Who has not at some point arrived late to an appointment because we failed to plan for the transition time to get there? You know, the unexpected tasks that seem to pop up: putting on jackets and hats, buying gas for the car, getting the kids ready, or looking for the misplaced keys. Unexpected tasks can delay even the most organized person, however, for those with ADD these unplanned tasks tend to be the norm. The devil is in the planning, thinking ahead to anticipate what might need to be done between point A and point B. Planning does not come naturally to some people but (click on Read More to continue)

with patience and perseverance the constant lateness and accompanying stress can be avoided. Consider your health. If you tend to thrive on the adrenaline rush of the last-minute dash, be aware there are health implications for this stress. Frequent stress causes a sustained increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. Though it has its purpose for occasional situations, a constant state of elevated cortisol will damage long-term memory centers in the brain and negatively impact multiple body systems. Learn to avoid last minute rush.
 
How to Expect the Unexpected

• Take notes (mental or written) as you go about your days to become aware of the things that prolong your transitions. Then schedule additional transition time between activities based on your findings.
• With children, get into the habit of allowing extra time whenever venturing out. Surprise others by arriving early once in a while.
• Talk to yourself, that is, talk yourself through the transitioning process, such as, “I need to do these three things on the way so I must plan extra time for them.”
• Create written routines in advance for daily activities like leaving for work in the morning, bringing the children to school, or getting to an appointment. These pre-planned steps will be more visual and actionable.
• Use backward planning. Think about the end result (getting to an appointment, for example) then define what needs to be done before that (knowing the directions to the location), and the things you need to bring before that (setting paperwork by the door).
• Practice estimating time as you go about your days. For example, estimate how long it will take for you to refuel the car. Then notice how long it actually took. Keep a small notebook handy or record observations on your phone. Make a game of this to see how accurate you can become for future reference.
• Set your clocks fifteen minutes (or more) ahead so that you arrive on time.
• Envision how embarrassed you will feel if you arrive late again. Or, on the positive side, imagine how proud you will feel to arrive on time.
• Give yourself some slack. Accept the fact that it may take you extra effort to do something that everyone else seems to do naturally. 

 What? Nutrition affects clutter?
 
     Clearing clutter and getting organized require executive function skills such as defining tasks, planning steps, initiating tasks, staying on track, and following through. When our executive function skills are compromised through inadequate nutrition, our brain’s ability to function is diminished. So, yes, nutrition plays a critical role in supporting brain function and therefore aiding our decluttering ability. This concept may sound far-fetched but I will describe the logic and then list which foods to avoid and include for best brain performance. I will conclude with a bit of motivation. (Click on Read More)

     ​The brain is a very sensitive, intricate organ. It needs certain vitamins, minerals and food constituents for optimal performance. When it does not get these important nutrients from good foods and is further assaulted by bad foods then a condition of inflammation develops. Inflammation is a response of the immune system, which over time causes much damage to the brain (and body). Recent research shows that much of this inflammation occurs in the gut affecting the gut microbiome, our good intestinal bacteria. In turn, the compromised microbiome negatively impacts the brain. To learn more about why some foods are particularly good or bad for the brain, I highly recommend: The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First, by Mark Hyman M.D., and The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan: Boost Brain Performance, Lose Weight, and Achieve Optimal Health by David Perlmutter, M.D. These books include amazing case studies that describe how healthy eating programs improve brain health.
 
 
To avoid inflammation, we should consistently consume good foods. They are: 

• Whole foods, minimal ingredients, unprocessed
• Organic
• Lots of vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats with omega-3s especially DHA
• Nuts and seeds
• Naturally fermented pickles

  
     As the saying goes, shop the edges of the grocery store for these good foods. There should be minimal ingredients in a package – or avoid packaged foods altogether. Eat the rainbow – that is, colorful fruits and vegetables. Why? Deep vegetable colors have important phytonutrients and brain boosting molecules. Consume fiber because it makes food move faster through the system to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, fiber encourages healthy gut bacteria. Yes, we need healthy gut bacteria for their powerful, positive influence over the brain - its capabilities and its mood. Omega-3 fats are especially important for the brain as they form the basis of cell membranes where cell communication takes place. In the brain, that means everything. Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation as well.
 
