more. Le Concierge SF founder Silvia Oppenheim is certified in early child development and art therapy. We have not only helped parents organize the room, but we have helped parents understand how to better communicate with their children. Now, a few tips to help you get ready for back-to-school:
Make a To-Do List
Write out simple checklists for every member of the family with the top five tasks that need to be completed during his or her morning routine (i.e. brush teeth, bring hair clips and brush to Mom, etc.). Hang this list on the bathroom doorknob (a central location, since everyone visits the bathroom daily)."
Organize Your Entryway
Create an area in your entryway (nearest the door you use most often) for everyday life accessories (keys, cell phone and charger, bills to be mailed, etc.). An over-the-door clear 
plastic shoe holder makes a perfect storage spot for these items. (Use lower pockets for small children so they can get their own belongings.)"
Get Ready the Night Before
Prepare what you can the evening before, i.e. set the table for breakfast, choose outfits to wear the next day and fill the coffee maker in the evening."
"Dedicate spots in your kitchen for activities such as a coffee/tea station where you have a few mugs, sugar, spoons and tea bags or a cereal station with cereal, spoons, bowls and napkins. No more opening and closing multiple cabinets to complete a single task."
Keep Track of Important Paperwork
Place one large clip per child on the front of the fridge. Have the children place important papers on the clip so that Mom can sign or review them. Once she’s done, she can put them back on the clip or right into the child’s backpack."
Don’t Let the Mail Pile Up 
Develop a daily routine of bringing in the mail and standing over the shredder while you sort it. Shred the junk and place bills in the same location each time. Replace old catalogs with the new ones and recycle old magazines (read or unread) when the new one arrives
Plan Ahead for Meals
Whenever possible make breakfast ahead of time. Making pancakes on a Sunday? Make extra and freeze them for a busy morning."
Stay tuned for our next in the series where you can read about some great healthy snack ideas for your kids when they come home from school! Or if you would like to talk to us about a project in your home give us a call, 415-602-6652!
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