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Family Organization The Container Store Way

(The Container Store) Coppell-based The Container Store has helped families and students go back to school in organized fashion for 30 years.

With the new school year comes so many activities, appointments, deadlines, meetings and commitments to manage, and families need a solid organization system to make the most of each day.

Here are some of the ways families can make this happen and stay on task.


Display a schedule and reminders
Place a wall-mounted calendar in a common area, such as the kitchen or family room, and include every family member's schedule and chore list for the week or month. Use different colors to code each family member's entries. At a glance, each person will know everyone else's schedule, resulting in less confusion about whose soccer game is on Saturday and who won't be available to babysit on Friday.
Container Store favorites: White Magnetic Monthly planner, Bulletin & Magnetic Board Bronze

Make a list
Keep a list of all family errands in a notebook – separate from the phone calls you need to make and other miscellaneous tasks you'll do at home – this way, you'll be more apt to accomplish everything in one trip. 
Container Store suggestion: WhoMi To Do Pad

Create an On-the-Go System
Place a large "to-go" basket near the most accessible door to collect library books, DVD rentals, mail, dry cleaning, and items to be donated or delivered. The next time someone is heading out to run errands, they can simply check the items in the basket. Likewise, set up a bin near the stairwell to collect items that need to go upstairs or downstairs. 
Container Store suggestion:  Rhombus Totes, Fabric Tote Boxes, Mom Agenda

Organize Paperwork
Don't get caught in an avalanche of paper. Catch paperwork and such as it comes into the house by setting up a system near the main entrance of your home. Use stacking letter trays and organize by family member to collect mail, notes and reminders or school forms that need a parent's signature. Each family member should check their "in box" each afternoon and every morning. 
Container Store suggestion: Striped Stockholm Paper Drawers

Develop a central place for keys
It seems like a no-brainer and one of the most obvious time-saving tips but you can't imagine how many people we work with who don't have this basic organization challenge under control. There is nothing more aggravating than not being able to find your keys. So, install a "keyboard" in a high-traffic area of the house to store keys and avoid any last-minute scavenger hunts for house and car keys. 
Container Store suggestion: Classico Magnetic Hook Rack, Umbra® Magnetter Key & Letter Holder

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