 
The following bad foods create inflammation and should be avoided: 

• Sugar, caffeine, alcohol
• Trans and hydrogenated fats
• Fast food and fried food
• Allergenic foods like dairy and gluten
• Preservatives and artificial colors
• Genetically modified foods
• Fruits and vegetables known to have higher pesticide levels

 
     Current research recommends avoiding these bad foods that have been proven to interfere with optimal brain function. Avoid foods that cause allergic reactions in your body and foods that interfere with the gut microbiome. Avoid unnecessary drugs or medications. This may sound like an absurdly restrictive list if your diet generally consists of the Standard American Diet but the truth is that the Standard American Diet harms the brain.
 
     To sum up, proper nutrition can have a very positive impact on our ability to declutter and get organized. Granted, improving nutrition can sound as equally overwhelming as the decluttering and organizing tasks themselves. However, good nutrition will have far-reaching effects beyond the projects at hand.  I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try: cut back on the bad foods and introduce the good foods. It is worth the effort when you see how well the brain responds with improved executive function skills especially those necessary for decluttering and organizing.
 
     This concludes our self-care trio on sleep, exercise, and nutrition. When you refresh, protect and fuel your brain it will serve you well. As an added incentive, know that the brain is resilient and will recover and heal surprisingly quickly. It is up to you whether you want to invest the time and effort toward self-care for yourself and your space.

     You would likely benefit from a strong body to successfully declutter your home, but this post is about strengthening the mind in preparation for decluttering. In a previous post on self-care, we learned that quality sleep improves brain function and in turn enhances the specific skills needed for decluttering and organizing tasks. To repeat, those skills include defining tasks, planning steps, initiating steps, staying on track, and completing tasks. Sleep is only one of the three basic components of self-care. The others are nutrition and exercise. Today’s topic is physical exercise and I will show how it strengthens the brain to enhance those skills. (Click on Read More to continue.)

     We all know that exercise can keep our physical bodies healthy and looking great. It turns out that exercise is terrific for toning the brain as well. Here are some well-known benefits of exercise.

• Regular aerobic exercise strengthens the prefrontal cortex, responsible for managing the above targeted decluttering and organizing skills.
• All types of exercise improve memory, concentration and learning.
• Exercise creates brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that builds and maintains brain circuits.
• Even moderate exercise has been shown to reduce or prevent depression, indirectly creating a more positive outlook and possibly improved motivation to initiate a decluttering project.
• Exercise reduces stress and anxiety, both contributing factors to cognitive impairment.
• Indirectly, high-intensity exercise increases dopamine that makes you feel good and endorphins, natural painkillers, possible roadblocks for tackling an overwhelming decluttering project.
• Scientific studies suggest that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory have greater volume in people who exercise versus people who don’t. Perhaps this greater volume indicates greater power in these areas.

 
     Okay, now you want to get some of these benefits? How do you begin? Is aerobic exercise appropriate for you? I think just about everyone would benefit from increased exercise but you know yourself and your capabilities best. Never do too much especially starting out – begin slowly. Listen to your body for clues that exercise is having positive or negative effects. Though aerobic exercise is recommended for targeting the executive function skills (the ones we use for decluttering and organizing), any movement is invigorating for the brain.
 

• Start small. You don’t want to go down to defeat before giving it a realistic try. Begin with a few minutes or repetitions and increase gradually over time.
• Adopt a new, active mindset. Simply keep in mind that the goal is to move more often and for longer durations. We’ve all read the suggestions for doing this. Park further away from your destination in order to walk more steps. Take the stairs if possible, rather than the elevator. Take regular breaks from the computer and walk around the office a few laps. Play with a pet. Play with the kids.
• Enjoy nature by taking a walk every day, maybe in the morning if you have time or after lunch if that works. Bring the kids or dog with you. Being in nature has been shown to improve mental outlook and decrease stress - meaning a better functioning brain.
• Find an activity that you like in order to make exercise more enjoyable.
• Try social exercise if that inspires and motivates you. Join a group, in person or online.
• Move along to a YouTube exercise video or perhaps rotate through a few to keep the routine engaging.
• Of course, making exercise a habit is the critical part. They say it takes about 66 days to establish a new habit. The most successful way to introduce a new activity is to attach it to something else that you already do on a regular basis. Another tactic is to replace a sedentary habit with a more active one. Swap out a regular snack for a quick walk around the block.
• Have fun by tracking your progress. Buy a high-tech gadget or simply pencil in your progress on a hand-written chart. Compete or compare your progress with a friend or relative. Remember to track how you think as well. Are you more focused, clear-headed, on task, optimistic?
• If one activity feels burdensome or difficult, switch to another that feels more comfortable

