Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

Are you a parent juggling the demands of homeschooling or simply seeking to create a harmonious living space for your family? In this conversation, we delve deep into the world of executive functioning and the power of a well-organized home. Lauri shares her wisdom on decluttering strategies, establishing functional spaces, and involving kids in the process to ensure that each family member has a personalized system that promotes both growth and independence.
Connect with Sarah Collins
Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT Join the commmunity: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT Visit the Homeschool OT Website
In this episode you'll hear about:
Discussion on how space affects homeschooling productivity and the importance of organization in fostering family connections. Strategies for creating an environment conducive to learning and quality family time. The psychological benefits of letting go of items that do not serve current lifestyle or values. Guiding questions to assist individuals in assessing what they truly need and value in their organized space. The importance of aligning your space with your life goals. Planning and defining areas within a home for their intended function, especially regarding homeschooling needs. Creating multifunctional spaces that adapt to various activities and family members. The necessity for children to develop ownership in decluttering and organizing their spaces as they transition into adolescence. Methods to encourage and inspire teens to organize, drawing from relatable resources like YouTube and memes. Suggestions for using shelving units, pencil boxes, and disguised storage solutions to maintain order. Prioritizing practicality and functionality, especially in children's spaces. Practical examples, such as organizing a coffee station for efficiency and improved workflow. Discussing environment setup to support individual executive functioning skills. Adjusting the organizational system to match an individual's level of independence. Suggestions to simplify the organizational process for both children and adults. The utility of visual aids like labels and pictures in guiding children through organizing tasks. Techniques to avoid losing items with the use of drawer dividers and dedicated storage. Setting realistic organizational expectations that can be followed by all family members. Addressing the emotional challenges of parting with items during life transitions. Recommendations for dealing with sentimental belongings without compromising functional space. Tips on involving children of different ages in organizing, starting with simple choices for toddlers and increasing responsibility over time. Recognizing the benefits of including children in decluttering and space planning, fostering long-term organizational skills.
Links and Resources From Today's Show
What Are Executive Functioning Skills? Executive Functioning Focus Group Picture Books to teach Executive Functioning Victory Organizing's website Like Victory Organizing on Facebook Follow Victory Organizing on Instagram Decorative Vintage Book Shaped Storage Box Small Drawer dividers (12.5-17.5”) Large Drawer dividers (18-22”) Cheaper by the Dozen (explains their motion study stuff early on, more about Dad) Belles on Their Toes  (continues after Dad’s death, and tells the story of Mom’s continuation.)
Connect with our Guest, Lauri Newell
Where you see chaos, Lauri Newell sees opportunity. As a mother of three, Lauri understands that life happens, and there’s no shame in needing help. A trusted, Nashville-based organizer for over a decade, Lauri is passionate about transforming cluttered rooms into beautiful and functional living spaces.