How Downsizing Simplifies Your Life and Maximizes Your Space

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There are times that your stuff overwhelms you and you are ready to have less. Downsizing isn’t only about moving to a smaller home. Choosing to downsize is about creating a life with fewer distractions, time for what matters most,  and focus on priorities. This might mean preparing for a move, reclaiming your living space, or simply having less to take care of in your home.  Here are some practical strategies to help you downsize with intention and ease.

Define Your Goals

Before you begin, clarify your why about downsizing. Are you looking to save money, reduce maintenance, or embrace a minimalist lifestyle? Having a clear vision will guide your decisions and keep you motivated throughout the process. Start a journal or notes about the reasons behind and the vision ahead.

Start Early

Downsizing is best approached as a marathon, not a sprint. Start well in advance to avoid feeling rushed. Starting early gives you the opportunity to work in mindful time segments. Begin by tackling one room or category at a time, such as clothing, books, or kitchenware.

Take Inventory

Empower your downsizing by creating an inventory of your belongings to assess what you own and what you truly need. This strategy keeps “just in case” out of the equation. Writing this out and seeing this on paper can be eye-opening and help you identify items that no longer serve a purpose. You will keep less as a result of this exercise.

Adopt a Space-First Mindset

Maybe you already know where you are headed next. Think about the size and layout of your future living space. Create a space guide to determine what will fit and what might need to be let go. Determine your move management plan in accordance with your downsizing.

 

If you are not sure, visualizing your new home can make the decision-making process easier. Keep notes about the spaces that will comprise your new dwelling and what each space will function as.  You might be dreaming of an art or hobby space and this visualization will make that a reality.

 

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Prioritize keeping items that are high-quality, multifunctional, or deeply meaningful. Let go of duplicates and things that have outlived their usefulness. Prioritizing is the key to having less.

 

Digitize Sentimental Items

For keepsakes that take up a lot of space, consider digitizing them. Scan photos, letters, and documents to preserve memories without the physical bulk. Take photos of physical items such as trophies and kid art to create a new keepsake that takes up less space and requires less storage.

 

Embrace the Emotional Journey

Downsizing can bring up emotions, especially when parting with sentimental items. Take time to reflect, honor the memories, and remind yourself of the benefits of simplifying. Remember that downsizing is about creating a life that aligns with your values and priorities.

In Honor of Get Organized Month: Simplify Your Space

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In honor of get organized month

 

Each year getting organized is one of the top three resolutions for the new year. Organizing, decluttering and maintenance are important for doing your best at home and work. There are many ways to focus your organizing for maximum impact. This focus often comes from a change happening in your home.

 

Decluttering

Decluttering is always a good idea, whether a change is coming or not. Decluttering is a favorite topic everyone shares because letting go of stuff empowers you. Those feelings of being overwhelmed are lessened by decluttering, seeing clear counters and feeling the energy of less to take care of.

 

Family Transitions

Family living is changing with the economy and the need for support. More families are creating a community within their four walls.These transitions happen when a family member loses a job, a medical situation occurs, a divorce happens or two families blend into one. Your home can be transformed to hold more people and less stuff. You may need to accomplish this change quickly and there are strategies to do this.

 

Downsizing

With the aging population, decluttering could be downsizing to move to a new space. You may choose a smaller home or an independent living arrangement. Downsizing can be unsettling in having to let go of so much in order to accomplish this change.

Thriving at home with your family

Most especially, with everyone being time pressured, the goals of maintaining your home are critical. Hacks and shortcuts to keep your home tidy always include having less stuff. Knowing how to equalize all the incoming items and letting go can be easier with simple strategies.

 

Over the next month, Ellen’s Blog will focus on each of these types of decluttering goals to help you overcome the challenges you face.

 

 

How to Boost Your Decluttering and Organizing this Fall (especially for those with ADHD)

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How to boost decluttering and organizing this fall

 

This year has been busy! Maybe you have not had time to declutter or organize this year because of family commitments, extra projects at work, or feeling overwhelmed. You are likely motivated but it seems overwhelming to get started. It may not be clear where to start.  Check out these ways to get started, keep going and finish up your decluttering and organizing. You will feel both productive and energized after you move forward.

