It’s already August, which means “back to school” is right around the corner! Getting in a new routine and organizing our daily lives can be a struggle. Here are a few tips that can help simplify the day-to-day.

Productivity Apps

Wunderlist is an app that stores all types of to-do lists. I love that it allows you to share your lists and work collaboratively with friends and family (i.e. my husband and I share a grocery list, when he buys an item and checks it off the list, I am notified). It has also been a great way to help us organize our kitchen renovation project. I love hearing the satisfying chime as I check off a task.

Google Calendars is a great way to stay organized. Because I enjoy hand writing everything I used to keep a physical planner. However, I recently converted to Google Calendars and I will never look back. In addition to notifying you of upcoming events and estimating the drive time based on current traffic conditions, it also allows you to invite and send the event to others.

Cozi is an app geared toward organization for the whole family, including chores, groceries, upcoming events, etc. Its features allow multiple family members to manage appointments and schedules with one account, as well as organize and update shopping and to-do lists.

Create a Drop Zone

Whether you enter your house through a mudroom, laundry room, back entry, foyer or straight into the kitchen, it’s imperative to have a “drop zone” to corral the clutter. A designated place for shoes, coats, backpacks, mail and keys will keep your belongings organized and looking good.

Control Paper Piles

Establish a system to deal with mail and the piles of paper your kids will surely come home with on a daily basis! I really liked how Young House Love handles their paperwork. They keep a basket in their office and put the papers from their child’s backpack into it daily.  Every two-weeks, or once it is full, they go through the papers and decide what to file, what to display on their bulletin board, and what to toss.

iHeart Organizing is another great source for ANYTHING & EVERYTHING dealing with organization. To organize her children’s school work, she keeps a file box for each kid with folders for K-12.  She attaches their school pictures to the front of each folder and is very selective about what she saves. Read more here!

Do you have any tips for staying organized?  Any apps that you have found successful?  We would love to hear your ideas!