Finances in a Time of Crisis (From the Archive)
I originally published this blog article in 2020 when a lot of people were struggling with the ramifications of governments telling people who could and couldn’t work. That may not be a current problem but there are still many people who are struggling to make ends meet each month. If you’re one of those people, I’ve revived the tips below for you.
"Go Clean Your Room!"
Teaching your kids how to tidy a space is like teaching them how to ride a bike or how to read; it takes time and practice and lots of little lessons that eventually make up the big picture. Learning to tidy and take care of their own space is an important life skill that builds independence, confidence, and responsibility, and helps create a calm environment for them to thrive in.
Client Spotlight: LC
LC found that once she got started and was able to prove to herself that she could get each document done in approximately 5 minutes, the daunting task no longer felt too large to complete. Over the course of a week, working for 30 minutes most days, she was able to cut her backlog in half!
Get Ready for Winter: Organizing Your Closets for Winter
Swapping out your seasonal clothes and organizing your winter clothing and gear will eliminate a whole lot of wardrobe frustration this winter. The cold weather and snow can be a real pain, but finding your sweaters, warmest jacket, and favorite wool hat doesn’t have to be.
Get Ready for Winter: Organizing Your Home for Cold Weather
With a little proactiveness, the transition to winter can be easy and you can be stress-free in the face of unpredictable weather. Organized storage and emergency supplies mean you’re prepared for anything, from a snow day to a power outage.
Client Spotlight: Mr. & Mrs. B
This transformation couldn’t have happened without our clients’ trust and dedication. They enthusiastically took part in the sorting and embraced labeling and rearranging their storage systems, and were real troopers when hard decisions came up.
6 Brain Hacks to Kickstart Your Organizing Project
Anyone who has ever lived in a cluttered home and then finally gotten it organized will tell you what a difference it has made to their well-being. A clutter-free environment reduces stress and anxiety while promoting productivity. Remember, home clutter can have a direct impact on mental clutter; when your space is messy, your brain has trouble focusing, thinking clearly, and feeling at ease! An organized home also eliminates the dreaded “I’ll get to it later.” piles that collect dust (making allergies worse), while making cleaning a faster, easier task. Let’s not forget, having an organized space saves you money, too!
Your Kitchen: Decluttering and Organizing for Efficiency
The kitchen can be a challenging space to organize and keep clutter-free. It’s often a hub of activity, contains hundreds of small items, and its abundant flat surfaces tend to collect debris. A decluttered kitchen will save you time, reduce your stress load, and make cooking a joy (or at least less of a chore). As professional organizers, we’ve transformed countless kitchens into functional spaces. Here, we’ll share some tips to help you declutter yours for maximum functionality.
School Year, Sorted: How to Organize Your Home for Academic Success
Back-to-school season is here, and it’s time to trade the chaos of summer for the chaos of new schedules, new supplies, and new organization requirements. Even though it probably feels like a hassle and you don’t think you have the time, by carving out an hour or two to get things in order and spruce up your kids’ spaces now, you can set them up for a successful school year. Here’s how to get started.
Resetting Your Space
When I set up the room, I had assigned drawers and baskets for specific items, but I realized some spots weren’t working, especially in the cabinet, and I was trying to fit too many different things on one shelf. I pulled everything out, reorganized, and found two bags worth of things I could donate, which gave me more room to actually see what I have and use it!
Streamlining Your Budget for Clarity and Savings
An organized budget gives you control over your money and peace of mind. When I get stressed about things outside of my control, I review and adjust my budget because it’s something that’s under my complete control, and it gives me a sense of power over the outcome. It’s like decluttering a chaotic room—every choice you make can lead to a calmer result. Whether you’re tackling credit card debt, student loans, or saving for the future, a streamlined budget is the first step to achieve your goals. Get started today and enjoy the clarity that comes with a clutter-free budget.
Taming Your Financial Clutter
Financial clutter can be just as overwhelming as an overflowing closet. Unfortunately, because discussing finances is often seen as taboo, many people were never taught how to manage their finances in an organized and clutter-free way. Having clear financial systems is important because it empowers individuals to take control of their money.
The Spring Seasonal Wardrobe Switch
Start your seasonal switch with a clear plan. Set aside a dedicated day or two to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Be careful not to get started too early in the season; April is too early, even if there are a few warm days. Mid to late May is best. Begin by emptying your closet and drawers completely—this gives you a blank slate to assess your wardrobe. Sort items into four piles: keep, donate, trash, and pack away.
Tackling Organization and Spring Cleaning
A well-organized home not only looks great but also reduces stress, saves time, and creates a functional living space. With a clear plan and a touch of elbow grease, you can transform your home for spring. Here’s how to approach your spring cleaning while prioritizing organization.
Organizing Challenges of Old New England Homes
From tiny, odd-shaped closets to damp and moldy basements, the challenges of these spaces require creative solutions to make the best use of the storage without compromising the home’s charm.
The Illusion of Cleanliness: What Visitors Really See
So, what are my guests actually seeing? It’s the openness: the bare countertops, the spacious shelves, the floors that hold furniture and nothing else. They notice that the living room is a living room, not a storage unit or makeshift office. The kitchen is for cooking, not a dumping ground for mail and half-dead plants. This functional use of space creates a look that reads as “clean,” even if a close inspection might reveal some shepherd dust or drool.
An Organized Home Office
Creating and maintaining a clutter-free, organized home office isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about having a space where you can focus and complete tasks efficiently. Let’s explore why this matters, how to achieve it, and how to keep it that way.
Navigating Disorganization in Shared Spaces: A Guide to Domestic Harmony
Living with another person can sometimes feel like a comedy where the punchline involves stepping on a Lego or losing the TV remote in a sea of clutter. But fear not! Navigating disorganization in shared spaces doesn't have to be a painful disaster.
Make the Most of Waiting Time: 4 Ways to Organize Your Tech
We’ve all been there: you’re waiting in line, at the doctor’s office, repair shop, or in the carpool pickup lane. Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media or getting frustrated by the wait, why not seize the moment to declutter your technology? Here are four simple tasks you can tackle on your smartphone or tablet during those idle minutes—plus five potential benefits you’ll reap from organizing while you wait.
Making Your Organizing Goals More Realistic
Setting goals to get organized is common, especially when you’ve been struggling with disorganization for years. Despite best intentions, you may find yourself stuck due to unrealistic expectations and inadequate planning.