Skip to main content
Tag

get organized

Oct 16
Love0

When to Hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer: 7 Signs to Get Outside Help

By Blog, Expert Articles, Resources No Comments

 

If you feel like you’re overwhelmed and drowning in “stuff” or you never have time to get anything done, it’s time to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer.

 

A Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach can help you make a plan for getting organized, avoid time-wasting mistakes, and save you a lot of money in the long run! If attempts to get organized on your own have not led to the desired results, it may be time to get professional advice.

 

I strongly suggest you keep reading if you relate to any of the following areas:

  • Moving or renovating your home
  • Going through a major life change
  • Feeling stuck and unmotivated in life
  • Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the amount of “stuff”
  • Never have the time to get organized in your home or workspace
  • You’re ready to take your organization to the next level

 

Then now is the time to call in an expert!

 

When to Hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer

 

 

Hi, I’m Sherry Borsheim, Founder of Simply Productive! I’ve been a Professional Organizer for over two decades and a Productivity Coach for 18+ years. My expertise is in helping working professionals, business owners, and busy moms calm their chaos at home and get organized at work so they can have more time, freedom, and calm in their lives.

 

 

I have truly seen it all over the years; from mountains of loose papers, 1000s of archive boxes, digital file chaos, to-do lists on notepads for years, homes literally filled to the front door, books piled against walls, overflowing closets, toys and legos scattered all over the house, and so on.

 

It doesn’t matter how much chaos and disorganization is in your space, I’m here to help you in person or virtually. As your Coach and Consultant, I’m on your team working to get you from point A → point B faster than you could do it alone!

 

 

Do’s and Don’ts of Seeking Professional Help

 

If I can tell you one thing it’s this – Do not wait until you NEED TO get it done.

 

The most frequent calls I get from clients are when a crisis hits or an important deadline is fast approaching. That’s when I get the panic text, frantic call, or email desperately searching for help.

 

My goal is to help you get organized before the pressure hits. If you know a life change is going to be approaching soon, be proactive and hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer to get prepared beforehand. Dealing with a big emergency, sudden loss, or strict deadline is already a lot on its own. Throw in the pressure of decluttering or getting organized in a tight timeline and you’ve got a recipe for a stressful burnout!

 

Doing your future-self a favour early on makes these inevitable transitions smoother and a lot less stressful. Plus you’ll save yourself time and money along the way!

 

Procrastinating on the First Step

 

The ultimate goal we’re aiming for at home and in our workspace is to create more joy, peace, and freedom in your life. And you already practice this!

 

When your computer crashes and you need tech support, you call an expert to help solve your problems. If your fridge suddenly stops working, you bring in a technician to diagnose and solve the problem. So why does it take so long to ask for help and hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer when it comes to clutter, disorganization, and digital disorder?

 

Often, people are embarassed, they simply don’t know how to find the right type of expert for the problem they want solved or who to call about it. But they will know the feeling of being stuck, not sure where to start, and growing tired of wasting time looking for things. This is the time to ask for help!

 

 

What is a “Professional Organizer?”

 

Professional Organizers specialize in specific areas of physical and digital organization, as well as productivity.

 

An expert Organizer may specialize in moving + downsizing, ADHD, closet organizing, closet design, performance + productivity, paper management, digital file management, and many other areas.

 

There are also common traits of Professional Organizers. The most important of which is that they are problem solvers, non-judgemental, goal-oriented, and can see through the clutter. They will help the client through the sorting and decision-making process by advising on what to keep and what to let go of.

 

Organizers are experts with a special set of skills and knowledge in both organizing and setting up systems. They are trustworthy, respectful, and there to help create order either in person with you or collaborating virtually. They also have a special skill set to see past the clutter and help to create the desired organized space. Continue reading to learn about the different services you may require when you go to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer!

 

 

A Productivity Coach + Professional Organizer in One

 

A Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach creates personalized organizing solutions for the client, making sure that they are able to maintain the systems for years to come. When you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer you will likely only receive help in areas of their individual expertise. By hiring someone with experience in both areas, you get the best of both worlds!

 

It is not sufficient to introduce organization to a space without having a system to keep up with it. This is where the expertise of a Productivity Coach compliments the abilities of an Organizer perfectly!

