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.

Add Yourself to Your Holiday List with the Gift of Self-Care

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The holiday season is filled with family and friends. Would it be possible for you give yourself a gift this season by putting yourself on your holiday list with self-care?  It might be difficult to think about putting yourself first, but here are a few strategies that can make your holiday season easier and more joyful.

 

Set healthy boundaries first

The holiday season is a season of “yes” with holiday parties, gift giving, and family activities. Knowing when to say “enough” is your first step toward setting healthy boundaries. Make a list of all that is included in the holiday season and plan ahead on what will be most important to attend. By pre-planning your boundary, it is easier to say no when needed.  Happy boundaries are what empower us to do our best.

 

Abide by your foundations of self-care

Heathy habits are important to maintain during the holidays. Always prioritize a good night’s sleep so that you are ready to wrangle what’s coming at you. Grocery shop to keep healthy nutritious options ready to go. Add in a few extra steps to keep your mood jolly and your waistline trim

 

Routines rock

Maintain your and your kiddos’ schedules for everyone’s benefit. Routines help everyone feel in control and less anxious. Prepare for travel and company with a family meeting focusing on expectations. Reset routines as the holiday progresses to include extra rest and time to recuperate.

 

Self-care includes self-focus

Take time for the things that bring you joy. Have one joyful activity just for you once a day.  That could be a hot bath, a cup of hot cocoa, a brisk walk, or downtime to read. Alone time provides you time to regroup and re-energize.

 

Another aspect of self-focus is to concentrate on what makes YOU happy. How many times do you put others first? How important is it to make other’s happy? Asking yourself how to put yourself first is a work in progress and worthy of thought at this time of year.

 

Find joy in supporting others

So many around us are experiencing so much. Recently, Adam Grant wrote about “sonder,” the realization that everyone has a life as full and complex as your own. In realizing how much is going on around us, we can support others in many ways. Support of others brings joy to our souls in knowing that are helping and making a difference.

 

Embrace the season through your own self-care this holiday.

It’s Mary Poppins!

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Whether you “celebrate” Halloween or not, take time, notice the moment and find the joy in the everyday moments, occasional happenings, and times to gather with friends!

Making Time and Space for What’s Important and Joyful to You

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making time and space for what's important and joyful to you

 

Life has a funny way of throwing us off balance just when we think we’ve figured things out. For the longest time, my business tagline has been “Making time and space for what’s important to you.”  I recently attended a new conference overflowing with educational offerings and experiences. When I attend professional development events, I expect to learn. This weekend I learned more than I could imagine.

 

Setting the stage

As a Certified Professional Organizer, I enjoy saying I am an overachiever in professional development. I attend two conferences each year as well as many virtual events. These events focus on ADHD, organizing, and productivity. Speakers share their stories as well as strategies. Of course, I love it when a celebrity rock star in my own profession shares their story! I listened to a presentation about goal setting and time management from speaker Tonia Misvaer, CEO of Erin Condren. Tonia spoke from the heart about her passion for making a difference and how she plans her year and adheres to her goals. She mentioned that her true north star was feeling joy + experiencing meaning through organization and productivity. This made me think.

 

Joy + Meaning

I have read often about the importance of meaning and purpose in our lives. It is what motivates me every day in the work I do. Working as a certified professional organizer, I am grateful every day for experiencing and witnessing life-changing opportunities. I help people prioritize what is important.

 

When we focus on joy, in addition to meaning, we create moments that transcend all the elements around us. Experiencing joy improves our health, broadens our perspective, and increases our resilience. Our immune system is boosted. We feel more positive and have hope.

Creating order and feeling productive are in themselves joyful ways to approach the world you live in. My word of the year is re-imagine. I am taking the combination of all these elements forward this year as I reconnect with playfulness. Here are some other ways you and I can all begin to experience joy + meaning.

  • Embrace the idea that at times I may not know why I am exactly doing something, but it feels awesome. That is being open to plans changing, (some) surprises popping up and enjoying the moment, or turning an ordinary afternoon into sitting in the sunshine rather than at the computer.
  • Practicing mindfulness to fully experience fun. My mind is busy with thoughts as is your mind. Being in the present helps me slow down and savor joyful moments I might miss.

 

Choosing your fun

Too many times I ask my clients about their fun and they stare back at me like deer in the headlights.  Research shows that people make a difference. Remember to surround yourself with uplifting, hopeful, joyful people. Laughter and smiles are contagious. In a world full of negativity, one of the best ways to protect your joy is by surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Laughter is contagious, and when you’re around people who see the humor in life’s quirks. When we share joy with others, it amplifies and spreads.

Focusing on the good always brings out gratitude. Cultivate a gratitude practice that highlights the fun and joy you experience each day, no matter how small. Whether it’s the laughter from a funny conversation or a quiet moment of peace, recognizing these moments builds an appreciation for the joy that still exists, even in a mixed-up world.

 

Create the level of order that keeps you sane. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. Organizing to your level of what works makes it easier to enjoy life.

