What I've Learned In My Years of Organizing
Happy Anniversary to Life Simplified
When I started my business three years ago August 28, 2013 (wow where did the time go!!)
I never imagined the roller coaster journey that I would be on. It has been such a worthwile and never ending learning experience. I’m happy to share. Below are the Top Ten Things I’ve Discovered on this Three Year Journey…..
- People having an excessive amount of empty organizing products (bins, containers, bags, or anything else that is used to hold things) causing clutter These products laying around not being used can add additional clutter to an already cluttered mess. Organize 1st then purchase organizing product.
- People like to use the word HOARDING or HOARDER, not realizing the psychological harm it can do to an individual. Just because someone might have a lot of clutter or might be disorganized doesn’t make them a Hoarder. Clutter can be created by an individual having a very busy lifestyle, it can be situational disorganization or chronic disorganized. The definition of Hoarding/Hoarder is: the compulsive purchasing, acquiring, searching, and saving of items that have little or no value. The behavior usually has serious effects—emotional, physical, social, financial, and even legal. A hoarder has persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions such as trash, newspapers, magazines, paper and plastic bags, and cardboard boxes. Is suspicious of other people touching possessions. Has obsessive thoughts about possessions: - Fear of running out of an item and needing it later. - Checks the garbage to see if an item was accidentally discarded. Also he or she may have - Loss of living space inside the home (no place to eat, sleep, or cook)
- Online buying and wholesale stores can lead to excessive buying which can lead to an individual becoming disorganized and cluttered. THINK LESS IS MORE
- Busy lives, no routines, and disorganized home = stressed out children, which can equal to children having multiple meltdowns, backtalk, disrespect, and misbehaving.
- Many people are afraid to ask for Help or too embarrassed to ask for help. Clutter= stressful, loneliness,depression, loss of time & money. HELP= success, happiness, extra time, and freeing!
- It’s not as bad as one would think. Many people describe their clutter worse than it really is when speaking with me on the phone. As organizer I provide patience, compassion and experience to get the person through the process. You can tackle disorganization one pile or one small corner at a time.
- Everything needs a home. Before you decide to buy more things decide where these items will go. Put systems in place to help maintain organized spaces.
- Time management =success in staying organized. Take 5-10 minutes every day p keep things organized. Take 30 minutes a week to see if there are things that can be eliminated/tossed away. Take 1 hour a month to organize a different room in your house/office/garage.
- Do Not Throw Out Anyone Else Stuff Without Asking! This is especially true for a hoarder. You might think you’re helping but you are actually causing mistrust and resentment.
- Meeting so many fabulous and wonderful people. Having amazing and appreciative clients and family members of clients! I love to watch my clients grow. Listening to each client unique stories.
Thank You for All the Amazing Years!
July is the perfect time for a mid-summer reset. You don't have to organize your entire home in one weekend—small, intentional projects can make a big difference and help you enjoy the rest of the season. 01 Refresh the Entryway Put away winter leftovers, donate shoes no one is wearing, and create a convenient place for sunscreen, bug spray, hats, and beach bags. 02 Tackle the Garage Group similar items together, remove broken or unused equipment, and create designated storage zones with labeled bins and shelving. 03 Refresh Your Pantry Check expiration dates, organize snacks, and create grab-and-go stations to make summer meals and outings easier. 04 Simplify Kids' Spaces Donate outgrown clothes, rotate toys, and clear away school papers to prepare for a fresh start in the fall. 05 Prepare for Fall Early Whether you're planning a move, downsizing, helping aging parents, or getting your home ready to sell, a little preparation now will make fall much less stressful.
Summer is finally here! With school ending, vacations beginning, graduation celebrations, and more time spent at home, June is the perfect month to create a calmer, more organized space. A little planning now can make your entire summer feel less stressful and more enjoyable. 01 Declutter Before Summer Activities Begin Focus on entryways, mudrooms, kitchen counters, playrooms, and garages. 02 Create a Summer Command Center Keep calendars, camp schedules, vacation plans, and important contacts in one place. 03 Prepare Guest Spaces Clear clutter, refresh linens, and create a welcoming space for summer visitors. 04 Tackle One Small Project at a Time Choose one space such as a pantry, linen closet, or bathroom cabinet and finish it completely. 05 Plan Ahead for Upcoming Moves Summer is one of the busiest moving seasons. Early planning reduces stress and saves time.
Hello friends, When the calendar flips to January, we’re suddenly flooded with possibilities of fresh starts, clean slates, and promises to ourselves that this is the year we’ll finally get organized. Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating systems that make your life easier, calmer, and more intentional. 1. Start with on small space Instead of tackling the whole house, choose a single drawer, a nightstand, or a pantry shelf. Small wins create momentum. 2. Set realistic, measurable goals Replace 'Get organized' with specific, achievable goals. 3. Do a quick purge of everyday clutter Spend 10 minutes collecting items you no longer need. Immediate relief! A visual timer helps. See link below for a timer recommendation: https://a.co/d/jjDKhoB 4. Create homes for your most-used items A home for everything keeps chaos away. 5. Simplify your daily routines Prep the night before. Make mornings calmer. 6. Embrace the ‘One In/ One Out’ rule Maintain clutter-free spaces all year. 7. Use Visual Systems Labels, clear bins, color coding - especially helpful for kids and busy families. Kids do well with pictures and word labels. Link for products below: https://a.co/d/8uFMLzw 8. Schedule your organizing time If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. Consistence is key! 9. Ask for help when you’re overwhelmed Support accelerates success! 10. Celebrate progress, not perfection Every organized drawer is a success! Here’s to a simpler, lighter, more organized year ahead! Life Simplified is here to help you every step of the way!