 

These types of Coaches are accountability partners while you’re going through each phase and truly want the very best for you, your team, and your family. They usually work with clients over many years to help level up, optimize, and maintain the organizing systems as life is not stagnant and things will always keep coming in. We all know how busy life can get!

 

A Productivity Coach works with you either in person or virtually and is an expert in several of these key areas: 

    • Time management
    • Project planning and prioritizing
    • Paper and digital file organizing
    • Calendar and to-do list balancing
    • Email systems and management
    • Systems and processes for businesses
    • Organizing Projects
    • And so much more!

 

Hiring a Professional: 7 Signs to Get Outside Help

 

Let’s take a look at the top 7 reasons that may drive someone to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer, or a combination of both:

 

  1. Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

  • This is the #1 reason people call me!
  • Want a fresh perspective, someone who’s non-judgmental, help to overcome the mountain of clutter and chaos
  • Don’t know where to begin decluttering or organizing
  • Analysis Paralysis
  • Stuck in a cycle of → feel depressed or anxious due to the clutter → want to do something about it → beginning → lost motivation before project completion

 

  1. Don’t know what to keep and what to get rid of.

  • Decision Fatigue (on average, we make over 5000 decisions each day)
  • Lots of sentimental items that are difficult to let go of
  • Quitting within the first 30 minutes from frustration and confusion
  • Don’t know which things you may need later in life
  • Not sure where to donate, recycle, or discard of certain items

 

  1. Life changes, transitions, or deadlines.

  • First baby on the way or adding an additional member to the family/household
  • Taking care of a loved one
  • Health changes or illness
  • A new job, temporarily not working, or retiring
  • Beginning a new school year
  • Teenagers leaving for college, university, or moving out for the first time
  • A loved one passes away
  • Moving and home renovations (believe it or not THERE IS a deadline, and most leave their panic to the last minute)

 

 

→ Ask for help today and minimize the stress in your life! Hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer here.

  1. Shiny Object Syndrome.

  • Buying all the latest trending organizing products with high hopes but lacking action
  • Downloading the latest trending productivity apps but not being consistent with using them
  • Hoping something new will come along to solve their problem but it never does
  • Taking out and enjoying old photos, then realizing they’re spread all over the place and they aren’t sure how to organize them
  • Digital chaos – files and photos spread all over the place physically and digitally (on their phone’s camera roll, Dropbox, Evernote, Reminder apps, Google Drive, Google Photos, Apple Photos) with no system for organizing files and photos

 

  1. Information overload.

  • Way too many important papers to keep track of (but the clearer that gets, the better organized your workspace and home become!)
  • When they’re taking on too much, saying yes to everyone, and their schedule is beyond full, everything important takes 2nd place and piles up fast
  • The limitations of their existing systems have been met and they need to level them up
  • Getting information organized for their Life Change, Transition, or Deadline
  • A change of job
  • Move to a new home or city
  • Medical condition change
  • How to fit everything they own into a smaller home or micro-condo

 

  1. Ready to make a lasting change.

  • Have had enough of the way their life currently is and it’s no longer working for them
  • They are open-minded and ready to embrace new habits and organizing skills
  • Wanting to teach their children these life-changing skills that they will utilize in their adult life
  • Longing for personalized systems that work for them

 

  1. Not having systems in place or routines to follow.

  • Consistently can’t find important things like keys, glasses, wallets, health records, passports
  • Can’t find important digital files
  • Can’t find important business files
  • Email inbox is flooded with 1000s of emails
  • Forgetting and losing track of appointments, events, or important dates

 

 

“Organizing is less about perfection and more about reducing stress and increasing efficiency. Hiring an organizer saves you time, money, and improves your quality of life.“

 

Are you thinking you want to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer, but feeling like you need to clean up before you call? Then you need to know this – the help you choose to hire actually BENEFITS from seeing the mess as it naturally is! This is because it helps to see what’s working and what’s not working.

 

Reach out to an Organizer or Productivity Coach with your concerns! They can answer any questions you may have and help you calm the worry in your mind about what to expect.

 

Remember, an organized way of living brings peace and calm to your home, office, and life… so as soon as you make that first call, you’re on the right track!

 

 

✨ FREE DOWNLOAD ✨

Avoid 3 Common Home Organizing Mistakes

Start achieving your organizing goals faster
and see visible results that are truly motivating today!