 

Discover the Tools to Organize Your Life and Empower Your Journey at my Etsy Shop

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Handmade and designed for you at my Etsy Store

 

Thriving in your daily life requires managing both capacity and velocity. With more responsibilities on our plates than ever before, staying organized can feel like a constant challenge. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal growth, the right systems and tools can make all the difference in helping you and your family thrive. That’s why I’m excited to introduce the products in my Etsy shop, designed to support you in living a more organized and empowered life.

Why These Products Matter

The story behind these products is simple. In my work with clients over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of busy people feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of responsibilities they face. They crave peace of mind. they also want their families to benefit from better organization and structure. Often, the struggles begin with disorganization and lead to frustration as they search for ways to achieve better family connection and harmony. Both the calendar and the e-book I offer are designed to help you carve out time and space for what truly matters in your everyday life. Whether you’re aiming to get organized, stay motivated, or find peace in your day-to-day routine, these tools are here to support your journey. By incorporating them into your daily life, you’ll not only stay on top of your responsibilities but also create room for the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Stay on Track with My Custom Calendar System

A good calendar does more than just track appointments; it serves as a roadmap for your days, weeks, and months. My system, “Mastering Your Planner,” helps you harness the power of your calendar by showing you how to plan your time efficiently and track important events, tasks, and projects.

What makes this calendar stand out?

  • It offers a combination of monthly and weekly planners along with to-do lists, allowing you to craft a personalized calendar system that works best for you.
  • You’ll also receive a checklist to help you get started with options for tailoring your system.
  • With printable weekly and monthly undated pages, perpetual pages, and uncategorized task list pages, you have the tools to create a comprehensive calendar system that includes task management. Sample schedules and task lists are also included to guide you in managing your time and responsibilities effectively.
  • This calendar is more than just a planner; it’s a companion that keeps you aligned with your goals and balanced in your daily life.Learn Modern Hacks for Family Life

 

My e-book on modern hacks for family flow

In addition to the calendar, my Etsy shop also features an e-book designed to foster collaboration and empower communication within your family. This e-book is filled with practical advice and actionable tips that you can implement right away.

Here’s what you can expect from the e-book:

  • Learn how to create structure and routines that enhance your family’s communication and integration.
  • Reflect on what works best for you with worksheets designed to help you apply these concepts to your family.

This e-book offers practical guidance for creating the family home and life you envision. You’ll learn strategies for organizing family meetings and calendars, hosting drama-free family dinners, and creating a sense of agency for everyone in the family.

Shop Now and Start Your Journey

Ready to take the next step toward a more organized and empowered life? Thank you for being a part of this community and allowing me to support you on your journey. I’m excited to see how these tools will make a difference in your life!

How to keep sane in a world of uncertainty

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how to keep sane in an uncertain world

 

If you’ve been struggling this Summer with feeling overwhelmed, this is the post for you! This fall, it’s time to embrace powerful life hacks that can improve your life every day. It is all about keeping sane with the uncertainty around us, as well as the dizzying pace of life. These are how I make each day better with a better frame of mind and positivity because of the routines I have created. Here is how I keep sane in an uncertain and super-busy world.

Start Your Day with a Walk, coffee on the patio, or any time outside

Research shows the power of morning sunlight. It improves your cognitive function all day and helps you get better rest. You need between 15 and 20 minutes daily, which can be more difficult during the winter. Start this fall before the time change, and you will see the difference this makes.

Practice Gratitude

No matter the challenges, focusing on gratitude and appreciation makes your day better. Find the small ways that each day goes well. There are so many ways to capture your gratitude. You can record this with your device camera, on an app, or with a gratitude journal.

Have an Adult Bedtime

For me, there is a window of opportunity for rest. I take advantage of the fact that I am getting drowsy by getting ready for bed early, taking my supplements, and being ready to snooze. If this doesn’t work for you, create a sleep routine that encourages 8 hours of sleep. Your routine can include a 2-hour hiatus from devices, a well-chilled room, and complete darkness. Choose what works for you to get a great night’s rest. Even if no one else goes to bed in your home, you can!

Keep it simple sweetie

Everyone gets overwhelmed at some time. Keep life simple by prioritizing what is most important. Drill down to your core values. Embrace those and be sure your calendar, your space, and your connections revolve around these. From there you find clarity and peace of mind.

Practice a pause

With the speed of life at maximum velocity, it is not possible to do what is best all the time. Information and decisions came at you at a speed beyond capability. Use the power of  pause to help you gain insight and clarity.  Take the opportunity to ask for a pause from those you work with or at home to be able to clear your mind.

 

Build a Board of Advisors

It would help if you had support in all you do, whether at work or at home. Cultivate relationships that support your best interests. Find those who are your trusted, truthful, loyal friends who will share honestly with you. Be a trusted advisor yourself to others around you.

