Iowa Professional Organizer Gives Trade Secrets For Back-to-school

The 2024-2025 school year in Iowa is here. For parents that means clutter and school supplies all over the floor, balancing conflicting schedules, and packing healthy lunches without needing a PhD in Nutrition or culinary school degree. Iowa Professional Organizer, Jennifer Robb, founder of Simple Organizing Strategies gives her trade secrets to keeping it shockingly simple. 

Robb works with parents under pressure. She says one of the most crucial things they can adopt is understanding each child’s organizational style. Most parents make the mistake of assuming all children can adopt the exact same process—but this ends up in fights, high emotions, and lots of tears. But by taking a small step back, you can avoid the tantrums and bring peace to the chaos.

Iowa Professional Organizer, Jennifer Robb

Robb is the founding member of Professional Organizers Collective and shares her expertise on creating organized and efficient households, particularly as families prepare for the transition back to school. With autumn on the horizon, Robb emphasizes the importance of establishing routines that accommodate the varied needs of family members.

Robb explains the evolution of her organization business, which began in 2006 as a small group of organizers meeting for coffee in Des Moines. Over the years, it has grown into a networking and education collective that now spans five states. This expansion reflects a broader understanding of organization that adapts to individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

How to get kids to clean up their mess

Jennifer Robb emphasizes the critical role of routine in maintaining household harmony, especially as the school year approaches. “You already hit the nail on the head—routine and consistency every single day,” she explains, highlighting that routines must be tailored to fit the different members of the family. Some children, for example, may benefit from a more visual organization system, while others thrive on having everything neatly stored away.

Robb shares a personal story to illustrate this point. “I had a kid, and I was like, okay kid, go get ready for school. And she would come back ready to rock. Then I had another kid, and I thought, oh, this parenting thing is super simple,” she laughs. However, the second child struggled with the same instructions, highlighting the need for individualized approaches. For visual learners, Robb suggests using clear containers instead of dressers and having items like backpacks easily accessible by the door.

How to handle clutter from kids

Addressing clutter, Robb recommends establishing drop zones and prioritizing items based on frequency of use. “You could chase your kids around all day long picking up after them, or you could have a small little wicker basket in every room,” she advises. This method allows for a quick cleanup and encourages children to participate in tidying up before bedtime.

Robb also advocates for involving children in organizing and meal preparation, which fosters independence and pride in their abilities. “I firmly believe that kids in kindergarten should be starting to learn how to do the laundry, starting to learn how to load the dishwasher,” she says. This empowerment not only aids in organization but also instills life skills.

Easy methods to prepare nutritious lunches for kids

Throughout the interview, Robb underscores the interconnectedness of routine, organization, and well-being. She advises families to plan meals and snacks that are both nutritious and easy to access, stating, “If you’re living a really processed food lifestyle, you could shoot for the goal of less processed food, more fresh food.” By preparing snacks like pre-cut fruits and vegetables, parents can make healthy options as convenient as processed snacks.

As the conversation wraps up, Robb reiterates the value of routine in achieving a balanced and organized life. “In a perfect world, what brings you joy? Let’s create that,” she encourages listeners. Her approach focuses on practical strategies that align with individual preferences, promoting a harmonious and efficient household.