Download Now →

 

 

FAQ

 

Q: Does clutter really cost me time, money, and space?

 

A: Have you tried getting organized before? Maybe you’ve read a how-to book or bought a bunch of organizing products to get started, only to realize that they didn’t fit or work like you thought they would? There’s a reason so many desire to be organized and reduce the clutter in our lives. Consider the emotional cost clutter weighs on you. Financial costs like late fees, buying mistakes, purchasing unnecessary duplicates, misplacing bills, missing important deadlines, monthly storage locker fees, and so on. When you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer expert, it’s worth the additional cost as they will get the job done faster than you can do it on your own!

 

 

Q: What is a Professional Organizer’s process?

 

A: Each Organizer will have their own way of doing things in their unique organizing process. Are you looking to solve a particular problem or have concerns about working on a certain space? Your best chance to find a Professional Organizer with the skills you need is to talk with a few different providers and ask about their process.

 

Typically there’s an assessment either done over the phone or in person. Then, an Organizer or Coach shares the next steps, available packages, and an estimated timeline with you before scheduling dates to get started.

 

 

Q: What are the fees of a Professional Organizer?

 

A: Organizers charge for their services either by the hour or on a project-by-project basis. For in-person organization services, they typically have a minimum on-site session of 3 to 4 hours. Professional Organizers may offer a free initial consultation by phone or charge for an initial on-site assessment. To be sure you receive exactly what you are looking for, make sure to ask what’s included in the cost of their service.

 

Some things to consider regarding the costs of these services are:

  • Will they be working with a team?
  • Do they charge for deskwork at their office?
  • Will they provide product sourcing and pickup services?
  • Do they deal with your consignment and donation items?
  • Will they dispose of any unwanted items or arrange a removal service for you?
  • Do they have a travel fee?
  • Do they purchase products on your behalf?

 

 

Q: What hours do Professional Organizers work?

 

A: Depending on the Professional Organizer in question, most typically work weekdays, some weekends, during the day, and/or evenings. If you work during the day, an Organizer can spend an hour with you making decisions and planning the project, then they will deal with the sorted piles while you are out picking up kids from school, doing errands, or have a meeting to be at. Just know that when you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer, they should be more than willing to work around your available times!

 

 

Q: What are “On-site Organizing Services?”

 

A: On-site organizing services involve a Professional Organizer coming into your physical home or office to help declutter and optimize your space. These experts work closely with you to develop personalized plans that streamline spaces based on your needs, create easy-to-maintain storage solutions, and enhance the overall serenity of your home or office. Their aim is to transform your chaotic areas into tidy, functional spaces. This makes it easier for you to find what you need and manage your time better. Hiring a Professional Organizer for on-site service is ideal for those facing clutter or time management challenges as it helps you bring your organizing vision to life effectively and reduces your stress.

 

 

Q: What are “Virtual Organizing Services?”

 

A: Experienced Professional Organizers and Productivity Coaches are able to help you create organizing plans of action virtually as well. This service is perfect if you want to implement the plan of action on your own and just need help with a strategy and planning the next action steps. Also, if you live in a remote area, have time constraints, or are looking to work with someone specific who is not otherwise available in your area.

 

Virtual organizing works best when you are motivated to deal with the sorting process yourself and just want expert guidance and accountability on setting up your own organizing systems. They can also help you source products which will save you a lot of your own time and money! Working with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Coach can help you virtually create personalized organizing systems that will work for you, your family, your business, and your team.

 

 

Summary

 

If you find yourself drowning in household clutter, overwhelmed by digital disorganization, or constantly battling against the clock at work, it’s time to reach out for help. There is no shame on either end when you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer!

 

Bringing in a Professional Organizer or Productivity Coach can be the key to regaining control of your life. They’ll offer you valuable assistance in creating a plan for getting organized, guide you to avoid costly mistakes, and manage your time for more peace of mind.

 

If you relate to any of the scenarios we’ve discussed – from major life changes to the never-ending battle with “stuff” – now is the perfect moment to take that important step! Remember, seeking professional guidance is a proactive choice to improve your life. Don’t wait until a crisis strikes; support your future-self today and invest in your own well-being. As soon as you make that call, you’re on the path to a more organized and stress-free life!