 
     The argument for exercise is this: it is important for a healthy brain. Further, a healthy, well-functioning brain improves decluttering and organizing skills. I realize it seems easy for me to say and, admittedly, initiating an exercise program requires effort in itself. Here are two tips: envision how your decluttered home will look and imagine positivity in place of overwhelm. Give it a try. Exercise will be rewarded by physical well-being, clear thinking and even a clutter-free home.

     What does self-care have to do with organizing your home? In some cases – everything. Here’s why. Basic self-care (sleep, nutrition and exercise) improves brain function and good brain function supports effective decluttering and organizing skills. If you are challenged by clutter, overwhelmed by too much stuff, don’t know where to start or lack energy to make decisions consider self-care to bolster your decluttering efforts! Today’s focus is on the sleep component. Upcoming posts will discuss the value of nutrition and exercise.
​
     First, let’s identify the necessary decluttering and organizing skills.

• Identify a project
• Define tasks
• Plan steps to achieve tasks
• Initiate each task
• Stay on track
• Wrap up tasks and eventually complete the project

     Second, can we improve these skills? Of course, that’s where self-care comes in – sleep in this case. Quality sleep has been proven to enhance brain function. We may think the purpose of sleep is simply to refresh our minds and energize our bodies. However, it has many specific, healthy effects on the body’s systems including the immune system, metabolic system, and the cardiovascular system. In particular, the nervous system (brain function) is enhanced: improved mood, increased concentration, augmented cognitive function, and enhanced memory. These are all vital contributing factors to the above decluttering and organizing skills. What happens without good sleep habits? The brain cannot function optimally. It lacks focus, motivation, initiation and follow through.

     If your sleep habits need an overhaul, here are some ideas:

• Get at least 7 – 8 hours’ sleep every night
• Strive for quality, uninterrupted sleep
• Follow a bedtime routine
• Adhere to a sleep schedule
• Decrease late-day caffeine
• Put away electronic devices an hour before sleep
• Darken and quieten bedroom in advance to prepare for sleep
• Lastly, find an accountability partner for support

 
      Sure, you say, easier said than done! Granted, it may be challenging to improve sleep habits; however, the slightest success will reap noticeable results. If you need some motivation, define your reasons for decluttering and organizing. The more clear they are, the more your effort will be worthwhile. Ask yourself. Am I serious. Am I ready?

    What is virtual organizing? It is exactly as it sounds – working on decluttering and organizing tasks over the phone or via a video platform using a phone, tablet or computer. Though the professional organizer is not on site, the procedure is the same as in person: set goals, sort, declutter, organize, and maintain systems in your home. The professional organizer still provides motivation, focus, accountability, guidance, and encouragement at a distance. Here are the benefits, responsibilities and expectations. (Click on Read More to continue.)

BENEFITS:

• Shorter (one to two hour) sessions, if desired
• Less tiring
• More autonomy
• More empowering
• More cost effective
• Easier to fit into your schedule
• Feel safer, more comfortable, less embarrassed. The organizer only sees what you choose to show her.

 
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Maintain working supplies yourself such as labels, tags, markers, tape, stapler, tape measure, paper clips, sticky notes, etc.
 
Provide the physical labor that is required: moving boxes, handling recycle and trash, filing, labeling, hanging, rearranging closets or cabinets.
 
Accept the fact that progress may be slower than if there were an extra pair of hands physically on site.
 