 

  • Get motivated by visualizing your newly organized space. Keep hold of a strong “why” you are making this effort. These will help you get started and stay on task.
  • Start small by picking one area or one category. Choose a small space like a section of a closet, one drawer or one cabinet. Or choose to edit all shirts, all kitchen appliances or all office supplies.
  • Work in short bursts. Set a timer for 15 minutes and fill one bag to give away. Working in a small amount of time makes this time highly efficient and productive. Often 15 minutes of work leads to more time decluttering.
  • Make a plan.  Write an appointment with yourself to declutter. Break it into manageable chunks. A plan keeps you accountable and prioritizes this work.
  • Make it fun. There are lots of Spotify music lists and podcasts to listen to while decluttering. Have a fun beverage nearby to hydrate and work at your highest energy time.
  • Use post-it or large notes while you declutter and organize.  Your notes will be Donate, Distribute, and Trash. Be sure you can see those notes as you work.
  • Rely on your visual clues to organizing. The saying “out of sight is out of mind” is real. If you have too many of an item, that makes it hard to see it. Edit down to a manageable amount for storage and organizing.
  • Work with a clutter buddy. Your clutter buddy can be in person or virtual. Get on the phone or facetime with someone to help you make decisions as you declutter.
  • Limit distractions while you declutter. Keeping it easy to think and stay on task will make your time efficient.
  • Create a system. Every time you think twice about using an item, place it in the donate bag. That system will serve  you well in making the decision once.
  • Set rules that maintain your organization.  Clutter accumulates faster than we think. Create a rule that upholds your organizing. A rule might be only wear black to work. That way you limit incoming items. Make your rule easy to uphold with easy storage.
  • Use a checklist to make tasks manageable. A checklist helps you know what steps to take in order and keeps you from overthinking the project.
  • Finish strong with time to wrap up. Get items in your car to donate. Call a donation pick-up to come to your space. Write down your successes to remember for your next decluttering session.
  • Celebrate small wins with small rewards. That might be a bubble bath with a magazine or a shout out on social media.

Let’s clear the clutter and create the serene home you want!

Natural Disaster Guide: Be Prepared and Organized After a Natural Disaster

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disaster guide

 

Houston had a terrifying natural disaster last week, on a day that seemed like a regular day with lots of weather. That followed an emergency just 2 weeks before from another weather alert. Emergency preparedness is no joke all year long, not only during Hurricane Season. We have lots of lists of how to be prepared for an emergency. What do we do after that emergency happens?

Preparing a disaster kit

A disaster kit can be useful no matter what situation occurs. The kit contents can be stored in a water-tight bin. Being organized with your kit gives you peace of mind in the event of a difficult situation.  The best case is to gather the supplies this week and review the contents once a year. The American Red Cross recommends you have the following basic supplies in your kit however you may want to add more items depending on your home and your situation.

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day
  • Non-perishable food like canned or dry foods
  • A flashlight
  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription medications and medical items
  • A multi-purpose tool that includes a screwdriver, a knife and pliers
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items such as wet wipes
  • Copies of personal documents like medication lists, medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies
  • Cellphone with chargers and/ or a portable battery bank
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash

 

Contacting others

We are all in contact with our families. However, during an emergency, keep in contact as much as possible. Gather your neighbors’ contact information and keep everyone’s information on your cell phone. Group text streams and social media are reliable, although family members are eager to hear your voice with a phone call. You can share on a family text thread on text to share news and updates. Staying in contact keeps everyone aware of what’s happening.

 

Contacting the appropriate agencies and insurance people after a natural disaster

Be organized with the insurance company app on your devices. It lists important numbers, ways to connect online, and details of your coverage. Get in touch with your own insurance company right away to make a claim. Inspect your home for structural damage, gas leaks, water damage, or electrical issues. Be sure it is safe to re-enter if you have evacuated. Document the damage with photos, videos, and detailed notes for insurance claims. Save all insurance information digitally for documentation and follow-up. You can seek disaster assistance from local, state, and federal agencies such as FEMA. Visit the FEMA website or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). Complete the online application form with details about the damage incurred. It is going to take time. The disaster recovery process involves a series of coordinated steps to help individuals and communities return to normalcy after a disaster.