 

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

8 Ways to Declutter on a Busy Schedule: Get Organized In One Hour Or Less

 

Don’t know where to start decluttering?

 

Sign up for my free newsletter so I can send you the best organizing tips and strategies each week.

(and some freebies, too!)

Sign up here →
Oct 10
Love0

Organize + Level Up Your iPhone for Better Productivity

By Blog, Digital Minimalism, Digital Organizing No Comments

 

It’s true a lot of people find their devices distracting, but what they don’t know is, that when you organize your iPhone for better productivity, the distractions seem to fade away!

 

Have you ever stopped to think about how the clutter on your phone might be adding more stress to your life? The clutter and constant notifications on your phone are like hidden stressors, and they weigh on you in more ways than you realize.  But we don’t want stress here! We want to  eliminate the stress, especially from our phones.

 

✨ FREE DOWNLOAD ✨

Brain Dump Exercise

Release your mind clutter today!

Download Now →

 

Let’s first acknowledge that our phones play a crucial role in our lives. From managing business tasks to staying connected with employees, they’ve become indispensable.

 

One thing I do to prevent a problem from even budding is I tell myself, “I want to use my phone as support in making life easier.” By setting this intention, I can more easily avoid it becoming a vortex of distraction.  I use my phone to literally run 80% of my business (because I’m out and about so often), so I’ve set it up to still be able to support me when I’m not at home.

 

Below, I delve into how you can effectively organize your iPhone for better productivity. This aids in making it a stress-free tool that can both enhance your productivity and simplify your life!

 

 I highly recommend that you grab your phone while reading this so we can organize your iPhone for better productivity together!

 

Organize + Level Up Your iPhone for Better Productivity

 

Subscription Cleanup

The first thing you can do to organize your iPhone for better productivity is to start reviewing the apps on your phone and checking for any running subscriptions you have. Open your phone’s settings, click on your name, and consider whether you truly need them all. Unsubscribe from unnecessary subscriptions.

 

You can also check in here when your subscriptions are renewing. If you’d like to keep them until the end of the term, set a reminder in your calendar to come back and cancel them before that date. By doing this, you not only save money but also free up space on your device. Let’s start deleting!

 

 

Free Up Storage

Next, navigate to your phone’s settings. Go to “General” and select “iPhone Storage.” You’ll see a breakdown of how your space is being used and it will even recommend what you should delete!

 

Now, you probably have a lot of apps and videos eating at most of it. I know for me, I’m always having to delete those! To free up some space, identify which non-essential files consume the most storage and delete or offload them. Make sure to uninstall any apps that you’re not using, too.

 

If you want to go a step further while you organize your iPhone for better productivity, you could also move some apps to your library so they’re not cluttered on your home screen. Here’s how you would do that: while on your home screen, when it says edit/remove app, you click that. It will ask if you’d like to delete the app or remove it from the home screen. Since we still want to keep it, we’ll choose the latter. And poof! All gone.

Additionally, don’t forget to back up your photos to a cloud service like Google Photos or iCloud. I’ve set up my phone so my photos automatically back up to Google Photos. When I go into Google Photos, I can see at the top that it’s backing up. 

 

Once it takes them from my phone and puts them up in Google’s cloud, I go into my laptop to make sure that they’re all there. Then I go to my storage in settings and hit empty, delete from this phone. It’ll permanently delete all of them and you won’t be able to recover them. This is why I use my laptop to always double-check that my photos have synced up to Google Photos before removing them!

 

 

Tame Notifications

Overwhelming notifications cause disruptions to your focus and increase stress levels! To combat this while you organize your iPhone for better productivity, go to the “Notifications” section in your phone’s settings and fine-tune your preferences.

 

I like to use a Scheduled Summary to stay on top of my notifications. This means that I just get a summary of everything at a pre-scheduled time, instead of everything all at once. For minimizing distractions during the day, I love this method!

 

You can also scroll through all of your apps and edit their notifications individually. Then you won’t get any of those stress-inducing red bubbles reminding you that you have 20 text messages and 432 emails that you haven’t read! And for some less-necessary apps, it may be better to actually disable badges entirely to avoid the constant reminder of pending notifications.

