The ‘Good Box’ Dilemma: How to Declutter Boxes and Let Go of Boxes (and Other Items)

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good box dliemma

There’s a dilemma that shows up in so many homes I work in. It happens in my house too. It’s the “good box” problem. A sturdy, clean, perfectly sized box arrives at your door. Maybe it held something you ordered. Maybe it’s just the right depth, or it has a lid, or the cardboard feels just a little thicker than usual. And suddenly, it’s no longer just a box. It’s a good box. Do you recycle it or keep it?

The Thought Process Behind the “Good Box”

The hesitation isn’t really about the box itself. It’s about what it could be.

  • “This would be perfect for storage.”
  • “I could use this for organizing later.”
  • “What if I need to ship something?”
  • “It feels wasteful to throw this away.”

 

The Hidden Cost of Keeping It

Keeping one good box is not a problem. However, you keep more than one good box. They stack in closets, corners of the garage, or attics. Before long, what started as a practical decision becomes visual clutter and decision fatigue.  Not only are these decisions to be made, but the boxes are also collecting dust mites and hiding potential issues like water damage. Before long you have too many boxes.

The Reality Check

Here’s the simple question you need to ask yourself.  If you needed a box tomorrow, could you get one easily? The answer is almost always yes. Boxes are one of the most accessible items we have. They come into our homes regularly. Stores give them away. Neighbors have them. Deliveries keep arriving. Keeping a large supply “just in case” usually isn’t necessary—it’s just a bad decision that could be viewed as preparedness.

A More Intentional Approach

Instead of keeping every “good” box, make a decision and set up a rule.  Keep a pre-determined number of boxes. This one-time decision eliminates decision fatigue and clutter!

For those with ADHD, this is especially helpful. Having a pre-made decision removes the need to rethink every single box. Fewer decisions = less overwhelm, less clutter, and more mental energy for the things that truly matter. Taking this approach reduces your cognitive load and increases your cognitive freedom.

Think Bigger

The “good box” decision is really about something bigger that pulls from our sense of uncertainty. You want to be prepared and responsible in any “just in case” scenario. That includes famously overstocked items in your home, such as toilet paper or pantry foods. Create intentional choices about what is enough, have a specific spot to store those items, and follow through on routines that keep your intentions in line with your organization. Start small with one established rule and then go big with your plan to thrive in your space.

Pour Yourself A Cup of Ambition

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dream more

In honor of 9 – 25 day 

 

We love you Dolly! I love how much possibility is packed into these simple words. Life can get busy. Between work, family, responsibilities, and the everyday tasks that fill our days, it can be easy to focus on what needs to get done rather than what truly matters to us. But what if getting organized isn’t just about creating a tidy home or a better schedule? What if it’s about creating space for the life you want to live and the peace you crave?

Dream More

Give yourself permission to dream. What would you love to make time for? What have you been putting off because life feels too busy? What have you kept you from spending time on the order you crave? Your dreams don’t have to be big. They can be as simple as reading more, spending time with family, starting a creative project, or finally tackling something that has been on your mind.

Learn More

Stay curious. Learning can happen at any age and in so many ways. Try something new, read a book, listen to a podcast, take a class, or  learn more about yourself and what helps you thrive.

Care More

Care for the people and things that matter most, that is including on yourself. Organization can help reduce the mental clutter that makes it harder to be present. When your surroundings, routines, and responsibilities are more manageable, you may have more energy to give to what you value.

Be More

Most importantly, be more you. That’s the real gift of Dolly. Organization is about creating systems and spaces that support the person you are and the life you want to live.

 

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

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In your decluttering, organizing and productivity journey, your inner dialogue has a profound impact. We create outer change in being aware of challenges and taking the steps to ensure clarity.  Our inner dialogue will help us as we change and to maintain the changes we are making. I ask my clients to chronicle their journeys by creating these value statements for themselves. Their statements might resonate with you. See what you think.

In the case of organizing

It is more important to have a sense of peace rather than the regret of throwing out something.

Letting go might have a sense of regret. That regret could be short lived or something you remember you lost. It is peace that comes from not living in a cluttered environment that provides long lasting emotional impact.

 

Life interrupting events will not derail me.

Life happens and you respond, likely as a supporter of someone else or something big. Respond accordingly and then get back to routines. You may be detained in routines, but not derailed.

 

Okay present Susie, how will future Susie feel or deal with this?

Putting anything off you dread will not make it easier. Be in the moment and take action now for your future self.

In the case of productivity

I know my lane and I want to play in my lane.

Knowing your strengths and where you do your best work is empowering. When you know your “lane,” you can feel confident in your role and your work.

 

Stick with the plan.

It is tempting to bypass boundaries we have established. Stick with the work plan and the outcome will be best. And, you will be less stressed if you follow your plan.

 

What was the most important things that aligned with my mission today?

Keeping the big picture keeps you aligned. Prioritizing and acting on what is the most important task or project for the day keeps you productive.