Supporting others during a disaster

Houston is a major city where sections of the city may not be equally affected by a natural disaster. There are ways you can support others during a natural disaster. Offer your home as temporary shelter if it’s safe and you have the space. Share resources like food, water, blankets, and first aid supplies with those in need. Ensure your neighbors, especially the elderly, are safe and have what they need. Maintain a calm and positive outlook to help reduce anxiety and panic among those around you. Equally important is support for your mental health during a crisis.

 

Stay informed

Be prepared with the necessary items to stay informed from local television and radio stations. A battery-operated or hand-crank radio is invaluable in an emergency. Keep portable power banks charged and ready to recharge your mobile devices. Solar chargers are another option for keeping devices charged when conventional power sources are unavailable. Portable generators can keep your refrigerator running for days. Disasters unfold over days. Be alert and continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated. Ongoing information about the situation will help you stay on track in your response.

 

Take care of yourself

Stressful times require extra self-care. Be sure to keep your routines of meals and bedtimes as rituals as much as possible. Accept help as it is offered with the idea of paying things forward later. With more rest, nutrition, and hydration, you will be more resilient.

 

We are here to support each other during emergencies. Keep this list where you can find it for reference if needed. A plan is priceless when emergencies happen.

 

How to End the School Year Strong

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end the school year

 

The end of the school year is a whirlwind of activities, fun, and stuff. With more activities going on, more fun being had, and more stuff coming in from school, we feel overwhelmed with organizing.  It takes a new mindset for transition and new strategies to reset your space. Check out these three tips to end the school year strong.

Create a mindset focusing on transition and reset

The month of May is just like the month of December with so much to do. Summer activity has already started with the swim team, holidays, and kids at home. Have a mindset of resetting between the busy school year and the upcoming summer fun. Set aside 2 or 3 days to transition between school ending and summer officially starting. That is when you have several days to reset with relaxation. Return to your regular bedtime and regain your momentum. Your energy will return after a few days to have the brain power to reset your home.

 

Wrap up end of the school year or spring projects

The last 10% of any project is the hardest part. That includes wrapping up the school year or spring projects you have started. Returning items to Amazon or other retailers, pulling together or discarding remnants of a project, or reviewing paperwork might be the last 10% of the project. During this time focus on straightening up the space and letting go of extra stuff that has accumulated through the spring.

 

Take time for gratitude and reflection

In busy times we often forget that time spent in gratitude and reflection yields big learning moments. During the last week of school, set aside time to write a note to those who have been a part of the school year and share what has been most valuable. Others are grateful for your sharing what meant the most to you. In a week or so after school ends, sit together during a family dinner and talk about the year.

  • What hard things did you do or learn?
  • What motivated you the most?
  • What was the best thing that happened?

These times of reflection will build positivity, resilience, and strength for you and your family.

Create an end-of-spring ritual for yourself

If you are beyond school years, it is also a time to reflect on goals. Too often time and seasons pass quickly. A quarterly time for reflection uplifts you and resets where you are in accomplishing your personal and professional goals.

How to Keep Organized With No Time at Home

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organize with no time at home

 

During the month of May, it is not surprising how little time we spend at home. We are attending end-of-year activities, recitals, and more. It is now marked “Maycember” because of all the extra activities. I have noticed that having no time at home causes chaos with families. Laundry, meal prep, and organizing falters.  Check out these strategies to help you stay organized despite your lack of time.

 

Make a list of 15-minute tasks

Micro-steps are the winning strategy during busy times. Perhaps you think that list will be too long to accomplish. However, in reality, those are the most valuable tasks that are being accomplished. If there is a longer task, break it into more manageable tasks. If you are hosting a party, attending a graduation, or any other additional activity, use all your 15-minute time blocks to focus on your priority.

Outsource meal prep

Busy times call for resourcefulness. Outsource meal prep by ordering prepared meals and snacks. Local foodies share resources on social media, grocery stores have prepared meals at the front of the store, and local family restaurants offer family meals to go. Write down your plan so you know what you have available. Post a list on the refrigerator and freezer for your family to know what is ready. Make a routine of ordering on Sunday to be ready for the week ahead.

