Collaborating to Organize at Home, School and Work
One way to make our days less stressful, more organized and much happier is to intentionally coordinate between home, school and work. The structures of those external environments can significantly influence our internal state of being. Although we can’t generally modify systems in our / our children’s school or our workplaces, there are ways to create a home environment that supports not just our day-to-day activities at home, but our peace and success at school, at work, and in those all-important transitions between them.
The Structure Beyond Home
Whether you have school-aged children, are a student yourself or work outside your home, you'll recognize that places like schools, classrooms, and offices come with their own structure - their own rhythm of the day, week, season, year. Think about the typical elementary school day: the consistency of arriving at a designated time, greeting the teacher, stowing away backpacks, and proceeding through a series of organized activities. This structure isn't arbitrary; it's carefully designed for efficiency and productivity.
My journey into the world of organization began decades ago, inspired in part by my sisters who were school teachers. And then as my own children went through school at the Waldorf School of Louisville, Francis Parker, Ballard and Manual, I saw an even greater variety of systems and routines designed to support the whole child and outstanding education.
I marveled at classrooms that were a symphony of order, with each segment of the day flowing seamlessly into the next. From storing school books before art supplies come out, ensuring snacks are cleaned up before leaving the table, to putting paperwork away before recess - these routines served a vital purpose, especially when coordinating large groups.
Bringing Institutional Organization Home
So, I have made it a point to help families organize their homes in ways that will not only elevate their home life, but will also support their school and work lives. I encourage you to consider mirroring some of these routines at home in order to make the transitions between home, school and work go more smoothly.
This structured approach isn’t only beneficial for institutions. By integrating these principles into our households, we can create a harmonious environment that promotes success. When home mimics the rhythm of school or work, children and adults alike can find it easier to remain organized, productive, and joyful.
Teachers often express gratitude when parents seek to understand the school’s routine, hoping to replicate at least some of it at home. It’s an excellent strategy to use during vacations or weekends, but especially during and right before the school year begins. This consistency helps children stay in the habit of being organized, ensuring they remain productive and happy even outside the classroom.
Steps to Take
Seek Consistency: Learn about the daily routines at your child’s school or your workplace.
Implement at Home: Try to mirror some of these routines, especially during mornings and homework time
Communicate: Discuss with family members and get their buy-in. This is a team effort!
Give yourself Grace: Every home is unique. What works in school might need time to get accustomed at home, and will likely need some tweaking.
Creating a structured home environment isn't about confining ourselves to rigid routines. Instead, it's about seeking understanding of what you and your family members experience throughout your day and creating similar, or complementary routines. With a gesture of support and compassion we can set ourselves and our loved ones up for success.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Specialist, DeCluttering Expert and Founder of the Gratefully Giving charitable initiative to recirculate surplus items to families in need. She and her team organize homes in person in the Louisville, KY region and beyond and also offer virtual organizing sessions. Potential clients can review her pricing and services and book a free assessment at pinkyjackson.com .
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo @miracleday