 

Customize Your Home Screen

 Now up to organize your iPhone for better productivity is the home screen. Your home screen should support your specific daily needs and goals. Organize your apps in a way that makes sense to you, based on how your brain works. For example, if you’re someone who likes to color code your apps, then go ahead with that!

 

Utilize folders to group similar apps together, create shortcuts for quick access to what you use most often, and make custom widgets to display important information at a glance. I use a combination of all of these, and I love the widgets on my home screen. To make them you swipe way over to the right and hit the plus sign. There are preset ones in there or you can customize them yourself.

 

I recently set up a widget for my decluttering and chores of the week! I brainstormed my weekly tasks thinking, “Okay, I need to take our recycling to the depot… I also need to declutter my kitchen counters and do my Sunday reset… And sometime this week I’d like to go through my books to free up some space… I’m also in the midst of decluttering my phone…” When I’m done, I schedule it to send me notifications on a particular day and select the time.

The other thing I really like is shortcuts. One of mine is Focus Time. When I’m doing some work and really want to get focused,  I set that timer for 50 minutes and it’ll play my focus music. Then it’ll remind me to get up and have a drink of water to stretch. We all know that if you just keep on going and going all day long, your attention actually decreases! So you want to make sure that you’re taking regular breaks while working. And when you organize your iPhone for better productivity, you’re helping just that 🙂

 

I also have a shortcut that goes to my weekly filming tasks. In one click it takes me to Asana where the tasks reside and I can just scroll to my “Youtube to Record” section and everything is here for me. It’s all at my fingertips! Whereas before, it would take some navigating around with five clicks or even more to find it. The message here is – make your home screen a reflection of how your brain works and use it to streamline your daily tasks!

 

 

My Favorite Apps!

 

First Page

The first page is for productivity, things that I want to have front and center every time I open my phone. I used to have social media here in a group, but I found it was too tempting to open them. Keeping these time-sucking apps harder to reach really helps support me in staying focused on what I want to accomplish during the week! When you organize your iPhone for better productivity, keep this strategy in mind for apps you’re susceptible to over-using.

 

 

  • Fuel For Fat Loss with Simone Lovell – All of her recipes, each day’s workout, weekly meal plans, track water intake
  • Reader – Forwards newsletters to the app to unclog inbox, can read them at my leisure, not getting distracted on the internet/social media since I can read right inside one app
  • LastPass – Store all of my passwords, access from all devices, secure storage, safely share logins with my team
  • Google Drive + Google Photos – Use for my business, store + share content with team, keep client files and photos, access from all devices, automatically backs up, keep course materials in one location
  • Google Keep – Great note-taking app, packing checklists, current project checklists, grocery lists, Costco list, can add fun little emojis, keep track of errands, easily share lists with others, it works perfectly for my needs
  • WhatsApp – Free international messaging/calling/video-calling, can create groups + communities, use for team communication
  • Asana – Project management, keeps track of daily/weekly/monthly/yearly tasks, both personal + business, connect with team, stay on top of project phases, organize launches, store my to-do’s for clients

 

Second Page

The second page on my phone is for business. I’ve created some groups for finance, filming, shopping, video, and all my social media. I also do a lot of shopping (sourcing products for organizing projects) so I also keep shopping and shopping-related apps quite accessible. Think about which useful apps you use most often next to your every-day ones and while you organize your iPhone for better productivity, place them on this page.

 

  • Amazon – Client product sourcing, personal shopping, client errands, finding specific items on demand
  • Google Maps – For getting to client homes, figuring out quickest routes, general navigation
  • ReadWise – Compatible with Reader/Pocket/Instapaper, connects with Kindle, when I’m on my Kindle I can highlight information and store it all here to repurpose
  • Kindle – Have created a shortcut for this, my current reading (Deep Work by Cal Newport), whatever book I want to read I can have right at my fingertips
  • Clockify – Use with my on-site organizing + remote teams, track client hours, I’m able to download those for my invoicing, saves me a lot of time
  • StoCard – Keeps points cards in one place, literally just scan your code from the app, uses a barcode system, less weight in my wallet!
  • Reminders – Tasks, errands, things I need to remember, ideas
  • Sortly – Use this for my business, all of my products are inventoried here, it’s a paid app, I can simply scan a barcode when I’m on-site to move it out of my inventory or put it into a client folder, can download a client’s product list for my invoicing (it has the prices, totals it all up, and puts it in a CSV file), it’ll tell me when I’m low on a product
  • Gmail – Email communications, business + personal use, newsletters, client correspondence, purchase tracking
  • Google Chrome – Secure internet browser, transfers my bookmarks to any device I’m logged in to, has my settings saved, has my shipping information saved for purchases
  • Messages – SMS communications, business + personal use, text subscriptions, appointment confirmations + updates, client correspondence, business team communications