Focus on using what you have

Clutter builds up big time at this time of year. Extra Amazon and retail orders “just in case” come in quickly and pile up. It feels easier to order than to find your stuff in your home. Focus on ordering less and using what you have to accomplish the same end. Extra ordering at this time of year results in more expenses too.

Build a support team

Having a support team at this time of year makes life better. That support team starts with a cleaning team. It is a joy to have someone else take responsibility for dusting, vacuuming, and more when you are not available. Find local resources through referrals. Other support includes a lawn person, window cleaner, and power washing person.

Focus and reward routines

Use the little time at home you have wisely with routines. That might be an evening and Sunday reset time when all items get returned to homes. You will be more organized overall with less out on the counter. Establish a weekly administrative time to pay bills and go through the mail. Nothing lapses in payments or completed paper work if you have a time set to do this work. You might need an incentive for your routines. That incentive would be a reward that speaks to you, such as reading, crafts, or treats. Building that routine starts with visual reminders such as a chart or auditory reminders like an alarm.

 

Enjoy the moment

Family times, graduations, recitals, and other May events come around once a year. Give yourself permission to enjoy this time with others. Let go of your perfectionism around organizing and productivity and enjoy the moment. Busy times like these are what make memories for you and your family.

4 Key Areas of an Organized Home for Families with ADHD

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4 key areas of an organized home for families with adhd

 

Creating and maintaining an organized living space for families with ADHD is key to peace of mind. Areas to help with organization and execution are a landing strip, command center, dedicated home office, and quiet space. Each area helps you focus, prioritize, and work effectively on your family’s needs.  These key areas are important for storage too.

Landing Strip:

A landing strip is a designated area near the entrance of your home where essential items like keys, wallets, and bags can be placed upon entry. It serves as a quick and organized drop-off point and jumping-off spot for you and your family.

  • Install hooks or shelves for items that need to be hung or stored.
  • Use a bench with baskets for each person’s shoes.
  • Routinely declutter each season to keep it fresh and ready to use.

Command Center and Central Charging Station:

A command center and central charging station are the spot for paper and technology. Place this spot in a high-traffic area like the kitchen for maximum effectiveness.

  • Consider creating a centralized hub for organizing schedules, to-do lists, and important information.
  • Set up a charging station for electronic devices to avoid scattered chargers.
  • Use a bulletin board or digital organizer for reminders and calendars.
  • Routinely meet together with a family meeting to update your events and activities. Have weekly administrative time to work on the actions that are part of family living like paying bills, creating to-do lists, and managing meal prep.

Dedicated Home Office:

A dedicated home office provides a focused and organized space for work, study, or hobbies. Your family can work together in this space for homework while you catch up on email, pay files, or sort paper.

  • Have ample desks or seating for multiple users in this space. Working as body doubles you will be more productive.
  • Choose a space with a window or add additional lighting.
  • Utilize organizers like desktop trays and cable management solutions.
  • Employ vertical storage like bookcases with decorative bins for storing crafts and office supplies.
  • Routinely reset this space by clearing flat surfaces.

Quiet Spot – Reading Nook:

Individuals can get overwhelmed and overstimulated by too much noise, energy, or movement. Create a quiet spot or reading nook to recharge and promote mental clarity.

  • Use comfortable cushions or a chair.
  • Include soft lighting and calming decor.
  • Add bookshelves for storage. Use magazine baskets or sorters for reading material.
  • Routinely refresh this room with flowers or add a diffuser for a soft scent.

Creating and maintaining an organized living space for families with ADHD transforms our homes into havens of order and tranquility. These four most important areas make a positive impact on living life as a family with ADHD.

 

 

 

Spring Organizing for Busy Families: How to Get Organized Without the Stress

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spring organizing for families

 

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, the arrival of spring is a sign that it is time for organizing. However, with our busy schedules of work, school, and extracurricular activities, finding the time and energy to tackle this project can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips and time-saving strategies so busy families can streamline their efforts and achieve the goal of an organized home.