 

 

Revitalize Your Fall: Essential Self-Care Practices Empower a Refresh

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revitalize your fall

 

Life is moving at warp speed. You may not have had a chance during summer to regroup and rest. As you enter the next season, it is the perfect time to focus on self-care. You have the opportunity to refresh your routines and prioritize your well-being. Your self-care has a direct impact on your stress level, your mood, and your productivity.  Here are some essential self-care practices that can revitalize your self-care.

 

Start with your routines

In the Fall we are returning to routines and structure. Starting a new routine with self-care is the best first step. Add in a small baby step for self-care as a new part of an existing routine or as the start of a new routine. Start the week on Sunday with a new routine of getting organized that evening. Set up all your fall doctor, dentist, and other appointments at the beginning of the school year. Choose a new exercise program with a once-a-week class.  Use a new app to reinforce your routine. The start of something new gives you a fresh opportunity with routines. Good self-care begins with an approach to cultivating healthy habits with routines and sleep.

 

Declutter and organize

One of the best gifts of self-care is editing and arranging your space. Place a shopping bag in your closet to drop in discarded clothes as you get ready in the morning. Set a 10-minute timer for a quick reset in your home. Start with small areas and move gradually around your home and work. Build self-care when adding a scent and cozy blankets to a quiet space. Take some time to declutter and organize your home to enjoy your space.

 

Embrace the green space

Research shows the powerful positive effects of spending time in nature. While the beginning of fall can be hot, the weather eventually turns to cooler temperatures and a beautiful change of seasons. You can reconnect with nature by walking 10k steps, picking seasonal fruits, or riding a bike. There a few things that cannot be cured by a dose of green space. There are so many possibilities to bring you joy and serenity.

 

Go back to school for what you love

Find what you love and make it an active part of your week. You need creative outlets, learning, and connections to thrive. All of these factors make daily life joyful. Set aside time for hobbies, reading a book and lunch with friends and family.

 

Empower your physical well-being

A change of seasons is a chance to incorporate new produce into your diet. Just like pumpkin spice, Fall veggies offer an abundance of new tastes. Eating fresh food boosts your immunity and supports overall health. Choose a new water flask to support your everyday hydration. Resume your early bedtime to adhere to an improved sleep schedule for the Fall.

 

Prioritize Mental Health

Each day find a small time to make yourself a priority. That can be with a gratitude journal with a shift of focus to all that is good and special in your life. Keep distractions to a minimum and use social media wisely with boundaries, especially at bedtime.  Remember, there is much available to support you whether it is a therapist, coach, family member, or online group.  The key is to ask for help when it is needed.

 

Fall is a season of change and renewal. If you are sad about the end of Summer or balking at the return to the structure of the Fall, self-care is the best antidote. By incorporating these self-care practices into your routine, you can revitalize your mind, body, and spirit. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Taking care of yourself allows you to be your best self and face the challenges and joys of each day with resilience and grace.

4o

Organized Family Car Travel: Making Road Trips Memorable

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Organized car trips

Plan Your Route and Stops

Take time to plan your route before you start your trip. Use ChatGPT, GPS apps or maps to estimate driving times and identify rest stops, attractions, or scenic spots along the way. This planning not only helps manage expectations but also builds excitement for the trip. With Chat GPT you can estimate the stops along the way and call ahead for overnight accommodations.

Pack Strategically

Packing efficiently is key to a stress-free trip. Create a checklist for each family member to ensure essentials like clothing, toiletries, medications, and entertainment (books, games, tablets) are included. Pack snacks and drinks to keep moving along and save money. Pack the car with easy access snacks and games.

 

Safety First

Prioritize safety throughout your journey. All passengers wear seat belts at all times, especially children who should be in appropriate car seats or boosters and pets with a restraint. Take regular breaks to stretch, get a potty break and drive safely.

 

Entertain easily

Long hours on the road can be tiresome, especially for children. Build in fun with a variety of entertainment options such as audiobooks, music playlists, travel games, and even educational podcasts. Have each family member to curate part of the playlist or choose a game, ensuring everyone feels involved and entertained. Included games like Heads Up and Psych as well as other apps.

 

Maintain a Travel Journal

Documenting your journey through photos, journal entries, or a shared travel diary can transform the trip into a special memory. Encourage each family member to contribute through a shared photo album on icloud or digital travel journal.  Documenting your trip with a photo album after the journey concludes makes for lasting memories.

Expect the unexpected

No matter the most careful planning, unexpected situations arise. Embrace resilience and flexibility while maintaining  a positive attitude.  If there are detours, traffic, or weather conditions disrupting your schedule, take that time to boost the idea of “life happens.”

 

Be earth and human friendly

Always be considerate of fellow travelers and be earth-friendly in your travels. Dispose of trash responsibly, respect local regulations and customs, and practice patience and courtesy at rest stops and attractions.

 

Above all, cherish the moments spent together as a family. Whether it’s singing along to favorite songs, discovering nature along the road, or marveling at breathtaking landscapes, the shared experiences of a road trip often become cherished memories for years to come.

 

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.