 
OVERALL:
 
    Virtual organizing can be very effective and satisfying. Clients often feel more invested in the organizing process. Virtual organizing can be successfully supplemented with occasional on-site visits to pick up loose ends and address the big picture. Why not give it a try? Find out how easy it is to set up. Contact us to learn more. Mention this blog post for a free 30-minute virtual session. 

​If you experience a lack of motivation to declutter your home try these solutions to get in gear!

    1. INVOLVE SOMEONE ELSE IN YOUR DECLUTTER EFFORTS.​ 
Enlist a clutter buddy, a friend or relative, who will work with you to keep you focused. They might even keep your spirits up and manage time for you.
 
Set up a declutter schedule on your calendar, then find someone to whom you will be accountable. Again, this might be a friend or relative. They don’t necessarily have to be physically on site. You can simply check in with them and follow up later with a progress report.
(click on Read More to continue)

​Lastly, hire a professional organizer to fill either of the above roles to help you stay on track. Further, an organizer will help you define your goals and stay on course to achieve them.

    2. SIMPLY BECOME AWARE.  
As with any change, awareness is the key to unlock action. The power of awareness is truly underestimated and oftentimes elusive. Therefore, realizing that you are unmotivated goes a long way to overcome the associated stuckness. If unable to figure out whether motivation is the root of your clutter, talk to someone like a therapist or coach to gain clarity. Awareness can lead to forward actions: brainstorming, problem-solving or finding help to promote decluttering.

    3. GIVE IT TIME  
Sooner or later, the effects of nature such as mold, critters, and dampness take their toll, and magnify the need for decluttering. Likewise, aging, accident or illness may trigger the need to declutter and downsize in order to make our environment safer, healthier or cleaner. Lastly, our interests and abilities naturally change over time pointing out the inevitable need to release the associated tools and equipment.

    4. TRY TO GET A FRESH OUTLOOK  
Take a walk, talk to someone, or Google motivation. Put the clutter into perspective. Find inspirational decluttering quotes and post them where they will work their subliminal magic. Brainstorm a goal, envision an outcome or get excited about a new activity that requires a decluttered space. Dream of the freedom that comes with less stuff.

    5. CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES  
Are your surroundings becoming unsafe, unsanitary, or embarrassing? How much harder will it be in the future because you have put off decluttering today? Will your belongings become ruined and worthless due to the passage of time or effects of the elements? What are you not doing that you would like to do if it weren’t for all the clutter?

​HELPFUL TIPS TO GET AND STAY MOTIVATED.
 

• Perform a decluttering task for just five minutes each day.
• Brainstorm exciting, compelling reasons for decluttering.
• Use a picture, vision, or feeling that keeps you going.
• Congratulate yourself for small achievements.
• Schedule specific tasks for each project.
• Find an accountability buddy.
• Work toward a reward.

​Parents, are you dreading the start of the school year and its uncertainty? In this age of COVID-19, school districts struggle with their back-to-school plans. Who knows how these plans will work out in the long term?
 
Whatever the situation, it is likely that children will spend a good amount of time learning remotely this year. With that in mind, we can plan ahead to create a calm home atmosphere that’s conducive to learning. How to do this? 

Focus on three basic necessities: a quiet space, necessary supplies and predictable routines. Whether children are in first grade or high school the household will experience less stress when these considerations are in place.
 
First, a quiet study area for each child is essential. Granted, if resources are limited, children may need to share a computer station but ideally each child will have as much separate space as possible. Preferably, this study space is free from distractions and offers an ideal environment for the unique needs of the student. Not all students focus best with quiet. Some need music, television sounds or everyday commotion to stay grounded and focused. The space should, however, be well lit, comfortable and inviting. Request input from your child to design and decorate the space. There should be adequate shelves/baskets/files to store books and supplies. A timer is handy to help students to stay on task. Co-create a plan to organize electronic assignments/files.
 