 

Create a plan

Before starting, take time to assess your priorities and set realistic goals. Identify the areas of your home that require the most attention and focus your efforts there. Break down the process into manageable tasks so that even with a packed schedule you can accomplish your goals. Typically the areas that need the most effort are bedrooms, kitchen, entryway, and garage. Create a manageable plan that fits into your routine. Whether you prefer to tackle one room at a time or dedicate a specific day of the week to organizing a structured plan will be a commitment to the goal.  Involve everyone in your family and assign age-appropriate tasks to share the workload and foster a sense of teamwork. Help everyone learn the skills of time management and organizing by working together and sharing the responsibility.

 

Declutter First

Clutter can quickly accumulate in busy households, making it difficult to clean and organize effectively. Before diving into deep cleaning tasks, take the time to declutter and purge unnecessary items from your home. Encourage family members to donate or discard items they no longer need or use, helping to create a more streamlined and clutter-free living environment.

 

Make organizing fun

With busy schedules, organizing often comes last in priority. The best way to overcome this is with a fun approach to reaching your goal. Look for opportunities to incorporate tasks with music and games. Tidying up with a playlist and assigning levels of accomplishment to decluttering can make everyone feel more engaged in the process. An example of gamification might be Level 1 trash pick up gets 5 points, Level 2 decluttering gets 10 points, and so on to reach a reward level that “unlocks” a prize.

 

Remember self-Care

It’s essential to prioritize self-care to have the energy to organize. Establish break times, stay hydrated, ask for help, and have healthy snacks.  Your goal will require spreading out tasks over several days or weeks to avoid exhaustion. Celebrate your progress along the way and reward yourself and your family for a job well done.

 

Spring organizing doesn’t have to be a source of stress for busy families. By setting realistic goals, creating a schedule, decluttering, and prioritizing self-care, you can tackle spring organizing confidence and ease. With a little planning and teamwork, you’ll have your home sparkling clean and organized in no time, with time to get outside and enjoy the season.

Spring Forward for Personal Growth

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spring forward for personal growth

 

Is it possible to use the change of clocks to move ourselves forward? “Spring forward” or the change to daylight savings time has become more of a challenge for all of us. We feel a sense of jet lag during the two weeks after we change the clock. Here are 5  tips to help us feel better and be more productive in the days ahead.

Plan an earlier bedtime

The change in the clock is something we can use to our benefit. Ease into the time change by starting your evening routines 30 minutes earlier. This is for us and our family. Turn your clocks ahead the Saturday in the later afternoon of Daylight Saving Time weekend to wake up to the proper new time and get an earlier bedtime that evening. The benefit of getting more rest won’t counterbalance the effect of the change, however, more rest is always a good thing! Keep this change of bedtime and create a routine to springboard for getting 7-8 hours of rest.

 

Benefit from longer evenings

The best perk about daylight saving time is the additional evening sunlight. Take advantage of this with an afternoon run, evening walk, or time outside. Creating an alternative to evening screen time benefits your sleep. Open your curtains once the sun rises and also spend time outdoors early in the day. Natural light in your space in the morning also aids in greater alertness. There are documented benefits of daylight for better rest and cognitive function.

 

Spring into better food choices

Spring into eating more plant-based, veggie options. Fresh veggies introduced at this season bring interest to the table. Focus your meal planning around veggies first, then proteins. Move toward fresh options that include spring vegetables. Reset your meal planning with options that start in the produce aisle.

 

Spring into household maintenance

Use this time marker to update your household responsibilities. That includes testing smoke alarms, replacing AC and heat filters, cleaning out gutters, or other annual household checks. This annual reminder for home maintenance saves money on repairs.

 

Spring into decluttering

As the clocks spring forward,  start your efforts to refresh our living spaces. Begin by selecting the simplest decluttering tasks to kickstart the process. Whether it’s tidying up a junk drawer, sorting through a stack of old magazines, or clearing out expired pantry items, starting with manageable tasks sets a positive tone for the larger decluttering journey ahead.

 

Embracing the opportunity for personal growth as the clocks spring forward offers more than just a chance to adjust to the shifting hours of daylight. It’s a powerful step towards cultivating a sense of renewal and efficiency in our lives. Make the time change a positive focus for your personal growth and success.