Have you ever looked around your home and wondered how you ended up with so much stuff? You're not alone. A lot of us hold onto things we don't really need, and sometimes, it's all because we're trying to be perfect.
Yes, you heard me right. Trying to make everything just right can lead to more clutter. Let's look at why this happens and how we can break free.
Why Do We Hang On? Perfectionism isn't just about wanting things to be perfect; it's also about fearing to make the wrong decision....
The High Cost of Holding On: Rethinking the Value of Clutter
As a professional organizer and decluttering expert, I often encounter individuals overwhelmed by their possessions, struggling under the weight of clutter that has insidiously taken over their living spaces—and, by extension, their lives. A common thread in these situations is the perceived value of items, a psychological anchor that can make the process of decluttering seem insurmountable.
The Illusion of Value
Many of us...
Breaking the Chains of Clutter: A Path to Psychological Freedom
Over 15 years as a professional organizer, I've observed a common thread among many clients: the deep-seated need to keep everything "just in case." This behaviour often stems from learned habits passed down from parents who may have lived through times when resources were scarce and holding onto items was a necessity rather than a choice. Today, however, this habit can lead to clutter that overruns physical spaces and impacts...
In the spirit of giving and sustainability, donating your old clothing, household items, and electronics can make a significant difference in the lives of others while also benefiting the environment. Across North America, numerous nonprofit organizations welcome your donations with open arms. These organizations offer your items a second life and support various social causes, from fighting poverty to empowering communities. Here are some notable nonprofit organizations where your donations...
As a professional organizer (and as a human who once stashed), I understand how easily the habit of stashing things away can lead to clutter, creating both physical and mental blocks in your life. Being a "Stasher" often stems from a desire to deal with items "later," but without a clear plan, "later" becomes "never," and the clutter grows. Your future self is never happy with your present self. Let's explore how we can address this habit, transform your spaces, and improve your mental...
As the seasons change and we welcome the freshness of spring, it's the perfect time to breathe new life into our homes, starting with the heart of the house – the kitchen. But, imagine this: you’ve just walked into your kitchen, the hub of your home, where memories are made over simmering pots and shared meals, and instead of feeling inspired, you're overwhelmed by clutter and disarray. If this scene feels all too familiar, you're not alone. I'VE BEEN THERE—struggling to...
This is a big one! Let's talk about something that's a bit of a touchy subject for you: decluttering items gifted by your loved ones. You know what I'm talking about – that China set from mom, grandma’s wooden armchair, or that wool sweater from Auntie Carole that's been lurking in your wardrobe since the early 2000s.
You've probably felt like giving away these items is akin to rejecting the love of those who gave them to you. If you let go of Grandma's chair, which looks...
As a professional organizer, I've seen firsthand the dilemma many face: the shame and panic of having guests over due to a disorganized home. That moment when the doorbell rings can trigger a frenzy of shoving things out of sight. But what if I told you that managing this doesn’t have to be overwhelming? The key is understanding the different layers of stuff in our homes.
Layer One: Daily Clutter
The first layer is the daily clutter. It's the schoolwork, bills, mail, and endless to-do...
Establishing a routine for managing clutter is essential. Think of clutter as a cycle, similar to doing laundry, but don't let that stress you out because it can be managed efficiently. Here's an example: You're never truly finished with laundry – unless you drastically change your lifestyle and decide to stop wearing clothes. ! As you fold and put away clean clothes, you're inevitably wearing clothes that will soon need washing. Clutter works in much the same way.But, don’t be...
When discussing clutter with my clients, I often begin by asking them to define it. Understanding what clutter is can be the first step in addressing it effectively. To help in this process, I propose three pivotal questions to determine if an item in your home is clutter:
- Do you love it?
- Do you use it?
- Would you buy it again today?
These questions are essential in identifying clutter. If you answer a resounding yes to any of these, then likely, the item isn't clutter. However, if that...
I often encounter clients struggling with the guilt of discarding items that are nearly finished, particularly personal care products like shampoo or creams, or even makeup that doesn’t suit them. This thought even pops into my head from time to time but I have trained my brain to make the right decision. Let it go…here is the psychology behind this habit.
This guilt can stem from various psychological and emotional factors, including the desire to be economical or the fear...
Happy New Year!
I hope this message brings a little warmth and cheer as we step into the new beginnings that 2024 promises. I've been thinking about you and the post-holiday phase we're both facing – particularly the cleanup and storage hustle that comes with it.
I totally get that the thought of tackling the post-holiday cleanup can seem really daunting. Trust me, staring at my own pile of decorations and wondering when I should tackle it is a yearly ritual! But, remember,...
I'm here for you, together, let's get started on our 2024 Simplified Calendar journey. (If you haven't downloaded the free calendar and checklist yet... grab it here!) I am strategically starting in the bathroom for a reason. It's the easiest room to declutter and organize because there isn't a lot of sentimental and emotionally loaded stuff here... at least I hope it's not here. It's essential to understand the deeper significance of this task. Not only does organizing your bathroom...
As the year draws to a close, there's no better time to reflect on the past and set the stage for a successful and organized new year. While decluttering your physical space is undoubtedly important, it's equally crucial to organize your time and routines. Your calendar and daily habits play a significant role in shaping your life, and getting them in order can make a profound impact on your overall well-being. Here are a few of my favorite tips to help you master your time and space,...
