Last night I was going through graded schoolwork and tests that my school-aged kids have brought back home. I was created a big recycle-pile next to me, but I still check in with my kids once in a while to make sure they know we are getting rid of things. One of my 12 year […]
declutter
Saving Little Johnny’s Artwork Forever {Organizing Memory Boxes}
Remember when you were growing up and your parents would sit you down to show you their schoolwork from when they were kids and you’d laugh and cry together and have the best time ever? Yeah, maybe not. Oh, and I think saving a big bin each year for each child of all their school […]
The Painless Way Of Purging Closets
You should love all the clothes in your closet. All the stuff that you feel blah about is blocking you from seeing all the stuff you like! I shared this picture on Instagram, and you agreed: you want a party in your closet! Let’s Make it Easy If you’re having a tough time trimming down your […]
Decluttering With Children Underfoot
Normally clients find childcare for their kids while I help them (not that they have to for my sake, but they want to make the most of the time they’re paying me for), so my experience decluttering with children underfoot is formed by cleaning and decluttering with my four kids and what I hear from […]
Saying Goodbye to Sentimental Items {Even ones that Spark Joy}
This is a tricky message to write, but necessary. When it comes to sentimental items, only the person with sentimental feelings can make the final decision to keep or let go. I’ve taught many clients about how to let go, but I’ve never made a decision for anyone about what to keep. Strange things can […]
Surviving Decluttering As A Couple
Even when we understand from an intellectual view that our stuff is just stuff, it can be difficult to fight our emotional ties to it. When you add the additional emotions and dynamics between a couple, decluttering can be even more complex, full of negotiations and compromises. <Now imagine angels singing in the background while […]
Decluttering: What To Do With The Good Stuff {Including: How To Use Leftover Shipping Boxes}
Next week will start our 5th Declutter Challenge. By now, I believe I’ve heard all the excuses! While there are very real life events that stop decluttering progress, some challenges can be worked around. We could simplify Decluttering down to this: we get rid of an item by trashing or donating it. You’re sure to […]
Depression and Your Messy House
In a few-ish days, I’m going to be announcing all the details for the 5th Annual Declutter Challenge. As I prepare the materials for the challenge, I’ve got clutter and mess on my brain. I’m not a psychologist or a trained counselor, but I’ve had a lot of hands-on experience working with my organizing clients. […]
Balance Is A Myth
There is a question I get asked a lot – and I never quite know how to answer it honestly. I work really hard to keep my life and my house running smoothly, but inevitably it may still look easy from the outside looking in or it may even appear to run more perfectly than […]
Guiding Children to Declutter
Children come with all sorts of different organizing pre-sets. I have four children, and they all have a wildly different approach to helping around the house, finishing chores, keeping their own spaces tidy, and getting rid of things they don’t need or want anymore. They all have the same mother and father, and have had […]