 

Third Page

 My third screen is more personal. I love to see old photos pop up as highlights from three, five, seven years ago. It’s just kind of nice 🙂 I’ll flip through those to enjoy the spotlights  and sometimes Google Photos even creates these great little videos for me! For this page, organize your iPhone for better productivity by keeping the apps you enjoy using and that are useful here. This page is mainly groups, which I’ll list below.

 

 

  • Group: Books – Different book apps, different features
  • Group: Fitness + Wellness – All of my medical apps, health apps, step counter, water tracker
  • Group: Entertainment
  • Group: Music
  • Group: Travel – Anything to do with travel, a few weather apps
  • Group: Apps for Label Makers – I have the Cube + the Brother Cube, it sends from my phone to my little cube label printers
  • Google Photo Scan – Digitizes physical paperwork or art, takes four scans of kids artwork and it will compress them together into one clear scan, takes photos of kids pottery projects, scan in and get rid of miscellaneous papers that you’ve had for 10/15/20 years, create a photo book
  • Growth Day – I love it and that’s IT! 🧡
  • Shortcuts – Creates your shortcuts, you can change the name, choose the scripting, change the color, tell it what the next action is + what it’s automating for you, there are some preset shortcuts, you can also take a preset and customize it the way you want, all sorts of fun things!

 

 

These super-smart devices have the potential to be powerful allies. When you organize your iPhone for better productivity, you transform it into a seamless extension of yourself. This helps you to achieve your goals and stay organized!

 

As you can see, I keep my phone very lean and clean, I strictly use it as a tool to help my day go by a whole lot smoother. It also helps me be more productive and minimizes distractions. It has just been an absolute game-changer for me since I added these groups and created shortcuts. Explore these apps and see how they can simplify your life too!

 

Let me know in the comments below  which productivity app is your favorite, and what widgets or shortcuts you’ve created that really make a difference in your life!

 

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

10 Ways To Stay Productive At Work Over the Holidays

Don’t know where to start decluttering?

 

Sign up for my free newsletter so I can send you the best organizing tips and strategies each week.

(and some freebies, too!)

Sign up here →
Jul 07
Love0

Organizing The Perfect Summer Picnic

By Blog, Checklists, Inspiration No Comments

Organizing the perfect summer picnic is a wonderful way to combine spending quality time with loved ones and enjoying the great outdoors!

 

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a fun family weekend, arranging a picnic is sure to create beautiful memories. In this article, I’ll be covering everything you need to know about organizing the perfect summer picnic; from choosing the ideal location, packing essential supplies, and planning for any type of unexpected event.

 

And remember to set a great example for your children and others. A successful picnic not only involves enjoying the moment but also taking responsibility for cleaning up afterward!

 

✨ FREE DOWNLOAD ✨

Summer First Aid Kit Checklist

Be confident in any summer emergency!

Download Now →

 

Organizing The Perfect Summer Picnic

 

Planning the Location

 

Scout and Pick The Perfect Spot:

Finding the perfect picnic spot is important for setting the right vibe! As well as making sure that your just-in-case weather preparations will work as desired if you need to use them.

 

Consider a location with picturesque views if you’d like to take photos, such as a grassy park, beach, or scenic lookout point. Take some time to scout the area in advance and choose a spot that offers enough space for everyone to relax comfortably. In some large, busy cities it can even be required to book your spot and required parking in advance, so make sure to check your favorite park’s requirements well before planning anything else! If kids are coming along, make sure there will be an area for them to play after the meal as well!

 

Check Out Parking Options:

Before the big day, research parking options near your chosen picnic spot. Ensuring convenient parking will save you from any unnecessary hassle or stress on the day of the event and allow you to set up your picnic with ample time. If you’re inviting guests who will be meeting you there, forward any necessary parking information to them as well.

