Get Organized: Part II
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Get Organized: Part II
We welcome back Marci of Marci McAvoy Home Organization for the second installment of how to get your home organized ahead of back-to-school.
This week, Marci gives us some advice on how to make the most of “drop zones” - read more on this efficiency hack below, and look out for some more great organization tips next week!
Part II: School Zones and Drop Zones: Your Fall Guide to Back to School with Form & Function
Written by: Marci McAvoy, Marci McAvoy Home Organizing
If you’re new here, welcome! Last week we touched on a simple back-to-school checklist and reviewing your school essentials inventory, plus I shared some great lunch packing essentials for a well appointed lunch zone. What’s a zone? A space dedicated to a group of like items that serve a similar purpose, think coffee station, lunch packing zone, baking goods zone, breakfast zone. Remember, the key to setting up a well organized space is to think about your lifestyle and your goals for ease of use in your space. It’s about sustainable systems for all!
Drop zones (drawers, closets, entryways, mudrooms):
I deeply believe in drop zones, I mean, they naturally occur when you have kids so we might as well embrace it with a little form and function. A coat closet, an entry hallway or an entire mudroom (hi suburban friends) - all of these spaces can be well-planned and organized to accommodate all the school things, sports + activities gear, mail, keys, backpacks, masks, ya know life with kids. But before we dive in, be sure to grab a copy of my handy ‘Small Space Wins’ printable. It’s going to help you feel even more motivated + confident in your ability to tackle any organizing project.
An entry closet can be transformed into a hardworking drop zone. The key to organizing your coat closet is to use products and storage solutions that make it easy for your entire family to SEE where things are (and where they return to). Here are my favorite solutions:
Elfa door units are amazing to tailor to your family needs — they’re so versatile! The different size baskets are great for seasonal hats, scarves, and other bits and pieces. I even use the giftwarp add-on in my coat closet to hold my son’s bats and tennis racket! Hooks are also a great add-on, for dog leashes, sweatshirts, and backpacks.
I love to have a cohesive set of coat hangers. My favorites are the Premium Non Slip Velvet Hangers from The Container Store, and there are a few colors to choose from.
Labeled baskets or canvas totes are great for corralling seasonal pieces. Some of my favorites are the Rugby Stripe Storage Cubes, the Hyacinth Storage Cubes, and the Multi-Purpose Bins — again, all from The Container Store! They really carry a wide variety of options at different price points.
Sports equipment can always find a happy home in a tall wire basket.
S-hooks reign supreme in the backpack + handbag department.
Pro tip: These oh-so versatile pouches are great for corralling school supplies within backpacks/bags, masks, spare clothes, and far, far more options than you care to read about.
Empowering others to take responsibility (AHEM partners, kids, domestic assistance) based on their age and ability is so helpful + teaches good life skills.: Kids are capable, think about all the labeled bins and cubbies that they navigate at school - they can do that at home too!
Visit Marci McAvoy Home Organization for more pointers and consultation, and Marci’s Insta account @marcimcavoy
Highest & Best
We’re looking at houses again this week! This week’s H&B is a townhouse on the north side of 2nd street between 7th and 8th Ave.
12 rooms and 4 floors
5 beds
3.5 baths
Built in 1901
Back garden
Guess how much for this home!
Click to find out the answer and read more.
Events this weekend
Celebrate Brooklyn! continues - you can view the full lineup here.
Friday
Junglepussy | Tygapaw | Mari World @ Celebrate Brooklyn! 7:30pm: The versatile Tygapaw joins the lineup to infuse us with an electrifying DJ set. Mari World will infuse the early set with his high-energy performance.
Stand Up a la Mode @ Ample Hills Gowanus 8pm
Saturday
Outdoor Yoga on the Stoop @ Brooklyn Museum 10-11am: tickets are $16
Yankee Doodle Defeat: The Story of the Battle of Brooklyn @ Old Stone House 6-7pm: Enjoy the story of the Battle of Brooklyn as told by local historian Greg McMurray. Only in Brooklyn could such an absolute failure lead to one of the greatest triumphs of the war.
The Battle of Brooklyn: A Farce of Two Acts @ Old Stone House 7:30-8:30pm: Watch a short play written by snarky British loyalists in 1776 to mock the American defeat in the first and largest battle of the War for Independence.
Lido Pimienta | Rita Indiana | Audry Funk @ Celebrate Brooklyn! 7pm: RITA INDIANA shares the stage with LIDO PIMIENTA and Mexican singer, composer, rapper, immigrant and philosopher AUDRY FUNK.
Stand Up a la Mode @ Ample Hills Gowanus 8pm
Sunday
Stairwell Theater presents “Henry VI: Part 1” @ Old Stone House 7:30-9pm: Come see the first play of Shakespeare’s history cycle at the Old Stone House. Featuring puppetry, music, and daring maneuvers.
Thursday
Movie Night: In the Heights @ Celebrate Brooklyn! 8pm: The film fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with the director of “Crazy Rich Asians,” Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.
Job Listings
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn: Star Volunteers
Bonbon Lakay: Immediate Hire! Cashier, Prep Cook, Order Fulfillment, Ice Cream Server, Delivery
JackRabbit: Keyholder / Senior Sales Associate
BK9 Kitchen & Bar: Experienced Cooks
Paper Source: Retail
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