 

Build a bigger team.

This statement is my reminder that when I get overwhelmed or feel underprepared, a bigger team makes everything better.  That means I will seek out a person with more skill in whatever area I need help.

 

Do you have a mantra for your inner dialogue to keep you on track with your organizing and productivity journey? Try a few options to see what fits you.

How My Word of the Year Made a Difference 2020 Expand

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Every year I focus on my Word of the Year. This year my word is Expand.  I never know what is to come each year as my word of the year guides me. When I feel offtrack, I refer back to my word to guide me and be a point of reference in what I want to accomplish. In 2020 I was thinking about “expand” specifically in my professional niche, that being to serve more of those with adhd and learn more about adhd.

I learned so much more.

You never know where you will expand and what new thoughts, places and people will be a part of this growth.  I am grateful for these ways I have expanded personally and professionally.

Personally

  • My time with family expanded more than I could imagine. At the outset of COVID, we created our quaranteam.  We were quarantining as a family to keep safe and support each other.  This expanded to our Walking Club. Each morning family would gather to walk and talk. We processed our thoughts about everything. This cocoon helped us especially in the early months of the pandemic.
  • My focus on health expanded. Health has been a high priority.  With COVID I was able to add time to walk daily.  Its remarkable the mental health benefits as a result. If you want to be a positive person, walk daily. Being in nature helps us set and remember priorities, keeps us keep in mind all the little things around us and brings out the best in us.
  • Being married for 37 years, we have always had date nights. This year confirmed that I am truly married to my best friend. We have spent more time together this year and I am forever grateful.

Professionally

  • I expanded my virtual organizing and coaching practice in working with clients with adhd throughout the country. I was able to share my love of organizing and productivity with zoom conference presentations. I was a partner and a witness to amazing transformations in family’s homes and lives.
  • Time during quarantine offered me the opportunity to further my education. I virtually attended hundreds of hours of education and earned two specialist certificates.  I listened to countless podcasts to learn from experts as they shared information on adhd, organizing, productivity and leadership.  It has broadened who I am and what I think.
  • My love of connections led to expand into a new mastermind group. These 6 women support each other and those in our industry.  In meeting weekly we have partnered with each other through this uncertain time offering ideas in so many ways.

 

When I thought of ways to expand as I entered 2020, I thought of diving deeper into my professional niche of working with clients with adhd.  Here is what happened in addition. Joy, love, connection, professional fulfullment, education and a strong sense of being where I belong despite uncertainty.

 

 

Holiday Quotes

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sprinkle kindness like confetti

 

 

 

holiday reflections

 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday! 

Counting your blessings. Thankful. Grateful.

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thankful. grateful

 

Each morning as I take my walk, it’s my time to be thankful and grateful. Time in nature gives me time to think about the blessings in my life, including the beauty of what’s around me, how my business and life have come together, and the blessings for those around me.  As I return home, I feel positive. I am ready to start my day with purpose and focus.

 

Why keep your Thankful.Grateful. list organized

Those of us who are thankful enjoy a more positive, vital and optimistic life.  We have lower levels of depression and stress.  We support others with our kindness, compassion and feel good about helping others.  Our focus is on people and relationships rather than stuff.  We feel we are tracking and progressing towards our personal and professional goals.

 

How to create your Thankful.Grateful. list

There are many ways to count your blessings.

  • A journal is a capture tool that keeps your thoughts in one place. A nightly writing time gives you a wrap up to your day and a great night’s rest.
  • A blessings jar, placing slips of paper with a note, in a jar all year, keeps your blessings together to share on a holiday.
  • Share with another who you are thankful.grateful for her/his part in your life.  Openly write a thank you note, send a text, or ask to meet to share your thankfulness.
  •  Express gratitude for those who serve and help you. Go to the manager of your local shop and share how an employee has gone the extra mile for you.  Complete a survey online and mention the employee by name.
  • Kick off your meeting with a thank you to one of your employees or members.
  • Thank volunteers in your association or group with a small gift card and note expressing for what you are grateful.
  • Keep a list of  your top 25 items in an app in your phone.  All year long populate this list to reflect on what you are grateful for all year.
  • More than any way to make this list, it’s most important to start your list.

My Thankful.Grateful list

It’s just a start for me. These are my overall items on my list, empcompassing how I live my life. I keep this in my Notes app on my phone.  I love referring to it when I want to remember why I do what I do.

  1. Family near and far
  2. Meaningful work with purpose
  3. My clients. Brilliant, creative, resourceful, trusting
  4. Kingwood (my city)
  5. Education
  6. Opportunities to be lead an amazing association
  7. Opportunities to be a contributor in my community
  8. Life experiences with concerts and travel

I hope you will share your list with me. I love knowing what we are all thankful. grateful.

Snow Day

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Snow Day

On January 15, we were treated to a rare delight in southeast Texas. It was snow!  It was snow that started as the pinging noise of sleet and continued in fluffy white flakes through the afternoon.  The weather gave us a rare snow day in Houston.  Now the decisions of how to spend a day at home.