Second, students can easily become distracted from the task at hand when supplies are missing or inaccessible. Here is a list of suggested items. Identify what you have on hand and purchase items now that they may need in the future. Follow teachers’ suggestions as well! It goes without saying that students need a computer or tablet and an internet connection. Basic desk supplies (depending on a student’s age):

• pens, highlighters, pencils, markers
• lined paper, index cards, sticky notes
• manila folders, binders, plastic storage envelopes (depending on age and need)
• stapler and staple remover
• scissors, ruler, paper clips and binder clips
• file sorters or box to hold papers in organized way
• flash drives
• backpack, if indeed children will travel to school
• timer to stay on task

 
Third, think of the daily routine as the glue that holds everything else together. Routines create structure so that children know what to expect at any point during the day. Routines are especially critical for some children, for example, those with ADHD. Of course, the school will dictate much of the remote learning time blocks. Otherwise, schedule specific tasks according to alertness and time of day. Plan high focused learning for the morning when children are usually more alert and have more concentration power; regular snack times provide welcome breaks and the opportunity to replenish energy; rote tasks can be planned for the afternoon when energy is lower; and reading/general computer time is a good opportunity for students to relax and regroup. Write down and post the routines to keep everyone on the same page.
 
Lastly, why not build in chores so that children learn responsibility and contribute to the household upkeep? Children are more likely to follow a daily schedule if they have been included in the planning process. None of this is easy but the above suggestions can make learning in these extraordinary times more bearable. 

(... with a coaching organizer.)
 
1. improve self-discovery and awareness
A coaching organizer uses coaching skills to help you learn about yourself. Through the transformative coaching process you realize your strengths, resources, goals and life values. You come to a new awareness of how to handle the issue at hand, whether it is a decision, problem, or roadblock, that keeps you from successfully decluttering.
 
2. ensure organizing tasks are aligned with life goals
The coaching organizer partners with you to ensure that your decluttering decisions align with your life goals and values. 
​(Click on Read More to continue)

... with a coaching organizer.
 
1. improve self-discovery and awareness
A coaching organizer uses coaching skills to help you learn about yourself. Through the transformative coaching process you realize your strengths, resources, goals and life values. You come to a new awareness of how to handle the issue at hand, whether it is a decision, problem, or roadblock, that keeps you from successfully decluttering.
 
2. ensure organizing tasks are aligned with life goals
The coaching organizer partners with you to ensure that your decluttering decisions align with your life goals and values.
 
3. facilitate positive perspective shifts
As a result of the guided coaching dialogue, your perspectives may change about what you really want and what’s most meaningful in your life. Totally new ideas may emerge that otherwise would not have surfaced.
 
4. design specific organizing actions
You design specific organizing actions with the aid of the coaching organizer: actions that you own. The organizer helps you to clarify these actions and to determine measurable results and timelines.
 
5. promote deep learning and lasting change
The coaching process produces quantifiable actions but much more. Since these actions are self designed they promote deep learning that ultimately leads to lasting change.

We now offer the empowering techniques of coaching as part of our organizing services.
 
What is coaching?
Basically coaching is a guided conversation with the purpose of effecting change. According to the International Coach Federation website, coaching is the partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. A coach encourages clients' self-discovery, believes  clients are  experts in their own lives, and holds clients accountable. Some techniques that a coach uses are: partnering, active listening, powerful questioning, and endorsing a client’s strengths. The coach helps clients dig deeper to uncover their unique perspectives. Organizing coaching topics include: exploring goals, getting unstuck, working on motivation, resolving a decision or simply gaining clarity on an organizing issue. Coaching makes the difference!
 
How is coaching integrated into organizing?
Coaching is often used up front to clarify goals and to explore a client’s motivation for change. During a session, coaching ensures that  progress aligns with the client's goals. When a client reaches a roadblock during an organizing session, coaching is effective to explore and resolve the issue expeditiously. Following a session, coaching is used to evaluate progress, acknowledge success and establish future actions. Coaching is equally productive in the hands-on situation or in virtual sessions.
 
Is coaching for you?
​You never know until you try it. Inquire about our complimentary coaching call. You will be surprised at how empowering coaching can be!

(OR you can organize your basement!)
​

1. Think before you stash
2. Label and date boxes/bins
3. Declutter regularly
4. Purge things that can be borrowed
5. Use sturdy open shelves
6. Use clear bins
7. Create zones
8. Avoid storing cloth, paper and metal if basement is damp
9. Inventory and reevaluate annually