 

Pinpoint the Nearest Public Bathroom:

It’s always wise to be prepared, especially if you’ll be bringing little ones along. Since nobody likes a last-minute scramble while hopping from foot to foot, make sure you have at least one option in mind before the big day. Research where the nearest public bathrooms are so you can provide directions for guests during your picnic.

 

Consider the Area’s Popularity:

This step is important if you want to avoid the disappointment of arriving and finding out your perfect spot has been filled by others! Find out how busy the area typically is on the day you’re planning your picnic. Google Maps can be a good reference if you are going to be at a public park as they have stats of when the busiest days and times are. Either way, plan to arrive early so you can secure your desired spot and not have to set up in a rush.

 

Supplies

 

Seating and Preparation:

Ensure you have comfortable seating by bringing along an outdoor blanket with a waterproof bottom. Some picnickers like to use a mini folding table or tray for a bit more table height and convenience. Additionally, you may want to bring wide, firm pillows for those who prefer sitting above the ground or even picnic chairs if needed.

 

Another way to spruce up the ambiance is to bring a portable speaker and make a curated picnic playlist in advance!

 

Picnic Basket Necessities:

Pack a well-equipped picnic basket or tote bag to store all your picnic necessities. To keep your food in its best condition until the event starts, bring ice packs and even a few extra in case you will need to keep some leftovers cool on the way back.

 

Think about including a camera to capture special moments, sunscreen to protect your skin, bug repellent or a citronella candle to ward off unwanted bug guests, and table decorations to create the imagined atmosphere. To make sure the fun doesn’t stop after eating, don’t forget to bring some cards, a board game, or a light outdoor activity to enjoy after the meal!

 

Serving it Up:

Gather all the necessary serving supplies well in advance. There’s nothing worse than arriving late because you were looking for something last-minute!

 

This includes plates, utensils for eating and serving, napkins, cups, and plenty of water. Bring a bottle opener if you plan on enjoying some beverages that will require one. Pack a cutting board and a sharp knife for any on-site food preparations. Additionally, bring salt, pepper, and any other desired condiments. This is a great time to use those extra condiment packets from takeout places I know we’ve all been “saving!” 😉

 

Cleaning Essentials:

Prepare for easy cleanup by bringing paper towels, wet wipes, some dishtowels (also good for packing plates and breakable items during transit), and extra food containers. Ziploc bags are also handy for packing up dirty utensils or storing leftovers. Pack a few trash and recycling bags to ensure you’re walking away from a clean space afterward. Consider bringing reusable bags to collect and transport your picnic supplies if you plan to bring a lot of items for setup.

 

More Tips

 

Keep it Fresh:

To keep your salads and sandwiches fresh, pack any wet dressings or condiments separately in small jars. Add them to your food once you’ve arrived at the planned picnic spot. This prevents the ingredients from getting soggy during transport!

 

Weather Preparedness:

Always be prepared for unexpected weather conditions when picnicking. Bring blanket weights or other wind deterrents to secure your blanket. If the sun is scorching or there is a possibility of rain, pick a spot with shade from trees, bring a gazebo that’s quick to set up and take down, a pop-up tent, or some large umbrellas.

 

Food Considerations:

Plan your picnic menu in advance, considering any allergies, dietary preferences (vegetarian/vegan), or a specific theme. Think about the ingredients, required preparation time, sealed containers to protect from bugs, and ice coolers for perishable items. If you’re having a potluck-style picnic, use Google Keep’s note feature to share with your guests so everyone is on the same page with what to bring! Pack a variety of drinks for guests to quench their thirst!

 

 

 

A successful picnic involves not only having a fun day with loved ones but also taking responsibility for leaving the environment as you found it (or even better!). Once you’ve finished your meal, be sure to clean up after yourselves. Dispose of trash properly and ensure recyclable items are separated as needed.

 

By practicing good picnic etiquette, you contribute to preserving the beauty of nature and ensure that future picnickers can enjoy the same great experience! So, gather your loved ones, follow this guide, and embark on an unforgettable picnic adventure!

 

Do you have a favorite picnicking spot? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

Essentials for Your Summer First Aid Kit

Don’t know where to start decluttering?

 

Sign up for my free newsletter so I can send you the best organizing tips and strategies each week.

(and some freebies, too!)

Sign up here →