 

Snow Day as Work Day

In a completely unscientific Facebook poll, most of us opted for getting ahead and getting organized.  Posts ranged from paperwork (so unfun!) to organizing closets.  Most of us took the day to get ahead on projects we had let lag.  That was me as well!  I loved having a productive day.  It seemed far less difficult that other days to be productive since it was “free day.”  For those who chose a work day, I congratulate you on your organizing and productivity!

 

Snow Day as Fun Day

Half way through the “blizzard”, it was time for me to spend time out and about. I could not resist the opportunity.  Having time outside was a great way for me to think about the kids running and dashing, the real reason we identify as a snow day.  I remember just how important an unscheduled day makes me. It builds my energy and engages me in more thinking. For those who chose a fun day, I congratulate you on seizing the moment for fun!

 

Snow Day as Possibility Day

We may not have the specific opportunity for a snow day for a while, however you can think about the possibilities. I love the idea of planning a snow day!  What could your snow day bring to you? Could you invent a snow day for yourself, keeping you and your kiddos thinking?  What would the possibilities be?  I encourage you to set aside an annual snow day to rejuvenate and relax.

 

Learn more about the  possibilities here!

 

Words Matter: My Organizing and Productivity Mantras

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organizing and productivity

 

 

For over 15 years, I have been sharing organizing mantras with my clients. These come out when we are working together on organizing and productivity.  These also come together as I create presentations and work with virtual clients.  These come from years of experiences, in a variety of settings, for organizing and productivity.  I am sharing these here to help you on your organizing and productivity journey too.

 

Less Stuff = Less Stress

All your stuff takes a toll on your. You have to take care of it, put it away, make sure you have it, and make sure it works when you need it.  That’s a lot of care for stuff.  The more stuff we have the more stress we have on just how to take care of it.  It’s hard to do, but less stuff means you have less stress.

 

A little structure goes a long way

Structure is the way you set up something. It could be the way you set up a space, like a desk or a kitchen, or a day, like your schedule and calendar.  It’s the way that we establish what’s around us that matters most.  The impact of structure is that you set yourself up for success.  The reason a little structure makes a difference is to keep you nimble.  A little structure keeps you within a good working routine and complete chaos.

 

People matter, stuff doesn’t

Recently at home we had a small accident.  There was sadness and, well, some blame.  As I said to my family, people matter, stuff doesn’t.  It’s a reminder that truly relationships are the most important part of our lives.  The stuff we have either adds or diminishes relationships.  Let’s make people matter the most.  That’s not to say that taking care of your stuff isn’t important, however its important to keep it all in perspective.

 

Plan your work and work your plan

Planning in itself is not enough.  It’s getting started and working your plan that makes the difference.

Keep it simple sweetie

If you tend to over complicate and make work too complicated, this is the mantra for you.  It’s about choosing the most simple process to get the results  you want.

 

Hugs and Happy Organizing

Hugs and happy organizing is how I sign my success notes for my clients.  It’s that happy feeling because you are more organized and productive.  Check out lots of before and after successes with my clients in this Hugs and Happy Organizing category of Ellen’s Blog.

 

I’d love to hear the mantras that inspire you to be more organized and productive.  Add a comment here!

 

 

people matter stuff doesn't

 

 

 

 

Intentional, organized living

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intentional living is key to all of us

 

 

“Intentionality is the linchpin to living well.” – St Francis de Sales

 

When I work with clients, it’s their intentions that we set as goals.  We are finding ways to make the future what they intend. The future that my clients hope for is uncluttered, productive and intentional. They want to live the life they imagined, free from clutter and distraction.  How do you turn that intention into your lifestyle?

Compelling reasons to act

There’s lots of good reasons, but do you have a compelling reason?  Intentional living requires the most compelling of reasons. It’s the reason to postpone a reward now, for your future self.  Adults and kids struggle with this.  (Have you heard of the Marshmellow experiment?)  Your personal compelling reason, the reason that stops  you from purchasing more, helps you let go of more and keeps your goal front and center is key.  People who believe their actions affect their destiny have a higher motivation.

 

Moving into action

To create the life they imagined, it’s moving from intention into action.  The decisions and choices my clients face are what we all often struggle with. Its different questions.  What do I do now to have the greatest impact on the future?  As you step back and take in the big picture of your intention to live well, what do you see and what would you like that to look like? What is a baby step you can take to move in the direction of your intention?  Choose one of these, or your own question, to help you get started.

 

When intentional living gets the most difficult

True integrity is doing the things that are harder in the moment. How do you stay on track?  Prevention with self care is the first step.  Self care includes eating healthy, getting good rest and exercising.  These self care steps build us up.   It’s easier to stay on target when you have gotten a good night’s rest.

 

Keep your intentional living upper most with small reminders each day.  To keep mindful, a mantra or saying, a medallion or disk you can hold, or a post it note can keep you on track with your intentions.

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