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Today\\u2019s Quick Tips episode explores kids, home, work and daily routines!
\\n\\nNow that school is well underway, you may be experiencing a lot more daily chaos at home.
\\nKids or no kids, fall usually finds us back in a routine that\\u2019s a little more rigid than the lazy days of summer.
\\nSo today, we share strategies and tips for setting up good daily routines using Konmari principles.
We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click \\u201cAsk Spark Joy\\u201d to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week\\u2019s show.
\\n\\nHead over to Apple podcasts to subscribe and review the show, which helps us reach others along their tidying journeys.
\\n\\nTo extend your tidying experience, you can join the Spark Joy Club! Visit sparkjoypodcast.com and click \\u201cJoin the Club\\u201d to become a member of the Spark Joy Community or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
\\n\\nKonMari Quick Tips:
\\n\\nThe key to a great morning routine is to start it the night before
Wake and start your day with mediation, exercise, or catching up on the news. OR, you may prefer to sleep as long as you can and then jump up and be on your way!
Start your day with gratitude. Put each foot on the floor while saying \\u201cThank\\u201d and then, as the next foot falls \\u201cYou.\\u201d (Out loud of course!)
Reduce the amount of children\\u2019s clothing items that aren\\u2019t suitable for day-to-day school wear
Special occasion, weekend and play clothes should be separate from everyday school wear or uniforms. The same is true of your day to day work wear as well
Select clothes the night before or invest in a clothes valet
Create a Command Center: This may consist of a bulletin board, calendar, whiteboard or chalkboard on a desk that is central to the home
Use your Command Center as a place for you and your family to schedule appointments and to-do\\u2019s
Consider one \\u201cdaily item\\u201d basket for each family member: keys, chargers, action items, homework, etc. live there
If possible, designate a spot by the door for a system to keep things centrally located at all times. One hook, one bin, one backpack or bag for each person is a good way to think of it
Keep only the current seasonal things near the front door in the coat closet whenever possible
\\n\\nHomework, business, and mail should come out of the bag and be sorted each day: stuff to do, stuff for parents, stuff to put away or relocate, stuff to discard. Avoid delayed decisions!
When it comes to paper clutter, encourage your school to communicate via email whenever possible
\\n\\nHomework and business work stay in a central place until done, try to establish a set homework schedule and a zone to complete work with a clear, flat surface. As soon as it\\u2019s ready, completed work goes in the school bags the night before
Consider what you can prepare for tomorrow\\u2019s meals the night before. Can the coffee machine be set to a timer? Lunch prep? Items added to the shopping list? This is also a good time to check the inventory. Are things in the fridge old or unused?
What about a thoughtful evening conversation with the family members? Maybe you could share three things you want to accomplish the next day as one of many table topics. Questions like \\u201cDo you have what you need to make that happen? How can we help each other have a good day tomorrow?
We are pleased to introduce the following new members of The Spark Joy Club, joining at the Joy Sparker level:
\\n\\nWelcome!
\\nJan Atkinson
\\nHeather Arsenault
\\nKate Bunch
\\nLouis St-Amour
We continue to welcome our listeners who are serious about extending the conversation around taking action, living, and maintaining a tidy lifestyle. Please join the conversation by visiting sparkjoypodcast.com and selecting Join the Club
\\n\\nAnd don\\u2019t forget to enter our Anniversary Giveaway!
\\n\\nAs announced during Spark Joy episode 100, we have KonMari-themed gifts ready for you to claim by entering into our giveaway, celebrating our two-year anniversary.
\\n\\nThe prizes include:
\\n\\u2022 Marie Kondo\\u2019s tidying sequel, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by the Queen herself
\\n\\u2022 A Virtual KonMari Tidying Lesson provided on behalf of For the Love of Tidy
\\n\\u2022 An honorary membership to the Spark Joy Club at the coveted Joy Sparker level!
\\n\\u2022 And finally, a copy Marie Kondo\\u2019s highly anticipated new children\\u2019 s book, Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship, which will be officially released later this year.
Head over to sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for instructions on how to leave a star rating and written review on iTunes.
\\n\\nThen, shoot an email to contact@sparkjoypodcast.com with your username for a chance to win one of six prices we have for our listeners this year.
\\n\\nYou have until November 26 to enter and we\\u2019ll announce our winners during our \\u201cBest of\\u201d show on December 3.
\\n\\nYou can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
\\nYou can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy