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,...
Welcome to November, the month when leaves fall and temperatures drop, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. In this blog post, I will provide tips on how to get it organized, offer advice for maintaining order with a large family, and suggest different solutions based on your available space.
Getting Organized
- Declutter: Start by going through all the items in your laundry room. Donate or discard items you no longer need, and consolidate cleaning supplies.
- Maximize Vertical Space:...
A well-organized bedroom is not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to relaxation and better sleep. It's where you start and end your day, and clutter can quickly become a source of stress. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of bedroom organization, focusing on three key areas: the bedroom, the closet, and the dresser. With some straightforward steps, you can transform your bedroom into a serene and clutter-free oasis.
The Bedroom
Bedroom organization starts with the...
With the back-to-school season in full swing, the influx of backpacks, art supplies, and clothes can quickly lead to chaos. But fear not! As a professional organizer, I'm here to share some insightful steps to help you master the art of managing clutter associated with these three major aspects of the school routine: backpacks, art supplies, and clothes.
- Backpack Bliss: A clutter-free backpack is the key to an organized school day. Implement these strategies to maintain a streamlined...
In today's fast-paced world, urban living often means living in smaller spaces. Whether you live in a cozy apartment, a studio, or a tiny home, there's no reason to let limited square footage cramp your style. With some creativity and smart organization, you can transform even the smallest living area into a functional and inviting haven. Having worked with clients living in compact spaces, I've collected some innovative solutions I will share in this blog post. These creative strategies,...
When it comes to holding onto your children's art, toys, clothes, and keepsakes, it's important to find a balance between preserving meaningful items and avoiding excessive clutter. Whether you're a new parent or have older children, here are 10 guidelines to consider:
- Start with an organized approach: As new parents, it's essential to develop an organized system for storing your children's items from the beginning. This will make it easier to sort through things later on.
- Determine what...
Today, I am diving headfirst into the common issue of unwanted gifts. You know the ones...the gadget that promised to revolutionize your cooking skills, the trinket from a neighbors trip to Guatemala, the perfume that makes you sneeze, the bright yellow vase that takes up your entire cupboard or the impractical punch bowl from your grandmother that you mother said you had to keep. Receiving gifts you don’t want can be challenging to navigate. While you appreciate the thought...
